That evening, after returning home, Phoebe took a quick shower and collapsed into bed, exhausted. She tried not to dwell on the events of the day. Instead, she picked up her phone and called Alexander. She longed to hear his voice, even if just for a few words."Phoebe, missing me already?"The deep, magnetic voice from the phone instantly eased her tense body."Yes," she answered softly, letting her feelings flow naturally."What did you do today?" Alexander asked in a gentle tone, leaning back on his sofa."I went to the supermarket," Phoebe replied in a soft voice."And?""Uh, slept? Ate? Watched TV?""So, you're still my little lazy pig?""I am not!" she retorted with a pout, her tone turning playful, almost coquettish.Moments like these reminded her that their conversations could be as casual and sweet as any other couple's.They talked for a long time, exchanging simple words that filled her heart with warmth. Eventually, Phoebe hung up reluctantly. She didn't mention the event
As soon as Phoebe stepped through the front door, she heard the phone ringing in the living room."Phoebe, answer the phone! I'm busy in the kitchen!" Anila called out, poking her head out briefly."Okay, Mom, I'll get it..." Phoebe replied, quickly swapping her shoes and hurrying to the phone. The moment she picked up, her brother's voice came through the line.Phoebe froze, thinking she must have heard wrong."Hello, Gordon?" she asked, puzzled. He was supposed to be in rehab. Why would he be calling her out of the blue?"Phoebe, you have to come help me!" Gordon's voice was strained, filled with pain."What's going on?" Phoebe asked, worry creeping into her tone."I'm trapped at a bar, surrounded by some..."Phoebe gripped the phone tightly, her heart racing. "How did this happen? Aren't you supposed to be in drug rehabilitation center? Why are you at a bar?""Phoebe, there's no time to explain! Just come and help me!"Gordon quickly rattled off the location—a seedy underground bar—
"Gordon, what's going on?""Don't ask questions now. I need to get you out of here!"Before Gordon could finish speaking, a group of burly men suddenly appeared, surrounding both him and Phoebe, leaving no escape."What do you want?" Gordon positioned himself protectively in front of Phoebe, his gaze fixed on the men with a wary intensity.He had to shield his sister. It was his fault she was in danger, and he wouldn't allow anything to happen to her."Escape? You think it's that easy? The five million we gave you wasn't charity!""Keep the money. Just let her go!" Gordon shouted desperately at the men."Hahaha," the leader of the group laughed mockingly, as if Gordon had just told the best joke. "Do you think this is a place you can walk in and out of as you please?""If any of you dare touch her, I'll fight you to the death!" Gordon roared, his voice like a feral animal's, his desperation evident."Save your breath. You can't even save yourself, let alone someone else."Fueled by ra
On the other side, a burly man grabbed Phoebe from the ground and barked an order to the others, "Take the body back.""Let me go!""Do you want to die too?!" the man snapped harshly. Ignoring Phoebe's struggles, he began dragging her away, but a man suddenly stepped in front of him."Get out of the way!" the burly man roared at the stranger.The dim lighting in the bar obscured the stranger's face, but not the bloodthirsty glint in his eyes."Let her go." The cold, commanding voice cut through the air like a knife.Gavin lowered his gaze to the disheveled Phoebe, his entire presence radiating lethal intent."Mind your own business!" the man growled impatiently."Boss, this guy doesn't look easy to deal with... Look, he's got a whole group of bodyguards with him," one of the lackeys murmured nervously, his eyes darting toward the stoic men standing behind Gavin."Useless fool! What's there to be scared of?!" the burly man bellowed, though his expression darkened.Years in the underwo
After Gavin left, Astor didn't follow him. Instead, he walked toward the group of arrogant men who had been causing trouble moments before, raising his gun without hesitation."We're sorry! We're sorry! We were wrong!" they knelt, pleading desperately for their lives."Yes! We were wrong! We didn't want to hurt her! Someone made us do it!"Hearing this, Astor's hand paused. His voice was cold as ice."Speak. Who was it?"The men, thinking they might have a chance to live, scrambled to respond."She's called Sheridan!""Yes! We just overheard it, but that's the name we caught!"Astor's eyes darkened.A moment later, piercing screams shattered the stillness of the night, one after another, painting the air with an eerie tension.***At the hospital."Save her!" A frantic male voice echoed through the hallway.Blood streamed down Phoebe's legs in an alarming volume, staining Gavin's clothes entirely red.Doctors rushed out, quickly placing her on a stretcher and pushing her into the oper
"Did you know? He really likes Phoebe," she murmured softly.Titan, lying silently like a loyal listener, rested his head on his paws."I'm so jealous of Phoebe," she whispered to herself. "If only he could like me, even just a little."But deep down, she knew Gavin would never look at her the way he did Phoebe. She tried to console herself: As long as he doesn't hate me, that's enough.Is he back now?What does he do out there every day?She had only overheard bits and pieces from the butler—her brother seemed to be involved in something akin to the mafia. But what exactly was the mafia? She wasn't entirely sure.Brushing off the grass from her clothes, she stood up. "I should head back now, Titan. I'll come visit you again when I can!"She coaxed Titan back into his cage. He whimpered in protest, reluctantly stepping into the enclosure and laying down, his sorrowful gaze fixed on Laura. He wished she wouldn't leave."Goodbye," Laura said, waving reluctantly. She gave Titan one last
"What... what did you say?" Her voice trembled, and her breathing grew uneven."Take it off!" he ordered, his eyes narrowing dangerously. His fingers gripped her pale wrist, his strength threatening to snap it.Laura followed his gaze to her own arm, her heart pounding in panic. "But... this..."Wasn't this a gift from him? Why would he ask her to take it off? And why did his expression look so terrifying? Had she done something wrong?"It hurts!" she whimpered softly as his grip tightened, pain shooting through her wrist. Instinctively, she tried to break free from his hold, but this side of her brother made her shiver uncontrollably.The pain was excruciating. Laura furrowed her brows tightly, tears brimming in the corners of her eyes.With a forceful shove, Gavin pushed her down, his movements rough and unrelenting. He yanked her pajama pants, leapt from the water, and pinned her beneath him."Ugh!" Laura gasped as her head slammed against the hard floor, a sharp crack echoing in t
The next morning, at Phoebe's home."Hello! Is this the residence of Miss Phoebe Garcia?""Yes, it is. And you are?" Anila asked, confused by the unexpected visitor so early in the morning."Mr. Alexander Davis, our boss, assigned me to drive your daughter to school. I've been waiting outside for an hour, but she hasn't come out. Is she not attending school today?" the driver replied politely."Alex? You mean my daughter's boyfriend?" Anila paused for a moment before smiling, seemingly realizing something. He's very considerate of her."That's correct. Is she not ready yet?" the driver asked, his gaze briefly sweeping inside the house."Apologies, but Phoebe rushed out after receiving a phone call yesterday. She said a friend was looking for her and didn't even stay for dinner," Anila explained with a hint of concern.The driver froze for a moment. "She didn't come home last night?""That's right! We were worried all night. She didn't answer any of our calls either. We were just about
A sharp, twisting pain shot through her lower abdomen! Biting her lip, Laura whimpered, her brows furrowed tightly as she clutched her stomach."It hurts," she murmured.The sound made Gavin freeze abruptly. He lowered his gaze to see Laura curled up on the bed, her face scrunched in discomfort, though he hadn't done anything to her yet.A metallic scent filled the air. Following his gaze downward, he saw crimson streaks flowing down her pale legs, soaking into the dark bedsheets."Damn it!" he roared, his voice laced with irritation as if he'd seen something repulsive.Disgust flickered across his face, his expression growing icy. His sharp eyes gleamed with rage as he kicked her naked body off the bed."Get out!" he snarled, the venom in his voice making her tremble.Laura's body slammed against the cold, hard floor, the impact jarring her. Pain lanced through her limbs as a soft groan of discomfort escaped her lips.She didn't understand what had happened. She only knew she'd been
Gavin scrubbed her body for what felt like an eternity, as though trying to rid herself of some invisible filth. Especially there. Her emotions were an unnameable tangle as his hands moved over her skin, exploring unabashedly.Shame burned through her. He didn't spare even the parts of her she'd never dared to touch herself. His fingers pressed and kneaded her skin with a rough intensity, as though trying to erase some deep impurity.She wanted to cry but didn't dare.His grip was firm, almost painful, and the heat of his palms seeped into her skin. This strange sensation—it was unlike anything she had ever experienced. Her flesh stung from his coarse touch, but she bit her lip, refusing to voice her discomfort. Only the slight furrow of her brows betrayed her feelings.Before she knew it, he lifted her effortlessly, and she found herself tossed onto a massive bed.The water was gone. So were the harsh hands and the physical sting of pain. Tentatively, she opened her eyes, taking in t
LauraGavin's cold fingers continued their movements, slipping behind her to undo the last piece of fabric shielding her.As her bare skin was fully exposed to his gaze, the chill in the air made Laura's delicate arms instinctively want to wrap around her chest in modesty.However, her arms were pinned, leaving her utterly unable to move.His piercing, icy eyes locked onto her, scrutinizing her flawless, proud form.How many men would be enthralled by this perfection in the future? he wondered.The silky white of her skin stirred something dark within him, awakening the most sinister parts of his soul.Gavin's body grew unusually excited—something that was foreign to him. He had never been a man driven by physical desires. In fact, he had always found such things rather unappealing.Unless it was to fulfill a purely biological need, Gavin avoided women entirely.Even when he did engage, it was limited—hands or mouths only. He never allowed anyone to touch his body, nor did he touch th
The hospital room was unusually quiet, the only sound breaking the stillness was her steady breathing.Alexander stared at the fragile, pale face resting on the hospital bed. His chest felt unbearably heavy, as though a massive stone weighed upon it, making it hard to breathe.She still wouldn't wake up. Perhaps she didn't want to see him. This time, he had gone too far. How could Phoebe ever forgive him?"Don't… don't… my baby… no…" Her faint murmurs interrupted his turbulent thoughts.He glanced at her. She was clearly trapped in a nightmare, her brows furrowed tightly, her sleep restless. Her voice was soft and barely audible, but he heard it nonetheless. Alexander felt his heart clench painfully. He bent down and gently scooped her into his arms. Leaning closer, he noticed her tear-streaked face.She was crying again.The cold trail of her tears stirred something raw within him, making his heart ache deeply, his chest tightening with a pang he couldn't ignore.In her dream, Phoebe
Laura"Laura, someone's here to see you."Lost in thought, Laura felt a gentle nudge from a classmate. She snapped back to reality, blinking in confusion."What are you daydreaming about? Didn't you hear me?""Huh? Wh-what?""Stop spacing out! Someone's waiting for you at the classroom door!""Me?" Laura lowered her head, showing no intention of going outside."Go already! It's rude to keep them waiting. Or do you want a repeat of last time when they walked into the classroom to confess?" The girl pursed her lips, half-joking.Laura's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Reluctantly, she stood up, bracing herself to head outside. Her classmate, wearing an expression of envy, muttered under her breath, "I'm so jealous. Every day, you've got handsome guys confessing to you."Laura's face grew even redder, her steps faltering as she hesitated on what to do."Don't just stand there blushing! Don't make him wait too long
Melissa slipped quietly through the back door, intending to return to her hospital room unnoticed. Unfortunately, she crossed paths with Alexander, who was returning from outside.Panicking, she pressed herself against the corner wall, breathing heavily. She had barely avoided being seen by him!After waiting for a while and hearing the sound of a door closing, she exhaled in relief. Peeking around the corner, she noticed the guards outside Phoebe's room had left.Tiptoeing towards the door, Melissa stood on her toes and peered through the small window. The scene inside made her jealousy burn even deeper.Alexander was doting on Phoebe with tenderness, his gaze full of affection and care. The sight stung Melissa's heart.Just days ago, Melissa had suffered a miscarriage. She had thought Alexander would be more attentive to her after hearing the news, but he had only visited her in the hospital once and then disappeared. Why had he never treated her
"Let me in to see her!""No!" The guards blocked Melissa's way."I'm just checking on her! Why won't you let me in?" Melissa frowned, growing irritated."Apologies, Miss. This is the boss's order. Without his permission, you are not allowed inside!""You—fine! I'll go talk to Alex myself. Let me through.""We'll relay the message for you. Please leave.""You—!""Alex is inside! Let me in!""He isn't seeing anyone right now. Please leave!" The guard's expression remained indifferent, leaving Melissa frustrated and unable to vent her anger.Back in her hospital room, her rage erupted. She began smashing everything within reach, drawing the attention of several nurses."What are you looking at? Get out!" Melissa screamed at the young nurses, throwing a vase in their direction. It narrowly missed, causing them to flee in tears.Once they were gone, Melissa erupted into a fit of uncontrollable scream
"Heh," Phoebe let out a cold laugh, her gaze locked on him. But when Alexander slapped her across the face, it felt like it struck not only her cheek but also her heart.That slap shattered her last thread of composure, leaving her teetering on the edge of madness.Was she truly going insane?"Alex, do you think Phoebe's completely lost it?" Melissa asked mockingly."Shut up!" Alexander snapped, his eyes blazing with anger as he glared at her.Startled by his fury, Melissa fell silent, though her gaze toward Phoebe turned venomous. Moments later, a sly, triumphant smile curled her lips.She was gloating—parading her victory for all to see.That smile pierced Phoebe like a thousand needles, deepening her hatred for Melissa. Two lives—two innocent lives—had been lost. How could Phoebe not loathe her?Phoebe turned to Alexander, her eyes filled with cold detachment. This would be the last time she looked at him.
"Do you have to be so ruthless?" Alexander's voice was gritted, his words laced with frustration, and his eyes darkened with a foreboding storm.Phoebe stared at him, her eyes reddened, tears welling up until they spilled down her pale cheeks."Ruthless? Do you even know what she did to me?" Phoebe's voice trembled with bitterness as she pointed an accusing finger at Melissa, her sorrow unmistakable.The sight of Phoebe's tears twisted Alexander's heart painfully. He wanted to reach out, to wipe them away, but his hand froze mid-air. Instead, the words that escaped his lips were colder and harsher.Was this still the Phoebe he once loved?Had he spoiled her too much? Had his care turned her into this unreasonable, cruel, and venomous person?Or had he misjudged her all along? Was this who she truly was?A bitter sneer crept into his thoughts. Women—so unfathomable, so deceitful. And the type of woman Alexander despised the most was one who played mind games with him."She's in this st