The following week Phoebe'd been going to Alexander's villa as he requested. However, she only went after midnight, as she didn't want to give up her job at the bar, which ended at 12:00.After checking with the butler, she was shown to a guest room. Alexander wasn't there, and she didn't dare sleep in his bed. Besides, she didn't want to—it smelled like him, which unnerved her.By the time she showered and changed into her pajamas, it was already 1:00 a.m. She lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.This had been happening every night. Despite being exhausted, sleep wouldn't come.What exactly was she waiting for?Why hadn't Alexander come back in all this time? What was he doing?Damn it, why was she thinking about him again?That beastly man! She must have been cursed to even think about him. She should hate him—despise him.Phoebe clenched her fists, wishing he would never appear before her again. She slapped her head in frustration, turned off the light, and buried hers
Phoebe felt deeply embarrassed by her shameful thoughts. She was becoming less and less like herself.Stealing a glance at the man beside her, she noticed his eyes were still closed. Assuming he had fallen asleep, she carefully thought about how to slip away from him without making any noise."And what about the rest?" Alexander's eyes suddenly opened, locking onto her. He was waiting for her next move.Phoebe's already flushed cheeks burned even hotter under his gaze. She understood exactly what he meant.Fearing he might get angry, she didn't dare hesitate. Nervously, she got down on her knees and began to unbuckle his belt, then carefully unzipped his trousers, struggling to pull them off.Her face reddened further as she averted her eyes, her heart racing. She dared not look at his strong, muscular legs. When her fingers had brushed against them, she had felt a strange, electric-like jolt run through her."Keep going," Alexander ordered in a low voice.Phoebe looked up at him, pan
Fortunately, Alexander did not."Close your eyes and sleep," he ordered, his long, cold fingers intertwining with hers.His deep voice rumbled in her ear, but his actions were surprisingly gentle, causing her tense body to relax slightly. She had been bracing herself for him to go further, but instead, he stopped. And the way they were lying there, entwined like this... it almost felt like they were a couple in love.Her head rested against his chest, their fingers interlaced, her body pressed against his solid frame, surrounded by the scent of his masculine presence.His body was cold, likely from the shower, but holding her like this, he felt warm.Phoebe bit her lip, her long lashes fluttering. Her body still trembled slightly, but it felt like her heart was starting to thaw, little by little.Why was this happening?This strange, unfamiliar feeling...Was it just an illusion?How could she possibly think this cruel man was being gentle?She must have been frightened into thinking
At the university's design building—Class hadn't started yet, and a group of girls had already gathered, gossiping loudly about someone else's drama."Hey, did you hear? Eve just became someone's mistress," one girl whispered."Seriously? And the guy's an old man practically on his deathbed. Can he even get it up?" another asked with a smirk."They've got pills for that now. If he can't, medicine will make sure he can," they laughed."How much is she getting?""Eight thousand a month.""That's it? She sold herself cheap," the girl scoffed."Especially to an old guy!" someone added."Why would she do that for so little money? And with an old man? If she's going to be someone's mistress, at least find someone younger!""People are so desperate for money these days. I wouldn't be surprised if someone in our class was doing the same," one girl suggested."Who? Who?" The group perked up, their eyes darting around the room in anticipation."Look over there," Eden said with a sly grin, nodd
At a high-end French restaurant, Phoebe sat nervously in her seat. It was her first time in such a fancy place, and she felt out of place."Phoebe, why aren't you eating?" Curtis asked gently, his blue eyes soft and full of affection.His warm, magnetic voice wrapped around her, making her even more flustered. She stammered, "I'm... I'm not hungry. You... you eat."Seeing how she kept her distance from him, Curtis gave her a tender smile, one so gentle it could make anyone's heart flutter. "Phoebe, will you give me a chance?"Phoebe felt a pang of guilt. She had already turned him down once. She never expected him to show up at her school as a professor.For someone as kind and accomplished as Curtis, she felt undeserving. "I'm sorry, sir. I—""Just call me Curtis. And don't be in a rush to reject me. I'll win your heart, I promise," he said with confidence. He wasn't going to pressure her, but he would be by her side, waiting patiently for her to accept him.Just then, the restaurant
Alexander's kisses were fierce and relentless, making Phoebe's lips ache."Mmm..." Phoebe furrowed her brow, her curled lashes trembling slightly from his passionate kiss, her cheeks flushing red. She wanted to resist but couldn't help wishing the kiss would continue.It seemed she was developing feelings for him. She hated that about herself; despite how he had treated her moments before, the moment his lips touched hers, her heart felt like it was melting. She inexplicably liked the masculine scent that lingered on his lips.Realizing this made Phoebe's heart race.When the searing kiss ended, Alexander began tearing off his clothes. Phoebe instinctively took a step back, afraid and shy at the urgency in his eyes.Tonight, he was going to...Strangely, she found herself anticipating something.He pulled her into his arms, his strong embrace enveloping her. His rough fingers tore open her conservative nightgown."I won't let you go tonight."For the first time, she didn't push him aw
In a luxurious private villa by the sea"Alex, will you have dinner with me tonight?" Melissa, just out of the shower, wrapped her soft arms around Alexander's waist from behind, her touch almost intoxicating."Melissa, sweetie, I have things to take care of tonight!" Alexander said, pulling her gently into his embrace, his eyes filled with tenderness.Melissa gazed up at Alexander, her voice sweet and sultry, full of longing. "You haven't stayed here with me in so long!""Stop it. I promise I'll come over as soon as I finish what I'm doing," Alexander said, lightly brushing his fingers across her nose. This little girl always made him feel protective."You're so mean! I don't want you to leave," Melissa pouted, her playful annoyance evident."Be a good girl," Alexander replied, his voice firm.His refusal made Melissa's eyes shimmer with unshed tears, her voice low and soft. "Alex, do you not like me anymore...?""Of course not, silly!" Alexander said, wrapping her in his arms, press
The next day, before Phoebe could wake up, a cold hand pulled her from the blankets.She gasped, her eyes flying open to see his handsome face looming close."Wha...what's wrong?""Get dressed quickly. I'll be waiting for you downstairs."As she watched him walk away, Phoebe fell into deep thought. What was he planning?After a sleepless night, she had finally dozed off around six in the morning. She had intended to sleep in, but now she felt wide awake.Quickly dressing and tidying herself, she left her room.The car cruised along the highway.Inside, Phoebe sat nervously, while Alexander drove silently.His silence put enormous pressure on her.She fidgeted with her clothes, sneaking glances at him. His tightly pressed lips and cold, serious expression made her breath uneven.Where was he taking her?She wanted to ask, but looking at him made her hesitant.They drove in silence until they finally stopped.Without a glance back, he exited the car. Phoebe blinked in surprise for half
It felt strange that he would do something like this, but she had to admit that stepping out to get some air, even if it was just moving from the bedroom to the living room, was refreshing."Bring a bowl of oatmeal." Alexander commanded."Yes, sir." The servant immediately obeyed, heading to the kitchen to fetch the oatmeal that had been simmering over low heat."Leave it here and go.""Yes, sir."After the servants left, the living room fell silent, leaving only the two of them. Alexander sat down with Phoebe still in his arms, cradling her like a child. His tall frame completely enveloped her petite form."Put me down," Phoebe demanded firmly. She felt uncomfortable in his embrace. In the past, such closeness would have left her flustered, her heart racing uncontrollably. But now, there was none of that. She didn't want to be near him at all. In fact, she wished she'd never have to see him again.Ignoring her words, Alexander picked
Under the harsh glow of the fluorescent lights, Phoebe's face appeared deathly pale, drained of all color.She lay quietly on the bed, her eyes closed, devoid of any vitality.After conducting a series of examinations, the doctor inserted a needle into the back of her hand and hung an IV bottle."Sir, she's simply too weak. She hasn't eaten for a long time, which caused her to faint suddenly. After administering a nutrient solution, she'll be fine. When she wakes up, don't rush to feed her solid food. Start with some liquids, and after two hours, she can eat something light."The doctor gave instructions and prescribed some medication, adding, "She needs to take these three times a day, before meals.""Understood,"Alexander replied, his expression grave. "Will these medications have any side effects?""Don't worry, there are no side effects. They're just to help stimulate her stomach's movement,"the doctor explained with a smile, s
For two consecutive days, Phoebe continued her silent standoff with Alexander. She refused to eat anything, even though her body was weak, her head spinning with hunger. No matter how faint or dizzy she became, she wouldn't give in to him. Even if it meant starving to death, she would not yield.Once, she endured his treatment because she loved him. But after everything that had happened, she could no longer forgive him. The servants were at their wit's end, desperately trying to persuade her, but she refused to listen. With no other option, they went to Alexander for help.In the study, one of the servants hesitantly reported, "Sir, she still isn't eating.""Mm, I see. You can go.""Yes, sir.""Wait," Alexander called out, pausing for a moment before adding, "Prepare a fresh meal and bring it up."He believed she was just being stubborn and would eventually give in to hunger. But he hadn't anticipated her sheer determination to defy him, no
Alexander's gaze was filled with disdain as he looked at her. Gone was the tenderness he once held for her; all that remained was disgust, contempt, and the bitter hatred of someone who had been deceived. After all these years, he couldn't believe he had cherished a woman like this."I only did it because I love you so much,"Melissa sobbed, tears streaming down her face."Love?"Alexander cut her off coldly. "Is this what you call love? Lying to me? Hurting the woman I care about?"His voice was sharp, laced with icy anger. "I never imagined you could be this vicious."The thought of Phoebe's suffering gripped his heart painfully. He was the one who had caused her so much pain, and all because of Melissa.Melissa desperately tried to explain, her voice shaking. But the Alexander before her was unrecognizable."Please, don't treat me this way. Please!"she begged, reaching out to him."Forgive you?"His words dripped
After taking a cold shower and changing into fresh clothes, he headed out. Passing by her room, the silence was deafening.He reached out, his hand hovering over the doorknob, wanting to go in and check on her. But his hand froze mid-air, unable to move any further.He just couldn't muster the courage to enter.Damn it. Was there really something he was afraid of?Without lingering any longer, he turned and descended the stairs with heavy steps.Tonight, he needed a drink. Because of Phoebe, he couldn't focus on work at all.Inside the car, Alexander stomped irritably on the gas pedal, the vehicle speeding like a bullet. He ran countless red lights, frustration coursing through his veins.Police cars blared their sirens behind him, trailing closely.But Alexander had no intention of stopping. Instead, he pressed the gas harder, increasing the car's speed.The phone buzzed. With one hand on the wheel, he picked it up. His
"Let me out! Let me out! Open the door!"Inside the small villa, Phoebe pounded on the door with all her strength.Her voice echoed throughout the house.Outside, two guards stood expressionlessly, unmoved by her cries.Phoebe had been shouting for hours. Her voice was hoarse, and her hands were red and swollen from hitting the door, but no one came to open it. Sniffling, she finally collapsed back onto the bed in frustration, staring blankly at the ceiling.There was nothing for her to do but stare.She was on the verge of going insane.This imprisoned life was unbearable.It had been days since Alexander had brought her back, yet she hadn't been allowed to take a single step outside the room. Her world was confined to this small space. The door was locked, and the windows wouldn't open.It was suffocating.Why did Alexander have to treat her like this? Would he only be satisfied if she came to hate him completel
"Ugh..." Her small shoulders trembled as she sobbed softly, unable to escape no matter how much she tried."Come back with me!" Alexander's deep voice thundered as he leaned down toward her. There was still one day left before the week ended, and he had intended to wait. But seeing her wandering around, breaking down in tears, tore at his heart. He couldn't hold back any longer—he had to take her back early.She cast him a bitter glance, wiped her tears, and sniffled as she pushed his approaching figure away with all her strength."You really don't want to see me, do you?" Alexander's face darkened, his expression cold and menacing."Yes! I don't want to see you! Why can't you just leave me alone?""Damn it. You're coming with me!" He grabbed her wrist firmly, his eyes gleaming like a predator's, filled with a dangerous determination. She didn't want to look at him? Fine, then he'd make sure she could only see him!"Let me go! Let me go!" Phoebe struggled, but her resistance was futil
NightfallPhoebe's clothing had been entirely removed, her petite figure revealed in Alexander's deep, dark gaze.Her fair, smooth skin and shapely legs presented an irresistible temptation for him.Unable to suppress his desire any longer, he worshipped her, kissing every inch of her skin, every curve of her body.The next moment, his restraint snapped, and he could no longer hold back his longing to claim her.He breathed heavily, and as soon as his lips touched her softness, he was consumed by an almost magical spell.He kissed her deeply, tasting her as though he could absorb her essence entirely.How long had it been since he last had her?Her scent, her touch—they drove him mad, pulling him into a whirlpool of uncontrollable desire.He was truly bewitched, utterly addicted to her."Phoebe…" he murmured, unable to stop himself.It was the most heartfelt whisper of a lover.The soft, sweet feel of her beneath him made his proud self-control crumble completely.Like a man under a s
The night wind swept through, rustling the leaves outside the window. The cold air crept into the hospital room, making her shiver uncontrollably. Yet the chill that gripped her wasn't from the dropping temperature—it came from his icy voice.Alexander's heart ached as he watched her trembling. He knew he shouldn't have lashed out, but he couldn't help it—he was furious. He couldn't control his emotions. She had lost weight again over the past few days. Her already slender frame now looked so fragile that it pained him deeply.He took off his coat and stepped forward to wrap it around her. But she flinched away as if his kindness were a plague she had to escape. His arm froze mid-air, but then he moved closer again, determined to cover her with the coat whether she wanted it or not.This time, his familiar dominance returned. Even if she resisted, he wouldn't back down."I don't need your fake concern!" she snapped, her voice laced with frustration as she waved her arms, trying to bre