After changing her clothes and treating the wound on her neck, Phoebe headed to the design building to request a leave of absence from her professor. She needed to take time off to care for her parents at the hospital.Clutching the bank card, she went to the payment counter. With the money from her friend, combined with what she had saved over the years from selling her artwork, she barely had enough to cover her parents' surgery costs.Inside the hospital room, Anila had already woken up, but her father was still unconscious."Mom, have some food.""Phoebe, my dear, you've been through so much," Anila said, her eyes filled with concern as she looked at her daughter."Mom, it's not hard at all. You and Dad just need to get better." Phoebe forced a smile."Ah..." Anila sighed, her face looking much older and more worn.Phoebe knew what her mother was thinking and gently tried to comfort her."Mom, don't worry. Dad will recover. You both just need to focus on getting well. As for the mo
It was already 11 p.m. by the time Phoebe left the hospital, wandering alone through the streets.The night wind tousled her messy hair, but she didn't bother fixing it. She walked aimlessly, letting the cold breeze chill her face and stir up the confusion in her heart. There were few pedestrians on the street, though many cars passed by. Her silhouette, however, stood out in its loneliness, enough to make anyone feel for her.A single tear slipped from beneath her black-rimmed glasses, landing on her lips. The tear tasted salty, bitter, and painful... much like her current state.Her mind was consumed with thoughts of money—no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't think of a way to come up with the funds she needed.Suddenly...A blue Bugatti Veyron screeched to a halt just a few meters ahead of her. Its bright headlights cut through the darkness, blinding her momentarily.Phoebe froze for a second, wiping the tears from her eyes. The car was blocking her path, so she turned to wal
In the bathroom, the water cascaded down her body, following every curve.Phoebe closed her eyes, letting the hot water pour over her for what felt like an eternity.Finally, she turned off the faucet and took a deep breath, staring at her reflection in the mirror as she forced a smile."It's only a year," she whispered to herself. "It'll pass quickly."Her eyes stung with unshed tears.The thought of becoming his mistress was like a knife twisting in her chest.In her world, especially in art schools like hers, many were willing to sell their bodies to wealthy businessmen in exchange for a life of luxury. She had always looked down on those who took that path—yet here she was, finding herself in the same situation.A one-night stand. Being kept. These modern, shameful realities had somehow become hers.She laughed bitterly. How had it all gone so wrong?Her fingers trailed along her neck, brushing the scar that had already begun to heal. The occasional sting from it reminded her of th
In the bustling commercial district of Valleybrook stands the towering DA. Group building, a hundred-story marvel designed by one of the world's top architects. This globally renowned conglomerate has emerged in recent years, establishing a strong foothold in various industries.Group dominates numerous sectors, particularly in finance, energy, real estate, hospitality, and entertainment...Alexander Davis, the founder of DA. Group is said to be ruthless and iron-fisted. He is notoriously enigmatic, with very few people having seen his true face—even the media, known for chasing rumors, have failed to capture his image.Standing at the foot of the DA. Group building, Phoebe gazes up at the opulent structure. With her heart racing, she finally musters the courage to step inside."Excuse me, miss, who are you looking for?" The receptionist blocks her path as soon as she enters."I'm looking for…" Phoebe stammers, her nerves getting the best of her."I'm looking for your boss!""Mr. Alex
"I…" Phoebe bit her lip."The door is right there! You can leave at any time!" Alexander's voice was cold."That's not what I mean!" She stiffened, closing her eyes, her pale face looking even more fragile in the chill. His message was clear: the choice was hers.She had carefully considered her tone, yet it still managed to infuriate him!"I'm sorry!""Then come here!" His commanding tone brooked no dissent.Under his intense gaze, Phoebe felt a surge of panic. Yet, her body slowly moved toward him.With her head bowed, she crossed the distance between them, her heart racing uncontrollably!"Do you want to just stand there?" He narrowed his eyes, leaning back with his arms crossed, his lazy demeanor reminiscent of a predator. "Come here!"Each step felt like walking through molasses; the few feet felt like a century.A gust of wind swept by, and suddenly, her arm was yanked forcefully, sending her tumbling onto his strong legs!Alexander gripped her waist tightly, pulling her closer.
"Sir, I… I'm sorry, I didn't know!" She bit her lip, seeming to only know how to do that in front of him.Wasn't he asking her to please him? How could she please him without kissing?"Remember, don't touch my lips again!" he said in a low voice. Yet, seeing her bite her lip so enticingly only made him want to kiss her even more!Damn it, no one got to make exceptions for him! And certainly not her; he thought women's lips were dirty."Mm!" She nodded like a child caught in trouble, her head lowered. But inside, she was stubbornly thinking, if he didn't want to kiss, then fine! She wouldn't mind! Kisses were meant for lovers! And between him and her…She recalled that other man, who had been much kinder than Alexander!"Don't keep me waiting too long?" His eyes burned with desire, as if he wanted to undress her."I…" She looked up, licking her lips, on the verge of tears…Was he deliberately making it hard for her? She had tried so hard to please him just now, but he had turned away i
The next day, Phoebe prepared breakfast early and headed straight to the hospital.As soon as she entered the room, she was met with a shocking scene. A group of men with hostile expressions surrounded the hospital bed. She immediately recognized them as loan sharks."What do you want? Mom, are you okay?" Phoebe rushed over, pushing the men aside and placing herself between them and her mother."Phoebe, don't worry about me! Get out of here!" her mother, Anila, cried out."Here...This is your money!" Phoebe pulled out a crumpled check from her bag."Well, aren't you impressive? Got the money so fast?" A sleazy middle-aged man grinned as he took the 500,000-dollar check, his leering eyes roaming over Phoebe.He hadn't expected Gordon to have such a sister...Her innocent, schoolgirl appearance was exactly the type they liked to toy with."Where's my brother?" Phoebe frowned slightly, feeling her stomach churn with disgust at the man's gaze."We'll bring him out soon enough!" the sleazy m
The luxurious bedroom was entirely decorated in black tones, giving off an oppressive and heavy atmosphere. Phoebe stood in silence, feeling Alexander's piercing gaze sweep over her like a predatory panther.His presence was overwhelming, causing her whole body to tense. Fear, anxiety, and panic surged through her all at once."You're late," Alexander's voice was as cold as ice, enough to freeze the air around them. Damn it. No one had ever dared to make him wait."I'm sorry... I... it won't happen again!" Phoebe lowered her head, apologizing in a weak and timid voice. Her face had gone pale, and her palms were sweaty from the tension.Alexander rose elegantly and walked toward her, each step closer making her more nervous. He gripped her chin tightly, forcing her to look up."And what about this time? How do you think I should punish you?" he growled."I... sir, I swear it won't happen again!" Her voice trembled with fear, and the pain from his grip brought tears to her eyes.Damn it
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