Phoebe had been awake for some time now, but ever since she regained consciousness, she seemed like a completely different person. She barely spoke, spending most of her time sitting in silence.Meanwhile, Laura had vanished without a trace. Gavin had mobilized a vast number of people to search for her, yet no matter how hard they tried, they found no sign of her.One day, Phoebe sat alone on the grass in the garden, her knees slightly bent, arms wrapped tightly around her legs. She stared blankly ahead, her mind utterly empty.She had no idea how much time had passed when a man's shadow quietly approached her."Phoebe."A familiar voice called her name softly.Hearing the voice, Phoebe slowly turned her head. When she saw Dana standing there, her heart clenched tightly.Was he here to confront her? Why now, of all times?Inside the café, a heavy and oppressive atmosphere hung between Phoebe and Dana.Dana tilted his head slightly and asked in a low voice, "Don't you want to know how
Five years later.Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the cozy home. Inside, a little girl, Amy, ran toward Phoebe with her short legs, her big eyes brimming with unshed tears. Her voice was full of grievance as she whined, "Mommy, Mommy! Jeremy is bullying me again!"Phoebe paused what she was doing, turned around, and gently stroked Amy's soft little cheeks. "Sweetheart, what happened?" she asked tenderly.Amy pouted, her small face scrunching up with distress. "Jeremy said that when you go back home, you'll only take him with you and leave me behind!"The moment she finished speaking, a thin layer of tears formed in her bright, watery eyes, making her look even more pitiful.Phoebe couldn't help but chuckle at her daughter's adorable expression.Seeing her mother's reaction, Amy panicked and sniffled, her little shoulders trembling. "Mommy, is it true? You and Jeremy are ganging up on me! We're not friends anymore!" She turned her head away in a huff.Rea
Two days later, at the airport.Phoebe walked hand in hand with Jeremy and Amy, slowly emerging from the terminal.The moment the three of them appeared, they instantly became the center of attention, like magnets pulling in every gaze around them.The reason? The two children were simply too adorable.As soon as they stepped out of the terminal, an eager voice called out from not far away."Phoebe! Over here, I'm over here!"It was Alva. She had been waiting for a long time, waving her arms excitedly from a distance."Alva!" Phoebe's voice trembled with emotion, carrying the weight of years of longing.She quickly stepped forward, and Alva rushed to meet her. The two women embraced tightly, as if trying to make up for all the lost time."Welcome back," Alva said, her voice choked with emotion. Tears welled up in her eyes and streamed down her cheeks.Amy, watching the two adults caught up in their own world, suddenly felt left out. She pouted and interjected, "Auntie Alva, I'm Amy! A
Inside the car, Phoebe glanced at her two children and gently asked, "Kids, do you like it here?""Yes!" Jeremy and Amy answered in unison. Their eyes were wide with curiosity as they gazed out the window, taking in the unfamiliar yet exciting sights around them."Mom, is this where you grew up?" Amy tilted her head and looked at Phoebe."Yes," Phoebe nodded with a smile."When can we see Gavin?" Amy suddenly asked."He said he'll come over tonight.""Yay!" Amy clapped her hands excitedly, her face lighting up with joy.Watching her daughter's excitement, Phoebe let out a soft sigh and turned her gaze to the scenery outside.The familiar yet distant landscape passed by, blending memories with reality. Laughter, tears—every emotion had left its mark on this land.As the car slowly pulled up in front of the house, Phoebe took a deep breath, steadied herself, and stepped out with the children.Standing at the door, she lifted her hand and pressed the doorbell.Moments later, the door ope
The entire evening was filled with laughter and joy in the living room. Dinner was lively, and it wasn't until ten o'clock that everyone finally started clearing the table.Initially, Gavin had planned to leave after dinner, but as soon as Amy heard that, she clung tightly to his shirt, pleading for him to stay.Jeremy, though not as outspoken as Amy, also showed his reluctance through his gaze.Phoebe, worried that the children were bothering Gavin, tried to put on a stern face and ordered them to go upstairs to bed. However, when she met their pleading eyes, her heart softened. She simply couldn't bring herself to say anything harsh. Instead, she looked at Gavin apologetically, her eyes full of helplessness and gratitude.After a long night of excitement, the children finally succumbed to exhaustion. Gavin patiently soothed Amy, humming a lullaby softly. Before long, her eyelids drooped, and she tilted her head, falling into a deep sleep in his warm embrace.Meanwhile, Jeremy, sitti
At the kindergarten.Amy sat quietly on the swing, gently swaying back and forth. Tilting her head slightly, she gazed at Jeremy in the distance and murmured, "Jeremy, I'm not happy."Jeremy didn't even lift his head. He simply responded coldly, "Talk."Amy's eyes flickered with confusion and curiosity as she said, "Everyone else has a dad." She pointed toward a group of children playing not far away. Among them, a little boy was being lifted high into the air by his father, laughter ringing out."Mhm, I know. We have one too," Jeremy replied, still focused on his work."You mean Daddy Gavin?" Amy tilted her head."Mhm." Jeremy was beginning to lose patience. To him, Amy's questions were far too childish."Then why doesn't Daddy Gavin live with us?""Because Daddy Gavin isn't really our dad." Jeremy finally stopped what he was doing, his tone serious."Why not?""There's no reason. He just isn't.""Then who is our real dad?"Jeremy's body stiffened slightly. He slowly put down the blu
NighttimeInside X Villa, Alexander stepped out of the bathroom. He walked over to the liquor cabinet, took out a bottle of strong alcohol, and leaned elegantly against the plush sofa.For years, he had been haunted by a strange dream—an indistinct figure appearing and disappearing in the shadows. It seemed to be a woman. Every time, he tried desperately to see her face, but the closer he got, the blurrier she became until she eventually faded into the darkness.He had no idea how much time had passed when the sudden ringing of the phone in the living room pulled him back to reality. Reaching out, he picked up the receiver. A voice from the other end said, "Sir, we've found something. Your sister is alive."Alexander's body tensed instantly. His grip on the receiver tightened involuntarily...***Early the Next MorningPhoebe arrived at LD Corporation bright and early.The HR staff led her to the design department. Throug
For the past month, Phoebe's work had been progressing smoothly. She quickly adapted to the team and earned the recognition of both her colleagues and superiors. However, as her workload increased, the time she spent with the children grew less and less."Jeremy, are you sure this will help us find Mommy?" Amy stood at the kindergarten gate, her face full of worry as she looked up at Jeremy."Of course!" Jeremy grinned with confidence. "Just follow me closely."With that, he tightly grasped Amy's small hand, leading her toward the bus stop like a little adult.After a long bus ride, they finally arrived near the city center. Jeremy carefully helped Amy off the bus, holding her hand firmly. As they approached the entrance of LD Corporation, just as they were about to step inside, Amy suddenly frowned and tugged at Jeremy's hand anxiously."Jeremy, I need to go potty.""You're so troublesome." Jeremy scrunched his little brows in frustration a
The office clock struck five. For the third time, Phoebe glanced down the empty hallway.She clutched her phone, scrolling through her contacts again and again. Five missed calls, no one in the office, and his phone still lying quietly in the drawer—where on earth had he gone?Her reflection in the glass window revealed a furrowed brow. They had clearly agreed to leave at four. Even if something urgent came up, he should've at least found a way to let her know.When the six o'clock dismissal bell rang, Phoebe finally grabbed her bag. In the rearview mirror, the neon sign of the kindergarten glowed vividly against the twilight.The car phone suddenly rang. The unfamiliar number made her hand tremble slightly."Phoebe."That familiar voice made her heart settle—only to twist a moment later. "You're at the hospital? Are you hurt?""It's Hermosa. Acute appendicitis,"he said, hospital announcements echoing faintly in the
The morning passed in a slow, steady rhythm, the hours slipping by almost unnoticed.By the time Phoebe returned to the office after lunch, the clock on the wall pointed to half past two.Alexander's lingering kiss still burned on her lips, leaving her ears warm and flushed. She instinctively smoothed her slightly tousled hair, and when her fingers brushed against her heated earlobe, a soft smile tugged at her lips.In the break room, the moment the hot water hit the tea leaves, a delicate fragrance wafted through the air.Phoebe cupped the warm mug in her hands, and through the rising steam, she could almost see him again—his fingers laced tightly with hers, confidently leading her through the office in full view of everyone.He never hid their relationship. That unabashed affection of his… it made even her tea taste sweet.When only a few unfurled leaves remained at the bottom of her cup, Phoebe rubbed her slightly sore eyes.
The next morning."Mom, are we going to Grandma and Grandpa's tonight?" Amy clung to the edge of the table, her eyes sparkling with excitement.Phoebe nearly dropped the plate in her hand. "Hmm?" She was sure she hadn't said anything about that to the kids."Uncle said so," Amy replied confidently, swinging her legs under the chair.Phoebe glanced out the window at the man polishing the car in the driveway. Her fingers tightened unconsciously around the plate. She'd thought he was just talking offhandedly—but he actually meant it? A wave of warmth rose in her chest, only to be washed over by a ripple of unease. Would her parents even be friendly to him? Her mother hadn't said much during their last phone call, but the sigh she'd heard through the receiver still echoed in her ears."Mom?" Amy tugged at her sleeve.Phoebe crouched down and gently smoothed her daughter's crooked collar. "Of course we're going.""Yay!" Jeremy jumped up from his chair with a loud clatter of utensils. "I ha
Alexander's deep voice rumbled against her ear, and Phoebe could no longer hold back the tears welling in her eyes. Warm drops slid down her cheeks as she stood on tiptoe and clung tightly to his neck, burying her tear-streaked face into the crook of his shoulder. Her slender shoulders trembled uncontrollably.Those three words were far too heavy—so heavy, they made her chest ache.He immediately wrapped his arms around her, gently stroking her back with the flat of his palm. Suddenly, Phoebe clenched her fists and began pounding his chest, each hit harder than the last."You bastard..." she sobbed into his shoulder. "You've made me cry so many times..."Yet even so, hearing his confession now, all those scars seemed to vanish into insignificance. Love was ridiculous like that—no matter how deeply wounded, the heart still surrendered without hesitation."Say it again," she whispered, lifting her tear-soaked face, her nose bright red.Alexander chuckled lowly and brushed her damp cheek
"Mom, you don't have a boyfriend, and Uncle is such a good guy. Can't he be your boyfriend? Can't he be our dad?""Yeah, Mom, just think about it!"Phoebe kept her expression neutral. This wasn't something that could be decided so easily.She wasn't about to let him off that easily. Especially after what Hermosa said earlier… What exactly did she mean by those words? And that look of surprise on her face—what was that about?Every time she thought about it, a heavy pressure settled on her chest. It felt like they were hiding something from her.She told herself not to overthink it. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop the wild guesses running through her mind.Maybe... maybe it was time to ask.And he owed her a real explanation."Mom?"Her thoughts snapped back to the present. The kids were looking up at her with hopeful eyes. They really cared about her love life, it seemed. And clearly, they liked Alexander a lot.Of course she knew what they were trying to do. But a
Phoebe's fingertips trembled slightly as she stared blankly at Hermosa's pale face. That name always pricked at her memory like a needle—Melissa's curly hair, the unopened photo frame in Alexander's study—all flashing before her eyes now."What a coincidence. Running into you here," Hermosa said, her face still drained of color.Phoebe forced a smile. "Yeah, what a... coincidence."She quickly added, "What are you doing here?""My stomach was acting up, so I came to get something for it. You?""Oh, me? I..." Phoebe's throat tightened. Instinctively, she crushed the box of birth control pills hidden behind her back. She only realized where Hermosa's gaze had landed when it was too late. Embarrassed, she moved her hand behind her again. "I was just buying... medicine."As Hermosa turned to leave, the hem of her trench coat brushed past Phoebe's wrist, sending a chill straight to her bones. Hermosa suddenly paused. Under the harsh fluorescent lights, her profile looked almost transparent
When Alexander stepped into the bathroom, he found Phoebe resting peacefully in the bathtub, eyes closed. A soft flush still lingered on her cheeks, a trace of pleasure not yet fully faded. Her face looked like a ripe peach, pink and dewy, waiting to be picked.He walked over quietly. She must have heard him—her thick lashes fluttered as if she wanted to open her eyes. But she was too exhausted, not even a finger moved.Alexander chuckled softly, gazing at her delicate face. He'd really worn her out today.He reached down and gently stroked her silky cheek. He'd intended to call her for dinner, but looking at her now, sleep seemed more fitting.Scooping her out of the water, her smooth skin against him made his body stir again—but he held himself back.He dried her carefully, then laid her on the bed. The marks he'd left on her body filled him with a certain pride, but as he inspected the swollen red tenderness between her thighs, a pang of guilt twisted in his chest. He'd been a litt
The sound of running water from the bathroom came to an abrupt stop. Less than three minutes later, Alexander stepped out, a towel slung low around his waist, his damp hair dripping, sun glinting off his bronze skin."Do I have a good body?" he asked with a cocky arch of his brow, the towel hanging precariously low, revealing the sharp V-lines at his hips.Phoebe turned away, stubborn as ever. "Male models look better."His expression instantly darkened. The towel slipped to the floor, and he didn't seem to notice—or care.Phoebe's eyes widened, her pupils dilating as the sight in front of her hit like a punch to the gut. That bastard. He was doing it on purpose—always flaunting his raw, masculine power right in front of her like a predator marking territory."Have you tried one?" he asked, closing the distance between them. The sharp scent of cedarwood from his body wash filled her nose."They're all online!" she stammered, stumbling backward until her lower back hit the nightstand.
He wanted all of her—completely—until she melted beneath him like snow in spring.Tears still clung to Phoebe's lashes, her flushed cheeks pressed against the sofa armrest. She heard his husky laugh fall from above."Tired?"A muffled sound escaped her throat. She didn't bother answering such a pointless question. It felt like her bones had been taken apart and reassembled—dull pain laced with an electric numbness that left a tremor with every breath.She thought back to the wildfire burning in his eyes, the near-manic hunger in his touch. He didn't seem like a man who'd gone five years without a woman—more like someone hell-bent on satisfying a lifetime of cravings in a single day."Get up..."She pushed weakly at his arm, her limbs as soft as cotton, but before she could finish, he pinned her wrist against the couch. The scent of sweat and cedar clung to him, invading her senses as she tilted her head back, only to be caught in the lingering embers in his gaze."One more time," he m