Three days later."Curitis...""Why are you crying?" Curitis sat up, his gaze full of affection as he looked at her. Was she crying for him? Although he didn't want her to feel sad on his behalf, his heart still swelled with joy.Phoebe shook her head, choking on her sobs."I'm so sorry. It's all my fault that you got hurt. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have..." She really was sorry."Silly girl, how is this your fault?" This was something he had willingly chosen."...Waaa..." she sobbed.Curitis chuckled lightly and affectionately pinched her nose. Then, in his slightly accented and not-so-fluent English, he softly coaxed her."Don't cry. See? I'm fine, aren't I?"His words only made Phoebe feel even more guilty."Alright, no more tears. Do you hear me? I chose to do all of this. Even if it meant dying for you, I would gladly do it." His voice was firm, his eyes full of deep emotion.Phoebe was stunned. She shook her head. "I'm not worth you doing all this...""Phoebe, you're in
"What right do you have? He already agreed to your terms, and you accepted!"That night, Curitis had agreed to his demands just in time to save her."Because we're perfectly compatible in bed..." Alexander sneered, his hand sliding down suddenly, grabbing her... Damn woman, she hadn't left him yet? And here she was, constantly calling out another man's name."No—" Phoebe's body trembled as she instinctively clamped her legs together. This was a hospital. He couldn't do this to her here."You can't go back on your word... Since Curitis already promised to give you the painting, I expect you to honor your agreement and let me go."Alexander gave her a wicked smile, one that sent chills down her spine."You're really that eager to leave me?""You're damn right! I want to leave you. I want to get as far away from you as possible..." Phoebe nearly shouted. To him, she was nothing but a plaything.Alexander leaned down, slowly whispering into her ear, "But I'm not letting you go."And with
"Phoebe, Phoebe, what's wrong? Please answer me..."The strange sounds from inside the room sent Curtis into a panic as he turned the doorknob frantically, but the door was locked from the inside, he couldn't get it open."Answer him or he's really going to bang on the door ..." he slammed into her punitively, although he didn't mind Curitis seeing him and Phoebe having sex, they were bound to be disturbed if he barged in. But he was desperate for Phoebe tonight; he wanted to enjoy her fully."Phoebe... Phoebe..." Curtis shouted, twisting the doorknob with all his might."Curtis... I'm... I'm fine... um..." She slowed her breathing, finally managing to speak, but even so, her suppressed reactions betrayed her, making it hard to stifle the alluring sounds she wanted to make."Phoebe, open the door. I want to check on you." Despite her reassurances, he still felt uneasy.Her voice sounded strange, like she was holding back something.What was wrong? Was she unwell?"Am I... I really am.
Meanwhile, Alexander was interrupted from his work by his phone ringing.Checking the caller ID, he answered gently, "Melissa...""Alex, when are you coming to pick me up? You promised to take me to your villa today!" Melissa whined. Alexander had said he would take her to his villa, but it was already late, and he hadn't shown up."..." Alexander fell silent.He was reluctant to have Melissa stay at his place, especially since Phoebe was there. Concerns began to creep in."Don't you want me to go?" Melissa's voice trembled, as if she might cry, and Alexander felt a wave of guilt."Melissa, how could I not want you? I'm in a meeting right now, but I'll come to get you as soon as I'm done, okay?" he reassured her softly, maintaining his usual tenderness."You better not be lying to me...""When have I ever lied to you?" Alexander chuckled, chatting with Melissa for a little longer before hanging up.After ending the call, he pinched the bridge of his nose, then dialed another number."
"Alex... who is she?" Melissa's sharp eyes landed on Phoebe sitting at the dining table, her voice soft and curious.Then she turned to Alexander, smiling sweetly, "Is she your wife?""Melissa, don't pay attention to her; she's just someone insignificant.""Should I take you to the bedroom to rest?" Alexander withdrew his gaze and said gently.Phoebe was taken aback, her mind replaying his words—she let out a bitter smile. So she was considered insignificant?"Actually, I am a bit tired..." Melissa glanced at Phoebe before leaning against Alexander, lazily closing her eyes."I'll take you to rest right away..." Alexander affectionately brushed Melissa's nose and wrapped his arm around her slender waist as they headed upstairs.Watching their perfect silhouettes fade away, Phoebe felt tears streaming down her face uncontrollably.Just last night in the hospital, he had been so passionately asking for her, yet today, he spoke such cold and hurtful words.What did he really think of her?
The next morning, Phoebe woke up to find Alexander already gone. Last night, she had dreamt of him... She shook her head and let out a bitter smile.How could he possibly have held her while sleeping? He was probably with that beautiful girl. The thought made her heart ache even more. She sniffed and forced herself to stop overthinking.Today, she had to go to school. If she skipped again, she might get a warning from the administration. She had already missed many classes this semester, and it was a crucial one. She couldn't let her academics fall apart. In ten minutes, she got ready quickly, grabbed her things, and headed downstairs. It was 8 a.m., and she thought she had woken up early enough, but when she reached the dining area, she saw Alexander and that girl having a cozy breakfast together.Watching their intimate interaction made her heart feel heavy. Not wanting them to notice her, Phoebe quietly moved toward the door, her footsteps light and almost soundless. Just
Inside the cramped car, the atmosphere was so tense it felt suffocating. "SHUT UP! STOP CRYING!" Alexander yelled in frustration. Ever since he had dragged her into the car, Phoebe hadn't stopped crying. He had planned to scold her thoroughly, but the moment he saw her tears, his anger dissipated. Her endless sobbing was driving him crazy. He couldn't stand women's tears—except for Melissa and Hermosa. Any other woman's tears were unbearable to him. Phoebe covered her face, crying sorrowfully. She didn't want to cry in front of him, but the more he yelled at her, the more uncontrollable her tears became. "Damn it, how many times do I have to tell you to stop crying?" Alexander's brow furrowed deeply, veins bulging on his hands as he gripped the steering wheel tightly. Phoebe, exhausted from crying, bit her lip and wiped away her tears, her pale fingers trembling. She had been so overwhelmed just now, but after releasing her emotions, she felt a little better. She rarely cr
Alexander's black suit was perfectly tailored, fitting him impeccably."Get away from me, YOU BASTARD! You can't treat me like this!" Phoebe screamed, her face suddenly pale with disbelief. How could he be so cruel to her? Even as his mistress, she still had her dignity.She struggled against him, but his strength was overwhelming."You better learn to obey me, or you'll only be making things worse for yourself!" Alexander growled, ripping her clothes and yanking her hair with brutal force. He had indulged her defiance once or twice, but he wouldn't let her act out every time."You have no right to do this to me!" Phoebe shrieked, fighting to free herself."I have every right—because I bought you!" Without any foreplay, he thrust into her roughly, determined to show her that anyone, man or woman, who opposed him would meet a terrible fate."Ah! I'm not your whore! You can't treat me this way! I hate you—I hate you!"He wasn't human. He was a monster. A beast.Alexander's eyes narrowed.
As soon as the words left her mouth, Phoebe's tears began to fall uncontrollably.It wasn't true—not what she had said. She didn't want him to die. Even if she couldn't forgive him, she would never wish for his death.“Fine. As you wish,” Alexander said coldly, letting go of her.He stood up and walked toward the door. But after just a few steps, his tall, solid frame collapsed to the floor.Curled up on the ground, Phoebe instinctively raised her head at the sound. A flash of white light surged through her mind, and in the next second, she was scrambling toward him in a panic, sobbing.Kneeling by his side, she shook his body desperately. Her tear-streaked face was unrecognizable.“Alexander, wake up! Please, wake up! Don't scare me, okay?” she cried.No matter how much she called his name or shook him, he didn't respond. The blood from his head only flowed more freely. Her trembling fingers pressed agai
Alexander kissed her deeply, completely lost in the moment, while Phoebe stared blankly at the ceiling. What else could he possibly do to her besides this?She wanted to push him away, but her overly full stomach left her feeling sluggish. All she wanted was to lie down comfortably for a while.When Alexander finally seemed satisfied, he pecked her lips a couple more times before letting her go.The moment he released her, Phoebe wiped her mouth in disgust.Her reaction displeased Alexander. Did she find his kiss so revolting? Fine. The more she resisted, the more he wanted to kiss her—until every inch of her body bore his scent."Don't touch me," Phoebe warned, glaring at him."I'll do whatever I want," he shot back.With that, Alexander grabbed her head forcefully, pressing his lips back to hers. His tongue invaded her mouth, relentless and domineering, capturing her own with a fierce hold.It hurt.The despicabl
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