"Alex, are you in there?" Melissa cautiously knocked on the door from the hallway.
She had waited for him in the bedroom, but after two hours passed, she decided to go look for him in the living room. Surely, he should be done punishing that woman by now.
Yet, when she got to the living room, neither of them were anywhere to be seen. But she was certain Alex was still home—his car keys were still in the bedroom.
Staring at the tightly shut guest room door, a glint of malice flashed in her eyes.
"Scream... damn it... scream for me..." he growled, thrusting hard.
Outside, Melissa's voice echoed in his ears, but it didn't make him pause.
He continued like a beast, venting his rage. The sound of his movements was loud.
The reason he had chosen to punish her in the bathroom was because it was soundproof. So even with Melissa right outside, there was no fear of her hearing anything.
"Alex…"
Melissa kept knocking f
DA Group President's Office."Sir, Mr. Curitis Bernard is here to see you again...""Let him go.""Understood, sir."Half an hour later, Alexander's internal phone rang again."Sir, he said... he said if you don't meet with him, he'll force his way in..." the receptionist hesitated, clearly uncomfortable."Let him in," Alexander said, hanging up with a narrowed gaze.Persistent, isn't he?Every day, right on time, Curitis came looking for him. At that dinner, he had only wanted to test the waters, but now it seemed he had underestimated Phoebe's charm.Curitis, this proud artist, had lowered himself multiple times just for her. He had once refused to sell his painting "Tears" for a hundred million euros, yet now, he was willing to trade it for a woman.The door swung open.Curitis walked in gracefully, though the anger in his eyes was unmistakable. Without wasting any time, he placed the beautifully framed painting on Alexander's desk and went straight to the point."Alexander, here's
Two days later.Morning sunlight streamed softly through the windows as Phoebe woke up, still feeling groggy and lightheaded.She blinked a few times, trying to adjust her eyes, then pulled the blanket off herself. That's when she noticed she was wearing pajamas—she had no idea when they'd been put on her.The last thing she remembered was soaking in the cold bathtub, completely naked, before she lost consciousness.Who changed her clothes?Was it Alexander?Thinking about him brought a bitter taste to her mouth. She glanced at the white bandage on her wrist and frowned.Was she sick? How long had she been lying in bed?A glance at the clock hanging on the wall made her heart race. It was already Thursday morning, and she had been in bed for two whole days. It was 8 a.m. now.Panic stirred in her chest. A wave of inexplicable fear swept over her.She had to make breakfast for them.Would he be angry that she had been unconscious for two days? She didn't want to dwell on that thought.
Phoebe fell ill again, and this time Alexander personally took her to the hospital.She had a severe cold and a fever. He wanted to prevent her from infecting Melissa, and thought it was better for her to have nurses constantly looking after her there.From morning until afternoon, Phoebe didn't wake up. The doctor said she should have woken up already, but she was consciously keeping her eyes closed, unwilling to awaken.She didn't want to face reality, and Alexander didn't force her to wake up either. Letting her sleep a little longer was for the best. Her body was too weak; she needed rest. Apart from Melissa, Phoebe was the first woman he'd shown such careful concern for.However, he would only allow her to sleep until the evening. She hadn't eaten in days, and if she didn't eat soon, she might starve before her illness could even improve.Alexander gazed at Phoebe lying in bed. He had skipped work the entire day, not understanding why he stayed by her side in the hospital. Maybe
At the hospital, Phoebe stared blankly at the ceiling, like a soulless doll.She had woken up after Alexander left, but since then, she hadn't moved, simply lying there in a daze.Her mind was a mess, yet countless thoughts kept racing through it.She suddenly felt that her life had turned bleak. When had it all started?Maybe after that banquet. Before, although Alexander had treated her harshly, he had never been this cruel. Her stomach was empty, but she didn't feel hungry—she didn't want to eat anything.When would this miserable existence end? All she wanted was to stay in the hospital forever.She tried to hate him, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't muster the feeling.At some point, the door to her hospital room had been pushed open, but Phoebe, lost in thought, hadn't noticed."Awake? Eat something first," a deep, magnetic voice broke her trance. Phoebe's vacant gaze slowly shifted to meet his intense black eyes, but those eyes revealed nothing of what he was thin
"I'm sorry," Phoebe apologized, realizing she hadn't meant to say that, but it was the truth."Why are you apologizing?""I…" Phoebe found herself at a loss for words."Phoebe, relax. I'm not a wolf who's going to eat you."She froze for a second, surprised by his comment. But, well, he was a wolf."Open your mouth and eat this bowl of food." His commanding tone was authoritative but oddly comforting to Phoebe.She felt conflicted. She hadn't eaten much for several days, and her stomach had shrunk. Just finishing one bowl had left her feeling stuffed, and this was already the third bowl he'd served her. She couldn't eat anymore, or her stomach might burst.As she saw him prepare to feed her again, Phoebe looked at him weakly and said, "I'm full. I really can't eat any more."She was afraid he'd be angry. After all, he meant well, and here she was, refusing him.Alexander paused, realizing that in his enthusiasm, he'd forgotten she was still a patient. How could she eat so much at once
The next day.Phoebe closed her eyes, relishing the warmth as she nestled back into Alexander's arms.He hadn't left her side all night.A sudden pang of sadness welled up inside her. She had no idea what he would be like toward her after this. But right now, she just wanted to enjoy the comfort of his embrace.Unconsciously, she snuggled closer to his chest, craving to be nearer. The subtle scent of his skin filled her senses, intoxicating her. It was so alluring, she couldn't help but feel like she was falling under its spell.In his sleep, Alexander seemed to sense her movements, his arms tightening around her. After a while, his body grew restless. The soft, tickling sensation against his chest made him snap his eyes open.Damn it, Phoebe. Teasing him so early in the morning.He glanced down, a smile tugging at his lips.She was still asleep, but like a little kitten, she was nuzzling his chest as if trying to win her master's affection. The way she gently rubbed against him, almo
Alexander walked into the villa, the living room engulfed in darkness, and he reached out to turn on the lights.He had planned to visit Phoebe at the hospital, but today was Melissa's birthday, and he figured he could celebrate with her first and head to the hospital afterward.Suddenly, slender fingers covered his eyes from behind. "Don't open them," Melissa whispered, standing on her tiptoes."Melissa," Alexander said fondly. Who else could it be? It was her, of course."Don't open your eyes yet," Melissa's sweet voice teased him by his ear."Why so mysterious?" Alexander asked with a smile."I have a surprise for you," Melissa let go of him and smiled brightly. "Do you like it?"Alexander chuckled. "Did you do all this?" She certainly knew how to be romantic.Of course, she hadn't done it herself. She had hired help to arrange everything, but she didn't respond to his question."Do you like it?" she asked again."It's your birthday today, I should be the one preparing things," Ale
Alexander felt something wrapping around him from behind.He squinted his eyes, his gaze sharp and piercing. Reaching out, he grabbed and yanked whatever it was toward him to see who it was."Melissa? Why is it you?" Alexander frowned. No wonder he had sensed something familiar; he almost threw her to the ground just now."Alex," Melissa fell into his arms, her voice sweet and sticky.The cold shower had already washed away half of the heat in his body, but now it was quickly reigniting."Hurry and go back to bed," Alexander said, sensing something was off. His hand brushed against her skin. Quickly, he reached over and turned on the bedside lamp.The room lit up, and what he saw made his eyes narrow.Melissa's hair cascaded over her shoulders, her eyes full of seductive intent as she looked at him. Her lingerie—if it could even be called that—was barely there, a sheer red fabric that left little to the imagination.Damn it. Did she even know what she was doing?"Alex," Melissa purred
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