The man in the silver-gray suit stood tall and striking, his perfect features and deep eyes drawing gasps of admiration from passersby.Phoebe snapped back to reality, lowered her gaze, and turned to walk away, pretending she hadn't noticed him.She quickened her steps, eager to leave."Phoebe," a deep voice called from behind her.Hearing his voice, her hurried steps stopped involuntarily. She wanted to keep walking, but her legs felt as heavy as lead. She could hear each step he took as he approached her."Why do you try to run every time you see me?" he asked with a hint of mischief. "Is it because you don't want to see me?"She felt awkward. Her obvious reaction must have shown him how much she wished to avoid him."What a coincidence, running into you here," she said with a forced smile, her gaze dropping."It's not a coincidence. I came here specifically to find you." His intent was clear."What?" She looked at him, shocked.Why was he here? And how did he even know where to fin
The Café.The café exuded elegance, with a soothing ambiance and soft background music enhancing the atmosphere.But Phoebe couldn't enjoy it; she sat uneasily, her emotions a tangled mess. She had no idea why Melissa had asked to meet her here.From the car ride to the café, Melissa had been silent, simply staring at her with an unrelenting gaze that made Phoebe feel uncomfortable—even a bit creeped out. She felt like she couldn't sit still and wanted to break the awkward silence.Honestly, she wanted to leave.She was painfully aware of her awkward position: Melissa was the woman Alexander intended to marry, while she was his hidden lover, a kept woman in the shadows.Melissa's eyes swept over her with disdain as she elegantly sipped her coffee. Finally, she broke the silence with a deliberately slow and even voice, "Phoebe, you look well lately."It seemed Melissa had noticed Alexander's recent attentions toward her.Melissa had assumed that night with Alexander would draw him clos
"You're pregnant?" Melissa's tone was sharp, her words biting."No, I'm not." Phoebe denied it, a flash of panic crossing her face.If Melissa found out she was pregnant, Alexander would know soon, too, and she couldn't bear to imagine what would happen then. She was afraid."Don't lie. Your name is right here on this document."Phoebe's heart skipped a beat. What could she say to make Melissa believe her?"Phoebe, your ambitions really do run high, don't they?""No, it's not his child." Her face went pale as she rushed to explain."Lies." Melissa scoffed, convinced of the truth before her. The timing matched perfectly—it was impossible to deny it was Alexander's child."It's really not his child," Phoebe stammered, nearly on the verge of tears, desperately sticking to her story.Melissa studied her, sensing something odd. Why was Phoebe so adamant about denying that Alexander was the father?"Then whose child is it?""It's... someone else's," Phoebe managed, biting her lip.Melissa e
In the afternoon, Alexander's car pulled up at the school gate as usual, though today, a meeting had delayed him a bit.He had called Phoebe on the way there, but when she didn't answer, he assumed she was angry with him. Instead of getting upset, he found her childish behavior a little amusing.He chuckled softly to himself, all while continuing his tasks, mentally planning how to make it up to her once he saw her.He circled the school entrance, scanning for her, but didn't spot her. Frowning, he checked the time. By this hour, she should have already finished class. Why wasn't she out yet?He waited a bit longer, his gaze fixed, searching for any sign of her.Meanwhile, in the restroom, water rushed from the tap as Phoebe splashed her burning face with cold water.Her eyes were red from crying, and as she stared at her reflection in the mirror, the area where she had been scalded was swollen and inflamed.The cold water did nothing to soothe the pain. If that cup of coffee had been
Phoebe wandered around outside for a long time before returning to the apartment.The room was dark, and Alexander wasn't home. She didn't want to think about him, so she didn't bother turning on the lights. She took off her shoes, slipped on some slippers, and made her way to the bedroom in the dark.The memory of Melissa's angry face from earlier that day weighed on her heart. It made her feel awful, though she didn't blame Melissa—she knew she had no right to. After all, Melissa wasn't wrong.She sniffled, then climbed into bed, pulling the covers up around her.Her fingers brushed against something cold and smooth, and she pulled it closer, switching on the light to see what it was. It was Alexander's black suit.Had he been back?Thinking of him again, her calm mood evaporated, replaced by a renewed sense of frustration.Her eyes clouded with tears. She angrily tossed the expensive suit onto the floor and buried her face in the pillow, trying to sleep.She didn't care whether he
"I told you, it's just me." Phoebe couldn't tell the truth, and even if she did, what good would it do?Seeing that she wasn't willing to speak, Alexander didn't press further."Does it still hurt?""It's not that bad anymore." She shook her head. No wonder the pain on her cheek was less when she woke up in the morning."Make me breakfast. I'm hungry." It had been so long since he had tasted her cooking.She didn't really want to make him breakfast, but since he hadn't yelled at her and had even helped her with the medicine, she nodded reluctantly.After Alexander changed clothes and went downstairs, Phoebe had already finished making breakfast. There was still half an hour left, and she should be able to make it to school in time. She grabbed her things and was about to leave, but just as she reached the door, Alexander's voice came from behind."Where are you going?""To school.""Eat breakfast first.""I'll be late.""I'll take you after breakfast." He realized his temper had been
In just two days, rumors began to spread like wildfire across the school.Word quickly got around that Phoebe had a sugar daddy.It didn't take long for the gossip to become the talk of the school, with everyone—whether in public or private—whispering about Phoebe.Some classmates even posted pictures of her getting into Alexander's car.But that was just the beginning. Some people dug deeper, uncovering details about her family background, her parents, and even her drug-addicted brother.The insults, sneers, and cruel comments echoed in her ears at all hours.The rumors were causing her immense trouble.Her professors called her in for several meetings, and even the school administration had personally approached her, warning that if things continued like this, they might start advising her to drop out.If it got any worse, they would likely expel her.Phoebe didn't understand how everything had gone so wrong.Just a few days ago, things had been fine, and now suddenly, her world was
After shouting at Alexander, Phoebe immediately turned off her phone.Moments later, she was stunned, not even sure where she found the courage to yell at him, let alone insult him. Perhaps the pressure of the past few days had built up, and she just needed to vent.Meeting him had sucked the color out of her life. Was he really planning to trap her? To make her his secret lover forever, living there like his pet?Although he had changed a lot recently, showing more patience and even being gentle with her, it wasn't what she wanted.She didn't want this life anymore. Without love, no matter how good he was to her, she didn't want it.Wrapping the blanket tightly around herself, she tried to think things through. What should she do? How could she break free from him? How could she get him to stop bothering her and give her space, so her life could go back to the peaceful state it once had?She was so absorbed in her thoughts, her headache growing worse, that she didn't even hear the doo
Laura's eyes widened in shock at the scene before her. Frozen in the posture she had assumed when she screamed, her voice trembled as she began, "You…" She wanted to ask him what he was doing to Phoebe, but fear stilled her tongue. Deep down, Laura was terrified of Gavin, unwilling to provoke him with even a simple question. She worried her inquiry might anger him.Her gaze shifted to Phoebe, lying naked on the couch. Watching her brother's actions, Laura's heart trembled, her mind spinning in confusion and embarrassment. The sight was unsettling, evoking an inexplicable sense of shame. Memories flashed in her mind—Gavin had once treated her in a similar way.Gavin glanced at Laura, then back at the woman beneath him. His body stiffened instantly, and he pulled away, lips parting as if to speak. Before he could utter a word—Smack.The sound of a resounding slap echoed through the air.Phoebe glared at him with undisguised disgust, her trembling body curling into itself as she hugged h
"I've actually thought about cutting it off," Laura said with a hint of frustration."Why?" Phoebe asked, surprised."I'm not good at styling my hair, and it's really inconvenient when I'm working.""Has no one taught you how to tie it up?" That explained why Laura always let her hair down. But with her hair loose, she looked stunning, like an angel.Laura shook her head."I'll teach you tomorrow morning," Phoebe said with a warm smile. They kept drying Laura's hair until it was no longer damp. Only then did they crawl into the bed, leaning against the headboard to sleep."Are you sure it's not too cramped?" Laura shifted to the edge of the bed. Her bed was small, and she worried Phoebe might feel uncomfortable. Laura had initially planned to sleep on the floor, but Phoebe had refused."It's not cramped at all," Phoebe replied, pulling Laura back closer. What a thoughtful girl, thoughtful enough to make one's heart ache."Can I...can I hold you while I sleep?" Laura asked shyly, her v
After walking a good distance, Laura finally glanced back. Seeing that Wright hadn't followed them, her furrowed brows relaxed slightly."Phoebe, don't listen to his nonsense.""What nonsense?" Phoebe pretended not to understand. So, she was in a relationship already. Watching them earlier, they looked so perfect together—a golden couple that was truly pleasing to the eye. Melissa was so beautiful, and it wasn't surprising that such a handsome guy liked her."We...we're not." Laura's cheeks were so hot they could almost cook an egg."Laura, it's okay to have a boyfriend. I think you two are a great match." Phoebe assumed Laura was just shy and smiled sweetly at her. Although she was still young and inexperienced in these matters, having someone who cared for Laura seemed like a good thing. However, Phoebe couldn't help but worry—Wright had a reputation for being a flirt. Was he truly sincere about Laura?"No, it's not like that. I don't like him. I just...I just feel like being liked
Laura"Little thing, I've been chasing you for so long, aren't you even touched?" Wright teased, his tone playful yet carrying a hint of frustration. Staring at the ice-cold beauty before him, he felt utterly defeated. It was the first time he had spent so long chasing a girl without success. Initially, he thought it was just a game, but to his surprise, he had genuinely fallen for her. There was no denying it now—he was hopelessly in love.Laura kept her head down, walking forward without sparing him a glance. Despite over a month of his persistent pursuit, she remained indifferent. He was so annoying, showing up every day to bother her, impossible to avoid or chase away."What's so urgent at home that you rush back every day? How about I take you on a romantic date?" Wright leaned closer, flashing a charming smile that caused the nearby girls to look on enviously. Yet Laura didn't even spare him a glance.Remaining silent, she kept walking with her usual downcast gaze.Wright felt a
After bidding Alva goodbye, Phoebe nearly sprinted out of the school. Instead of taking the bus, she hailed a taxi. Taking a bus would be too slow, and a taxi would get her there much faster. Normally, she would never spend the extra money, but today, all she wanted was to see him as quickly as possible.However, once inside the taxi, her courage began to waver. A sense of fear crept over her, though she couldn't quite pinpoint what she was afraid of. She kept telling herself she couldn't back down, refusing to allow herself to retreat.When the taxi pulled up in front of the apartment complex, she realized she didn't have an access card. The security guard stopped her at the gate, and no matter how much she pleaded, he refused to let her in. Fortunately, a shift change brought a new set of guards, and one of them recognized her from a previous visit, allowing her to enter.As the villa came into view, Phoebe's steps grew heavier, as if her legs had turned to lead. It was incredibly d
"Miss, you come here every day to buy a newspaper, but you barely look through it. Are you searching for some important news?" the newspaper vendor asked with a friendly smile. Every day, this young lady would buy a paper, flip through a few pages, and leave with a disappointed expression. This had become her routine."I..." Lost in thought, she hesitated. What could she say? She was searching for news about Alexander. Any mention of him, no matter how small, would suffice."Do you have any fashion magazines?""Of course! What kind are you looking for?" The vendor gestured toward the stack of magazines on the table."I'd like an entertainment magazine," she said, clinging to a sliver of hope. She had often seen him mentioned in such magazines before. Perhaps he would appear in one of them again. She just hadn't looked hard enough."Here, try this one. It's full of gossip—rich people, celebrities, their private lives, and whatnot.""I'll take it," she said, handing over the money.On h
One Month Later."Phoebe, stop pushing yourself so hard. Come eat something first; you can continue drawing afterward."Alva snatched the pencil from Phoebe's hand and pulled her up, ready to take her out of the studio. "Who studies like you? It's like your life depends on it. You even forget to eat!""Alva, I'm not hungry. Let me finish this drawing first."Phoebe smiled and reached for her pencil, but Alva quickly hid it behind her back, refusing to give it back. She insisted Phoebe eat with her instead. For a month now, her friend had been working too hard. Study required balance, not self-torture. Sitting in one spot all day without moving wasn't learning—it was punishing oneself. If Phoebe didn't get up soon, she'd rust."No way. Finish your meal first, and then you can draw again,"Alva said firmly, her tone leaving no room for negotiation."But Alva, I'm almost done!"Phoebe glanced longingly at her unfinished drawing.
The door suddenly swung open from the outside. Phoebe lifted her gaze, her eyes brimming with fleeting hope before it quickly dimmed. How much she wished it was Alexander walking in. How much she longed for him to stand before her, whole and unscathed. But the person who entered was a middle-aged man, unfamiliar to her, though it was clear from his demeanor that he was one of Alexander's subordinates.Her disappointment was momentary, replaced almost instantly by desperate anticipation. Barefoot, she dashed toward him with urgency.“Him... How is he? Please, tell me. I'm begging you. I just need to know if he's okay.”“Miss, you're free to leave now. Gather your belongings, and I'll have a car take you home,” the man said, ignoring her questions and instead delivering his instructions calmly.Leave?“What do you mean?” Phoebe asked, her eyes widening in shock.“You are free now,” he replied.
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