One hand might have been trapped in her grip, but his other continued its sinful exploration, trailing along her waistline.Heat radiated wherever his fingers touched, a firestorm of sensation that left her trembling with anticipation and dread.Even without seeing his face, she could vividly picture his wicked grin, the smug amusement dancing in his eyes. His sheer audacity made her body burn with both anger and a strange, forbidden thrill.Alexander in this state was unrestrained, a force of untamed dominance cloaked in charm. He was dangerous, relentless, and devastatingly alluring.His touch was a thief of reason, and she was helpless against the temptation that threatened to consume her.Phoebe clenched her teeth, cheeks aflame as she clung to his hand with all her might. Tears welled in her eyes, her whispered protest trembling with desperation. "Stop…" Her voice cracked with frustration, heart thudding painfully against her ribcage.But he didn't stop."Enjoy it, sweetie."His
When Phoebe returned home, she didn't even have time to step into the bathroom for a shower before Alexander impatiently pinned her against the door.His scorching kisses came down like a storm, fierce and relentless, as if he intended to claim her very soul.Lost in the intoxicating web he wove, Phoebe couldn't help but respond. Her lips parted, meeting his fervor with her own.Unlike Alexander's wild and domineering passion, her kiss was soft, like a delicate cloud of cotton candy—gentle, sweet, and tenderly dissolving with a lingering warmth.Though they had shared countless moments of intimacy before, her kiss still carried a touch of innocence. Yet her heart was fully in it.Despite her lack of skill, she kissed him earnestly, tentatively exploring his warmth and savoring every sensation.This wasn't the first time she had kissed him back, but it was, without a doubt, the sweetest. Because in this kiss, she could truly feel his heart—feel the emotions that were uniquely his.Toni
Fate's wheel turned without mercy, its whims cruel and unpredictable. The unexpected twists it brought were beyond any mortal's control.Damn it!Alexander cursed inwardly. How could he tell Phoebe the truth?The burden of delivering that truth himself felt unbearable.Even imagining her reaction—the way her eyes, so full of love and tenderness, would shatter with despair—was enough to pierce his heart with unbearable pain.He could already feel the agony of that moment as if it had already arrived.The thought of wounding her made his chest ache as if pierced by a thousand needles.In the days they had spent together, his attachment had grown like vines wrapping tighter and tighter, making it impossible to break free.He didn't want to think anymore. The suffocating weight of it all crashed over him like a stormy tide.All he wanted was to pull her closer—so close that their very souls would meld, her
In the blink of an eye, their clothes were discarded, and they stood exposed before each other, vulnerable.Driven by pure desire, Alexander kissed her again and again, his lips trailing down her skin, from her forehead to her neck, and every delicate inch of her, as if marking her, engraving her into his soul.In the heat of the moment, he didn't even wait to take her to the bed. He held her tightly, kissing her furiously, as if trying to drown out the turmoil and confusion inside him."We… haven't showered yet," Phoebe whispered, turning her face away, her arms pushing against his chest, shyly avoiding his gaze.But her eyes were already tinged with a soft blush. Tonight truly felt like a romantic night. She was intoxicated by it. She wished it could stay like this forever."Forget it" he replied, his voice husky, and then he kissed her lips again."No," she protested weakly, trying to stop him."Then we'll shower together,"
Alexander felt his heart clench.He gently lifted her into his arms, cradling her against his chest.Disturbed by the movement, Phoebe's eyes fluttered open for a moment before she closed them again. Instinctively, her head nestled deeper into his embrace. Her small hands grasped at his shirt, holding on as if afraid he might disappear, her fingers curling tightly into the fabric like a child clinging to her only source of comfort.A ripple of emotion stirred deep within Alexander's heart.He knew he shouldn't give her too much hope. He knew he couldn't promise her a future. But selfishly, he wanted to keep her—if only for a fleeting moment.He knew he would eventually abandon her, that he would be ruthless when the time came. Yet, before he walked away, he wanted to shower her with the sweetest tenderness.He understood his actions would only deepen her pain. But in that moment, he didn't care.Guilt was absent from his mind.
When breakfast time came, it was business as usual.As long as they weren't eating out, she was always the one to cook. It had become his request, but even if he never voiced it, she willingly took it on, finding joy in cooking for the man she loved.Even if she had to cook for him her whole life, it would be her happiness.Alexander lounged lazily on the sofa, casually unfolding his newspaper, though every now and then, his gaze would drift over the top, briefly resting on the kitchen.There she was—Phoebe in a pink apron, her long, dark hair tied up high into a playful ponytail, fully immersed in preparing the meal. The intensity with which she focused made it hard for him to look away.Yet, a bitter feeling quietly stirred in Alexander's chest, a sensation that seemed to gently pull at his heart, causing a slight pang of pain.He knew all too well that these peaceful days were nearing their end, and an indescribable unease was slowl
Phoebe sat distracted in the classroom all morning, barely registering the teacher's words as they passed through one ear and out the other. Her thoughts had drifted far away.Finally, when the lunch bell rang, she packed her things and walked out of the school building, her steps heavy with weariness.As she reached the entrance, Alexander's car came into view, parked steadily at the front.After a brief farewell to Alva, she climbed into Alexander's car."What were you and Alva talking about?" Alexander glanced at her with a look of playful curiosity and tenderness in his eyes."I'm not telling you." Phoebe's lips curved in a teasing smile as she shook her head lightly, her tone carrying a trace of mischief, like a child playfully keeping a secret.Alexander chuckled, his smile deepening as he started the car. Before long, the sharp sound of his phone ringing broke the comfortable silence.He reached for it, and upon seeing the caller ID, his hand hesitated. His eyes flickered brief
Night had quietly fallen, enveloping the world in an inky darkness.The only light came from a dim bedside lamp, casting a warm, golden glow over the soft bed.Phoebe seemed trapped in a thick, suffocating swamp of shadows, ensnared by relentless nightmares that left her powerless.Her delicate brows furrowed, a small knot forming between them, while a thin sheen of sweat glistened on her smooth forehead, catching the soft light like tiny stars."No… Don't… Don't leave me…"With a sharp gasp, she jolted awake, her eyes flying open as she gulped down breaths of air.Her chest heaved with panic, the fear in her trembling form instantly rousing Alexander from his slumber beside her."What's wrong?" he murmured, his voice still heavy with sleep.But the moment he saw her pale, ashen face, his grogginess vanished. Without a second thought, he sat up and pulled her into his arms, wrapping her tightly in a protective embrace.His hold was firm yet tender, as if he could shield her from every
Gavin continued, "I've known Phoebe for some time now. I haven't visited you before, but today, I came to discuss our marriage plans.""Marriage?" Anila widened her eyes in surprise."What's going on?" Ryan asked, his face serious. "Phoebe, and what's the deal with Alex?"Anila quickly kicked Ryan, signaling him to stop talking.Gavin, however, spoke first. "Uncle, Phoebe and Alex have been separated for a while now. Phoebe didn't want to mention it out of embarrassment, but in fact, we've been together for quite a while."Ryan and Anila exchanged a look, still too shocked to respond."Phoebe, why didn't you say anything?""Forget it, it's your business, and we can't interfere," Anila said. "But you're not even graduated yet. Getting married this soon... that's not going to work.""Aunt, I've thought about that too. But the thing is, Phoebe is pregnant with my child. That's why I've decided we should get married now."Ryan and Anila were stunned into silence by this unexpected revelat
It was finally Saturday.Phoebe stepped out of the car, her eyes fixed on the house not far away, her steps faltering."Gavin, I'm so nervous." She looked up at Gavin, her palms clammy with cold sweat.Gavin gently enveloped her small hand in his warm, firm grip. His magnetic voice was calm and soothing as he whispered beside her, "Don't be nervous. You're carrying a baby; you can't let your emotions get too intense, okay?""But I don't dare go in." Phoebe lowered her head again, her voice barely above a whisper. She was truly afraid.Now that the moment to face her parents had arrived, she felt completely unprepared. Her mind was a jumble of uncertainty. What would they think once she told them about the baby? How would they react? She couldn't imagine how her usually obedient self would explain becoming an unwed mother."I don't even know how to begin. My mind is all over the place right now.""I'll explain everything. You just sit there and listen. I'll handle it.""Really?"Gavin
Time flew by like a fleeting shadow, and before Phoebe knew it, the seasons had changed once again.Winter had arrived quietly, though it wasn't particularly cold this year. Dressed in a simple coat with a thick, cozy scarf wrapped around her neck, Phoebe strolled leisurely down the road on her way home from the office.Her stomach had a slight swell—so subtle that it would be easy for others to miss unless they looked closely.Three months ago, with a heart full of trepidation and resolve, she had lain on the operating table, ready to endure the cold instruments and terminate the life growing inside her. But the doctor's words had struck her like a thunderclap, shattering her resolve.Due to a previous miscarriage, her uterine lining was now dangerously thin. Another abortion would greatly diminish her chances of conceiving in the future.The doctor's tone was calm, seemingly indifferent to her decision, but those words unleashed a storm within Phoebe.Fear surged like a tidal wave,
Hearing his words, Phoebe's anger was instantly replaced by sheer astonishment.She stared at Alexander, searching his eyes for any sign of deception. Yet no matter how long she scrutinized him, she couldn't detect a single crack in his truth.Hermosa? Isn't she supposed to be dead?How could she believe that Hermosa was alive—and perfectly fine?Impossible.Suddenly, it all felt like some absurd, elaborate farce where she was nothing more than a pitiful fool.Phoebe glanced at Hermosa again. This time, she noticed subtle differences between her and Melissa. Despite their identical appearance, there was something distinct about Hermosa—the quiet dignity in her eyes, the sharp, cold aura woven into her very presence. Her voice, unlike Melissa's gentle softness, carried a distant chill.Then, like a bolt of lightning striking her mind, the truth hit Phoebe with terrifying clarity.Hermosa. The very woman Alexander had loved and longed for with every fiber of his being.In an instant, al
Three months later, Phoebe's life had returned to its usual routine. She went to class in the mornings and worked at the company in the afternoons and evenings. Her life was calm, filled with purpose every day. Her parents had returned last month, and seeing them in good health brought her a sense of relief.Her heart finally settled.At home, the place no longer felt cold and empty. With her parents around, everything seemed warmer.It was the weekend, and she decided to go to the hospital by herself. After registering, she was waiting in line when she suddenly felt thirsty and decided to step out to buy a bottle of water.When she returned, she ran into the man she never wanted to see again.She stood frozen, locking eyes with him.In that moment, time seemed to freeze.Both of them were caught off guard.But neither of them showed any expression.It had been three months since the dinner party. She hadn't seen him since, and never expected to run into him here today.Neither of the
Gavin was equally shocked, unable to articulate the feeling swirling in his chest. She was carrying Alexander's child. No man would ever want his woman to bear another man's child.Phoebe came out of the bathroom, her pale and delicate hand tightly gripping the pregnancy test stick. The two prominent red lines made it unmistakably clear—she was pregnant.But Phoebe's emotions were a confusing mix.Why didn't she feel the happiness she had imagined? Instead, the reality of it felt like a heavy burden.Her fingers instinctively pressed against her flat stomach, and a wave of emotion hit her. This pregnancy couldn't have come at a worse time.Alexander was despicable. Even after abandoning her, he wouldn't let her live in peace. He had to leave her with a bond between them—this child.Gavin watched her lost expression, and without a word, he knew what had happened. He felt a heaviness in his chest.He didn't know what to say.More importantly, he didn't know how she planned to handle thi
Gavin parked the car by the side of the road and turned to glance at Phoebe. She was sound asleep, her head resting against the car window.Her delicate white face, long curled lashes, and rosy lips made her look like a crystal doll.She was beautiful, stunning enough to make his heart race. Gavin leaned closer and softly pressed his lips against her pale ones.It was a deep kiss.Perhaps his movement disturbed Phoebe, as she slowly opened her eyes and found herself face-to-face with his handsome features.Her eyes widened, realizing he was kissing her.Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn't push him away. Instead, she pretended to close her eyes again.Gavin kissed her lips once more, but this time, he didn't deepen it. A light, loving kiss was enough to leave him satisfied.He pulled away and smiled at her, noticing her trembling eyelashes."Awake?"His voice was low and seductive, and Phoebe awkwardly opened her eyes."I'm going back now. Be careful on your way.""Mm." Gavin s
After sending Hermosa back, Alexander quickly drove to the dinner party. By the time he arrived, Phoebe was already gone.He wasn't truly indifferent, or cold-hearted. Perhaps, it was just that with Hermosa by his side, he didn't want her to misinterpret the situation.When he learned that someone had intervened on Phoebe's behalf, he still felt somewhat down. He pinched the bridge of his nose, thinking, Her heart must have shattered again after that encounter.What was wrong with him? Why did that woman manage to frustrate him so?Phoebe made up an excuse and got off the car midway, wandering the streets alone. Her phone rang for a while before she finally answered."Hello.""Has the dinner ended?" Gavin's deep voice came through.Phoebe responded, her tone more numb than emotional. "It's over.""I left early," she added."Where are you? I'll come pick you up."She glanced at the street signs nearby, naming the street for him."Wait there. I'll be right there."In just a moment, a he
"Phoebe! Are you trying to scare me to death? Why did you run off without a word? I've been searching everywhere! I thought something happened to you!" Kimberley spotted Phoebe from afar and started scolding her."..."When Phoebe didn't respond, Kimberley shook her stiff, icy body.The motion was too sudden. Phoebe raised her head, her eyes filled with a pitiful sadness that tugged at Kimberley's heart."Phoebe, what's wrong? You were fine just a minute ago. Why are you crying now? Did some jerk do something to you?"Phoebe tilted her head back, determined to keep her tears from falling."I'm fine. My eyes are just a bit uncomfortable.""Uncomfortable?" Kimberley frowned. Like hell I believe that. Her instincts as a woman told her something had definitely happened."Are you sure you're okay? If not, let's just head back. I'll stay for another half hour and then leave too.""I'm fine. Let's go back inside." Phoebe sniffled and forced a smile."Really?""Really."***Back at the banque