Morning sunlight filtered gently through the gaps in the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Phoebe stirred awake, instinctively reaching out to her side, only to be startled by the absence of Laura, who should have been there. Her eyes snapped open, and to her shock, the first thing she saw was Gavin.
In that instant, the terrifying memories of the previous night surged back like a tidal wave, gripping her heart with fear. She recoiled instinctively, her gaze filled with wariness and terror, locking directly onto Gavin's.
For a moment, Gavin's expression froze. The guarded and frightened look in Phoebe's eyes pierced him deeply, leaving a searing pain in his chest he couldn't ignore.
"You're awake?" His voice, magnetic as ever, carried an uncharacteristic softness, tinged with concern that he didn't bother to hide.
"What do you want?" Phoebe's voice trembled, her fear evident.
"Did I scare you last night? I... I'm truly sorry.
Inside the slowly moving car, the atmosphere was subtly tense. Gavin focused intently on the steering wheel, driving steadily, while Phoebe sat in the passenger seat, her heart consumed by a growing sense of urgency.Throughout the ride, she bit her lip several times, hesitating to speak. Her mind was fixated on asking about Alexander's whereabouts.After all, Gavin had confidently assured her earlier that he had found Alexander. Yet, so much time had passed, and he hadn't said a word about it, as if his promise had been entirely forgotten.Phoebe grew increasingly restless, worry gnawing at her. Was he lying to her? Had he merely used this as a ploy to coax her into the car?The thought stoked the flames of anger within her, and her face flushed red with frustration. Unable to suppress her emotions any longer, she burst out."Are you going to tell me or not?" Phoebe raised her voice, her tone a mix of urgency and indignation. She fixed her gaze on
The next day, Phoebe arrived at the agreed location on time, following Gavin's instructions from the day before. She had assumed they would head straight to the evening banquet, but what greeted her instead was a high-end fashion studio."Why are we here?" Phoebe asked suspiciously, standing at the entrance without any intention of stepping inside.Her eyes stayed fixed on Gavin, trying to discern his intentions from his expression."As my companion for the evening, you'll need to be appropriately dressed," Gavin replied with an air of calm confidence. After a brief pause, a faint smile tugged at his lips."Phoebe, do you think showing up in your current attire would be appropriate for such a formal occasion?" His gaze swept over her outfit, making his point clear.Phoebe instinctively glanced down at her casual student clothes, then turned to her reflection in the glass panel on the wall.She couldn't deny that her outfit was utterly unsuit
There was an inherent wicked charm and untamed energy about Gavin.As he approached step by step, Phoebe's heart inexplicably began to race.Feeling flustered, she lowered her head.She couldn't deny the man before her possessed an extraordinary allure, both in looks and demeanor. His every move exuded an irresistible charisma.Yet, Phoebe's heart was already filled with someone else, leaving no room for anyone else."Let's go,"Gavin said, his arm slightly bent in an elegant gesture, inviting Phoebe to take it.Phoebe frowned slightly, her heart filled with hesitation and conflict.After a brief pause, she gingerly extended her delicate arm and looped it through his. Wearing these high heels felt like walking on clouds—unsteady and precarious.Clinging to his arm seemed the most practical choice.Still, Phoebe couldn't help but wonder if he had done this on purpose.He knew she rarely wore heels
As night fell, a grand and luxurious banquet unfolded within a palatial villa. The interior was brilliantly lit, filled with the mingling of elegant figures and murmurs of distinguished guests from all walks of life.A sleek black car glided smoothly through the gates of the villa, coming to a halt under the respectful gaze of the waiting servants.The car door opened, revealing Gavin's tall and commanding figure. His steps were steady as he exited the vehicle and circled around to the other side, where he gracefully opened the door for Phoebe with a gentlemanly gesture.Phoebe stepped out lightly, her movements poised and graceful. She naturally linked her arm with Gavin's, but beneath her composed demeanor, her heart raced uncontrollably. A subtle wave of nervousness spread through her body, impossible to suppress.Her eyes darted anxiously through the crowd, searching for the tall figure that haunted her thoughts. Yet after a few moments, a faint glimmer of disappointment crossed h
Alexander entered the grand banquet hall with his date in tow, commanding attention like a storm disturbing a calm lake. In an instant, the event's serene atmosphere was shattered, and a wave of whispers and speculation rippled through the crowd. His presence, as a figure of such significance, was akin to dropping a bombshell amidst the gathering of elites and dignitaries—impossible to ignore."Mr. Davis, welcome! We are honored by your presence," greeted a slightly overweight middle-aged man who rushed forward, his face plastered with an ingratiating smile. Bowing and scraping, he resembled a sycophantic lapdog, eager to curry favor with the powerful Alexander. Not long after, several others followed suit, surrounding Alexander in a small circle of flattery and eager conversation.Alexander's expression remained indifferent, his features as unreadable as the surface of a tranquil lake. He responded with a curt "Hmm," giving no clue to his inner thoughts or emotions."Is this your new
"Alex, what are you looking at so intently?" Samantha's voice was sweet and coquettish, her eyes shimmering as she playfully asked the question.Her tone carried the intimacy of lovers oblivious to their surroundings.A fleeting, complex emotion crossed Alexander's deep eyes—like a shooting star in the night sky, gone in an instant. His thin lips pressed into a stern line, ignoring Samantha's question entirely. He continued to gaze silently in one direction, his expression inscrutable.The faint smile on Phoebe's lips froze, transforming into something stiff and bitter. It was as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over her, chilling her to the bone.Every inch of her body felt the cold seeping in, numbing her.Why was he acting this way? Had he not seen her? Why did his gaze treat her like a stranger—so indifferent, as though they had never shared a connection?It was as if everything between them had been a fleeting dream, now completely erased.Was it because of her impulsive
Samantha's lips curled downward slightly, her eyes brimming with disdain and contempt. She cast a sidelong glance at Phoebe, sprawled on the floor, and let out a derisive snort."Look at you," she sneered. "Absolutely shameless. Exposing yourself like this and not even trying to cover up. Do you even know what dignity means? All this just to grab attention and fame—how utterly despicable. You'd stoop to any low, even desecrating an occasion as solemn as this with your vulgar antics. Absolutely disgraceful."Her gaze flicked momentarily to Alexander standing nearby.Noticing that his eyes, like those of the other men in the room, were locked on Phoebe, a pang of jealousy surged through her.In a coquettish tone, she said, "Alex, you wouldn't be interested in a woman this desperate, would you?"Samantha hadn't even noticed Phoebe until the sound of her fall drew her attention.But the moment her eyes landed on Phoebe's breathtakingly beautiful face, a spark of envy ignited within her, s
The departure of the two caused a stir at the banquet.People whispered among themselves, but the minor episode didn't seem to dampen the festive atmosphere. Laughter and chatter resumed as if nothing had happened.Alexander squinted slightly, his icy gaze fixed on the backs of the departing figures. His handsome face was frosted with cold fury.Damn that woman. She would rather expose herself than look back at him even once. She must be waiting for Gavin.So, this was why she was so desperate to leave him—she wanted to throw herself into Gavin's arms.Damn it. She's already in Gavin's arms so quickly.How long has she been with him? Was it mere moments after he let her go that she ran straight to Gavin?Alexander's fists clenched tightly, his steps heavy as he stormed out, a chilling aura surrounding him."Alex, where are you going?"Samantha called after him anxiously when she saw him leave. They had barely been at
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
Back at the villa, Phoebe barely stepped out of the car before Alexander pinned her against the vehicle. He kissed her like a starved beast—possessive, wild, as if determined to meld her into his very bones.Her mind went blank, her body melting against his as soft, breathy moans escaped her lips. When the lack of air made her lightheaded, she weakly pounded his shoulders. Alexander, lost in her sweetness, merely exhaled into her mouth before reclaiming her lips with bruising force. Frustrated, she raked her nails down his cheek.He hissed and caught her wrist, pressing it to his lips. "Trying to scar me, little fox?""You—bastard!" She gasped for air, but his arms caged her between the car and his chest. His darkened gaze burned into her as his thumb traced her flushed cheek. "The day you stole my heart, you should've known there'd be no escape."His palm slid down her throat, and she shuddered. "It's broad daylight… don't you dare—""I'll make it good for you." He smirked, tilting h
The bus jostled as it rolled through the intersection. Phoebe stared down at the tips of her shoes, refusing to look up. The cold aura radiating from the man beside her was practically tangible—she didn't need to see his face to know that Alexander's glare could freeze someone to the bone.From a seat behind them came the faint rustle of movement—the ponytailed girl was sneaking glances again. Phoebe dug her nails into her palm and stared at the girl's flushed cheeks, jealousy bubbling up in her throat. "Her eyes are practically glued to you.""My charm's impossible to hide." Alexander suddenly leaned in, his breath hot against her ear."Then why don't you go sit with her?" Phoebe snapped, whipping her head around—only to meet his amused, teasing gaze.Alexander's arm swept around her, pulling her into his chest. His heartbeat thundered beneath the fabric of his suit. "To me, everything that isn't you is just garbage."Before she could respond, a punishing kiss crashed down on her lip