Laura
"Laura, someone's here to see you."
Lost in thought, Laura felt a gentle nudge from a classmate. She snapped back to reality, blinking in confusion.
"What are you daydreaming about? Didn't you hear me?"
"Huh? Wh-what?"
"Stop spacing out! Someone's waiting for you at the classroom door!"
"Me?" Laura lowered her head, showing no intention of going outside.
"Go already! It's rude to keep them waiting. Or do you want a repeat of last time when they walked into the classroom to confess?" The girl pursed her lips, half-joking.
Laura's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Reluctantly, she stood up, bracing herself to head outside. Her classmate, wearing an expression of envy, muttered under her breath, "I'm so jealous. Every day, you've got handsome guys confessing to you."
Laura's face grew even redder, her steps faltering as she hesitated on what to do.
"Don't just stand there blushing! Don't make him wait too long
The hospital room was unusually quiet, the only sound breaking the stillness was her steady breathing.Alexander stared at the fragile, pale face resting on the hospital bed. His chest felt unbearably heavy, as though a massive stone weighed upon it, making it hard to breathe.She still wouldn't wake up. Perhaps she didn't want to see him. This time, he had gone too far. How could Phoebe ever forgive him?"Don't… don't… my baby… no…" Her faint murmurs interrupted his turbulent thoughts.He glanced at her. She was clearly trapped in a nightmare, her brows furrowed tightly, her sleep restless. Her voice was soft and barely audible, but he heard it nonetheless. Alexander felt his heart clench painfully. He bent down and gently scooped her into his arms. Leaning closer, he noticed her tear-streaked face.She was crying again.The cold trail of her tears stirred something raw within him, making his heart ache deeply, his chest tightening with a pang he couldn't ignore.In her dream, Phoebe
LauraGavin's cold fingers continued their movements, slipping behind her to undo the last piece of fabric shielding her.As her bare skin was fully exposed to his gaze, the chill in the air made Laura's delicate arms instinctively want to wrap around her chest in modesty.However, her arms were pinned, leaving her utterly unable to move.His piercing, icy eyes locked onto her, scrutinizing her flawless, proud form.How many men would be enthralled by this perfection in the future? he wondered.The silky white of her skin stirred something dark within him, awakening the most sinister parts of his soul.Gavin's body grew unusually excited—something that was foreign to him. He had never been a man driven by physical desires. In fact, he had always found such things rather unappealing.Unless it was to fulfill a purely biological need, Gavin avoided women entirely.Even when he did engage, it was limited—hands or mouths only. He never allowed anyone to touch his body, nor did he touch th
Gavin scrubbed her body for what felt like an eternity, as though trying to rid herself of some invisible filth. Especially there. Her emotions were an unnameable tangle as his hands moved over her skin, exploring unabashedly.Shame burned through her. He didn't spare even the parts of her she'd never dared to touch herself. His fingers pressed and kneaded her skin with a rough intensity, as though trying to erase some deep impurity.She wanted to cry but didn't dare.His grip was firm, almost painful, and the heat of his palms seeped into her skin. This strange sensation—it was unlike anything she had ever experienced. Her flesh stung from his coarse touch, but she bit her lip, refusing to voice her discomfort. Only the slight furrow of her brows betrayed her feelings.Before she knew it, he lifted her effortlessly, and she found herself tossed onto a massive bed.The water was gone. So were the harsh hands and the physical sting of pain. Tentatively, she opened her eyes, taking in t
A sharp, twisting pain shot through her lower abdomen! Biting her lip, Laura whimpered, her brows furrowed tightly as she clutched her stomach."It hurts," she murmured.The sound made Gavin freeze abruptly. He lowered his gaze to see Laura curled up on the bed, her face scrunched in discomfort, though he hadn't done anything to her yet.A metallic scent filled the air. Following his gaze downward, he saw crimson streaks flowing down her pale legs, soaking into the dark bedsheets."Damn it!" he roared, his voice laced with irritation as if he'd seen something repulsive.Disgust flickered across his face, his expression growing icy. His sharp eyes gleamed with rage as he kicked her naked body off the bed."Get out!" he snarled, the venom in his voice making her tremble.Laura's body slammed against the cold, hard floor, the impact jarring her. Pain lanced through her limbs as a soft groan of discomfort escaped her lips.She didn't understand what had happened. She only knew she'd been
"I want to be discharged!""I'm sorry, Miss, but without Mr. Davis's permission, we can't process your discharge." The doctor's apologetic tone revealed their predicament. This young woman had already tried to leave the hospital multiple times. Her body had recovered, and she was indeed ready to go. However, without Alexander's orders, they dared not comply."What if I insist on leaving?""Miss, please don't make things difficult for us. If we let you go, all of us could lose our jobs.""Lose your jobs?" She wanted so badly to tell them selfishly that it wasn't her concern. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to say it. With a bitter smile, she realized Alexander had indeed found her weakness. He knew she would never want to jeopardize others' livelihoods.Exhausted, she returned to her hospital room and collapsed onto the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Did she not even have the freedom to leave the hospital? All she wanted was to go home. Did he have to take even that small freedom
The night wind swept through, rustling the leaves outside the window. The cold air crept into the hospital room, making her shiver uncontrollably. Yet the chill that gripped her wasn't from the dropping temperature—it came from his icy voice.Alexander's heart ached as he watched her trembling. He knew he shouldn't have lashed out, but he couldn't help it—he was furious. He couldn't control his emotions. She had lost weight again over the past few days. Her already slender frame now looked so fragile that it pained him deeply.He took off his coat and stepped forward to wrap it around her. But she flinched away as if his kindness were a plague she had to escape. His arm froze mid-air, but then he moved closer again, determined to cover her with the coat whether she wanted it or not.This time, his familiar dominance returned. Even if she resisted, he wouldn't back down."I don't need your fake concern!" she snapped, her voice laced with frustration as she waved her arms, trying to bre
NightfallPhoebe's clothing had been entirely removed, her petite figure revealed in Alexander's deep, dark gaze.Her fair, smooth skin and shapely legs presented an irresistible temptation for him.Unable to suppress his desire any longer, he worshipped her, kissing every inch of her skin, every curve of her body.The next moment, his restraint snapped, and he could no longer hold back his longing to claim her.He breathed heavily, and as soon as his lips touched her softness, he was consumed by an almost magical spell.He kissed her deeply, tasting her as though he could absorb her essence entirely.How long had it been since he last had her?Her scent, her touch—they drove him mad, pulling him into a whirlpool of uncontrollable desire.He was truly bewitched, utterly addicted to her."Phoebe…" he murmured, unable to stop himself.It was the most heartfelt whisper of a lover.The soft, sweet feel of her beneath him made his proud self-control crumble completely.Like a man under a s
"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
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
The banquet hall sparkled with champagne, fine wine, and dazzling lights, creating a scene of vibrant festivity.When Phoebe and Kimberley entered, they immediately turned heads, causing quite a stir. The gazes of the men at the party, bold with greed and unrestrained desire, fell upon them with blatant admiration.Kimberley remained poised and confident, clearly experienced in handling such grand occasions. In contrast, Phoebe's palms were clammy with nervous sweat. The traumatic memories from her past still haunted her, and it had taken a tremendous amount of courage to convince herself to accompany her director tonight.Their objective was straightforward: to promote their company and capture the attention of elite socialites, celebrities, and influential figures. Their striking entrance was meticulously planned to achieve maximum impact.In the car on the way over, Kimberley had advised Phoebe, "If you can't drink, just say you're unwell or make up any excuse, but don't accept dri
At five in the afternoon, Phoebe accompanied Kimberley, the design director, to the event.Being part of the design department, they were meticulous about their attire.Not only did they need to be fashionable and stunning, but their outfits also had to be creative and unique.Donning the latest exquisitely designed gowns, they headed to an elite styling studio.The stylists worked their magic, crafting flawless makeup and elegant hairstyles. Paired with chic jewelry specifically prepared by the company, the two of them stepped out looking radiant, exuding a charm that rivaled international superstars.The perfect blend of sophistication and elegance, Phoebe, in particular, dazzled. With her natural beauty, even a touch of makeup transformed her into a breathtaking vision.The moment she emerged, she captivated everyone's gaze. There was a collective pause, eyes wide with admiration, as if time itself had stopped.Kimberley, a strikin
Phoebe answered the phone, and Gavin's deep voice came through, "Where are you?""I don't know," Phoebe murmured, glancing around. "I'm not sure where I am.""Are you lost?""Seems like it," Phoebe nodded, suddenly realizing she had no idea where she had wandered to."What buildings are around you?""There's a French restaurant.""What's it called?"Phoebe looked up and said, "Jesse.""Alright, don't move. I'll come to you.""Actually, I can just take a cab back," Phoebe said, feeling a little guilty for always bothering Gavin."Wait there," Gavin cut her off before she could say anything more and hung up the phone.Phoebe sat down at a nearby spot, waiting for him. The wind blew her long hair, and the moonlight illuminated her beautiful face. As she looked at the empty surroundings, she suddenly felt very lonely.Maybe it was seeing other people's happiness that stirred her emotions. She felt a mix
Gavin's car was already parked there. Phoebe got in, "Why did you come over at noon?""Not much going on today, so I thought I'd take you to the office.""Gavin, you don't have to pick me up, I can go by myself.""I'm just passing time. Have you eaten?" Gavin smiled faintly."I've eaten." Actually, she hadn't. She just didn't want to be too clingy with him. It seemed like every time she was hurt, he was the one by her side.He glanced at her, a faint smile curving on his lips, "I haven't eaten. Come have lunch with me."She followed him to an upscale French restaurant. Gavin ordered a lot of food, but he never touched any of it, just watching her eat.He always looked at her like this, and she felt embarrassed to eat. She was supposed to be eating with him, but since he didn't touch his food, she ended up eating most of it.Phoebe couldn't help it anymore and looked up, "Why aren't you eating? Didn't you say you hadn't eaten?"