Another day flew by, but Phoebe's mood only grew heavier. She was reluctant to go home and wished she could find a place to hide.Torn inside, she decided to visit the art studio instead, having not taught her students in a while and missing them.Alexander had restricted her freedom, not even allowing her time to teach.Adding to that, she had been to the hospital several times recently, and her job at the bar had only lasted a few days before she stopped going altogether.After spending a few hours in the studio, her spirits lifted considerably.By the time she returned to the villa, it was already ten o'clock at night.She deliberately stayed out late, avoiding the thought of Melissa marrying Alexander, which only made her more anxious about facing Melissa.After taking a shower, she lay in bed, her mind racing with thoughts, feeling exhausted. It took her a long time to finally fall asleep.That night, she had a dream about Melissa and Alexander's wedding. As soon as she appeared
That night.Phoebe didn't return to the villa. Instead, she spent the night with her parents.As she lay in bed, she held her mother, Anila, tightly as she fell asleep...Meanwhile, across the city in New York, on the bustling financial street, Alexander returned to his hotel, exhausted after a long day. He had to handle some important matters at the branch office in person over the past few days.After stepping out of the bathroom, he casually picked up the phone. He dialed several times but only got voicemail.Irritated, he frowned.Phoebe hadn't answered any of his calls. This was the fifth day he had tried to reach her. How could she disregard his words so easily?Alexander narrowed his eyes dangerously. She better pick up his call soon; otherwise, he wouldn't hold back!Growing impatient, he called Rod directly to inquire.He learned that she hadn't even returned home that night!Hanging up, Alexander clenched his fists, the knuckles cracking ominously.Great! She had pushed him t
It all happened so suddenly that Phoebe was momentarily stunned, her eyes wide as she stared at him.Gavin's eyes gleamed with mischief as he took in her expression. This wasn't just a light kiss; he intended to delve deeper into her mouth...Kissing her was an impulsive reaction, driven by the sight of her enticing, ruby-red lips. He hadn't anticipated how soft they would be, transforming his initial peck into a desire to explore her sweetness.Her body stiffened at his touch. She understood perfectly well what he wanted and instinctively tried to push him away.However, his strength was astonishing. Being a solidly built man, no amount of effort on Phoebe's part could dislodge him.She gritted her teeth, refusing to give him an opportunity to invade her further. But then he shamelessly squeezed her chest, and the pain made her cry out, allowing his tongue to slip in."Mm—" she whimpered, utterly incredulous at the violation happening before her. She had thought he was a good person;
She actually said he had never been good to her. Couldn't she see his kindness?"You're hurting me…" Phoebe whimpered, her pale fingers trying to pry his large hand away. When he didn't let go, instead tightening his grip, she stopped struggling, sniffling in frustration."You're going to marry Melissa! Why would you give me hope? You must be doing it on purpose, playing with my feelings, right? Don't you know I'm not as strong as you think? In situations like this, I only feel heartache, not knowing what else to do. You're such a jerk. Don't you know I… I don't want you to marry her. Don't you know I like you?"Her voice broke, each word a mixture of accusation and confession."Damn it, who told you I'm getting married?" He looked down at her, and seeing her tears, his anger softened. Was that why she hadn't been answering his calls? She was angry at him?"Melissa told me herself. You've been lying to me all along—isn't this what you wanted? My heart aches so much. Are you satisfied
"Baby, beg me," his raspy voice whispered in her ear."I don't want to." She turned her head away. Didn't he realize that what should have been sweet words were, in truth, utterly cruel to her?"Don't refuse me." His voice came heavy, almost breathless, laced with a raw edge.His eyes, shrouded in a misty intensity, made her heart tremble. She wished he liked her, not just her body.Seeing her avoid him, Alexander's face hardened."Are you trying to make me angry again? Hmm?""Sir," she said, her tone distant, sucking in a sharp breath.Sir?"Damn it," Alexander spat, teeth clenched. His recently simmered-down anger reignited as he grew more furious. She hadn't even spoken to him yet she was still pouting."What's that supposed to mean?" His voice was frigid."I just wanted to make things clear," she said, her voice steady but her heart heavy. If he only saw her as a plaything, he didn't need to say words that could sway her heart."What do you want to make clear? Hmm?" he asked, eyes
"Melissa, get some rest," Alexander coaxed her gently as he held her, though his mind had drifted to Phoebe.If she hadn't said those irritating words earlier, he wouldn't have left her to come to Melissa."Alex," Melissa murmured, tightening her arms around his waist, her face buried against his solid chest."You're not upset that I told Phoebe about our engagement, are you?""Of course not." Sooner or later, she was bound to find out."Then, when will we get married?"Her question caught him off guard, making him pause. He softened his tone to soothe her. "I've been really busy lately. We'll talk about it later.""Are you...?""Go to sleep!" All he wanted now was for her to fall asleep so he could quickly go and deal with Phoebe.Melissa's face stiffened for a brief second, but soon she obediently nestled herself against him. Listening to her steady breathing, Alexander carefully untangled her arms from his waist and closed the bedroom door quietly behind him.As soon as he left, Me
He'd called her in, leaving her no room for escape. Phoebe took a shaky breath and gently pushed open the door, which swung wide.She entered nervously, keeping her eyes down, feeling the intense chill of his gaze overhead. Sometimes she wondered what she liked about him—aside from his striking looks, nearly everything about him fell outside her tastes, especially his bad temper."Close the door," Alexander commanded coldly, staring at her.What did he want to close the door for in broad daylight?Her mind raced.She had briefly hoped that if he dared treat her roughly, she'd scream for help, giving his employees a real taste of his character, maybe even seizing the opportunity to escape. She hesitated, unwilling to comply.This was his office, after all, not their home; surely he had to maintain some level of decorum.Cursing under his breath, he noted her stubbornness and spoke again, voice colder, "Come here." His tone held an icy edge, a warning that was impossible to ignore.Phoe
"No..." She felt flustered as his playful bite on her ear sent a shiver through her entire body."It's simple—I FUCK you, or you kiss me. Your choice." His tone was intense as he issued the ultimatum.She had been with him enough times, but even so, she seemed reluctant to give even a kiss."You!" she exclaimed, her cheeks turning red as she glared at him in frustration. Why was his mind always on things like this?"I'll give you three seconds to decide. Three, two, one..." His voice was a low, deliberate countdown.Before he finished, Phoebe shyly hooked her arms around his neck, pressing her lips to his. Revengefully, she gave his lower lip a firm bite before slipping her tongue into his mouth.Alexander's body tightened, and without hesitation, his large hand gripped her, deepening the kiss as one hand wandered beneath her shirt."Mmm—"She felt her strength drain away under his touch. Her cheeks were flushed, and her lips were left a bit swollen from his intensity.She felt incred
But then, just as her heart began to sink fully into regret, Alexander's lips curved into a sly smile.His eyes sparkled with amusement as he pulled a few bills from his wallet, handing them to the flower seller."Is this enough?" he asked with casual charm.Alexander typically frequented high-end establishments, paying with credit cards and rarely carrying cash.However, today was different. It was as if he had anticipated the situation, for he had purposely stuffed his wallet with a thick stack of bills, ready to fulfill Phoebe's every small wish during their outing.He didn't want to risk being caught empty-handed at a critical moment and losing his poise."That's enough, that's enough! I only need ten dollars." The little girl's eyes widened in astonishment as she stared at the large bills.She waved her hands repeatedly, clearly overwhelmed by the generous amount."Keep the change," Alexander said with a nonchalant wave of his hand.The girl's cheeks flushed with excitement, her
Dishes were served one after another, and the waiter quietly withdrew, leaving an air of tension that seemed to freeze between the two of them.Phoebe pretended to be engrossed in the food before her, eyes darting away from Alexander's intense gaze, her focus reduced to the sound of her own nervous chewing.Alexander, however, ignored the lavish spread entirely. His elbow rested on the table, one hand propping up his chin, his eyes never leaving her.His gaze felt tangible, a heavy weight pressing down on her.As the food on her plate dwindled, Phoebe could feel the burning heat of his stare more acutely.She tried to steel herself, willing her head to stay down. Yet, an inexplicable pull defied her resolve, and her neck lifted ever so slightly against her better judgment."Why aren't you eating?" she asked softly, desperate to break the suffocating silence."I'm waiting for you." His deep voice carried a lazy, undeniable command, the end of his sentence curling with unspoken intent.
The moment Phoebe heard the man's heartfelt apology, the final barrier within her heart collapsed like a crumbling wall.All her past struggles and inner conflict melted away, as swiftly as snow vanishing under the warmth of spring.She resolved to seize one more chance at love—to follow the unrelenting tide of longing that surged deep within her—and return to Alexander's side.Over the following days, Alexander cared for her with meticulous attention. Under his gentle care, the pain in her ankle gradually faded as if it had never been there. Their time together began to shift, each gesture and glance now imbued with a tenderness and understanding that only lovers shared."Tell me, sweetheart, what would you like to eat?" Alexander asked, leaning slightly toward her. He wrapped her delicate hand in his large, warm grasp and placed it gently against his chest.The fluidity of his motion felt as natural as breathing, as though this intimacy had always been their destiny. His eyes overfl
Oceanic MuseumOn the far side of the city, Laura resembled a bird newly freed from its cage, tasting the sweet air of liberty for the first time.Over the past few days, Wright had held her hand, guiding her through bustling streets and vibrant corners, introducing her to a dazzling array of wonders that left her breathless.For years, she had been like a delicate flower locked away in a secluded chamber, her world confined to four walls.The magnificent, expansive universe beyond had always been an unreachable dream, as fleeting as a reflection in water.Today, however, they stepped into a realm of fantasy — the oceanarium.A kaleidoscope of vibrant marine life spread out before them, painting the scene in hues of wonder. As Laura stood, entranced, her lips gradually curled into a radiant smile.Her laughter, light and melodious, flowed like a spring stream thawing in early warmth."Laura, you're finally smiling at me!" Wright exclaimed, his eyes misting with emotion.His voice, rou
"Where are you going?" he asked, his voice husky and magnetic when he noticed her trying to leave his embrace."I need to use the restroom." Phoebe's voice was quiet as she avoided his gaze. Her heart felt heavy from the tears she had shed moments before. She wanted to wash her face—or more truthfully, she needed a moment alone to gather herself.She pushed herself up, but her legs gave out before she could steady her balance. In an instant, she fell back into his arms."Ah, so greedy for my embrace?" His lips curled into a playful smirk, and a mischievous glint sparked in his eyes. The wicked charm in his tone and demeanor was a stark contrast to his cold and silent self from the night before. It was as if he had become a different man."You... go to hell!" Phoebe's face flushed a deep red, both embarrassed and furious. She shoved him away with all her strength, wobbling as she stood. Her lips twisted into a bitter smile. How could any woman resist a man so handsome, so alluring? she
As she exited the bathroom, she collided with a solid wall of muscle. Covering her face, she looked up. She didn't need to guess who it was."Did I say you could leave?" Alexander's grip on her wrist was firm, almost painfully so. Her eyes turned red, tears threatening to spill."Let go of me! I want to go back." She tried to free her wrist, but his grasp was unrelenting. After a few futile attempts, she stopped struggling."Given up already?" Alexander raised an eyebrow when she stilled."Would it make a difference if I didn't?" Her voice was small, her head bowed."What are you doing?" she asked sharply as he scooped her into his arms."Taking you to eat.""I'm not hungry," she replied stubbornly, though her stomach growled loudly, betraying her."Then you've got energy for other things? Fine, let's continue.""No! I'm hungry. I'll eat!"They ate in silence. Phoebe was famished and ate a lot, not caring about appearances. After being tormented by him for two days, she was physically
In a luxurious hotel room, Phoebe seized a brief moment when Alexander was distracted. She pushed him away with all her strength and rolled off the bed.She tried to run, but her legs gave out after only a few steps. A hand clamped down on her waist from behind, causing her to scream.She flailed her arms and legs in a desperate attempt to fend him off, but it was futile."What are you doing? Let me go! Let me go!"Her body was thrown back onto the bed, and Alexander pinned her down with a force that left her breathless. He restrained her hands above her head, his eyes locked onto her face, which was devoid of any vitality."Damn it,"he muttered under his breath. "You're always like this when you're with me."Alexander's composure snapped. He tore at her clothes with brutal force."What are you doing? Stop it!"Phoebe struggled fiercely, disbelief and fear evident in her voice. She hadn't expected Alexander to bring her her
"Let me go… It hurts…"Phoebe's brows knitted tightly, her voice tinged with sobs.She felt like a lone leaf tossed about by a violent storm, battered mercilessly by the raging winds.Moments earlier, Alva had stood frozen in shock, watching Alexander roughly pin Phoebe against the wall.Her mind went blank for an instant. But when she heard her friend's anguished cry, she snapped back to her senses.Alva rushed forward, flipping on the stairwell light with a sharp "click."The dim yellow glow dispelled some of the darkness. Without hesitation, Alva stormed over and tried with all her strength to pry Alexander's arm off Phoebe."Hey! What do you think you're doing to her?"she demanded, her eyes blazing with anger and suspicion as she glared at Alexander's menacing demeanor. She could tell this man was trouble, and her fury flared."Get lost!"Alexander growled, his voice like the roar of a provoked beast.
Meanwhile, at the square, Phoebe's legs felt weak and powerless, making it nearly impossible to stand no matter how hard she tried.Frantically, she looked around for a taxi, but not a single empty one was in sight. Helpless, she dialed Gavin's number.Before long, Gavin arrived at lightning speed. He quickly got out of the car and carefully helped Phoebe and Alva into the vehicle, then drove them straight to the hospital.At the hospital, after a thorough examination, the doctor concluded it was just a cramp and nothing serious. With some rest and a bit of massage, she would recover fully. Relieved by the news, everyone let out a sigh of relief. Gavin then promptly drove both women back to their doorstep.The car came to a gentle stop by the roadside. Alva, being considerate, got out first, leaving Phoebe and Gavin some privacy.Phoebe lowered her gaze slightly and said softly, "Thank you for helping today and for bringing us back. I really apprec