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
This kiss wasn't forceful or rushed; it was filled with deep affection."Mmm!" She mindlessly responded to his tender touch, unsure of her own feelings—embarrassed yet secretly thrilled.Her body trembled involuntarily, craving something more from him, though she couldn't believe she'd even think such shameful thoughts.Phoebe felt conflicted, embarrassed to desire anything more."Sweetheart, how can you be so sweet?" Alexander murmured, entranced, alternating between kissing her lips and gently nibbling at them.At first, she tried to resist, but soon he had her utterly breathless, her mind spinning into a dizzy blur.She gasped for air, thinking, Is anyone else this affected by a kiss? She was sure she might drown in this passion.Finally, as she rested in his arms, catching her breath, she managed to say, "I...I think I need to go." She didn't dare stay any longer. He was overwhelming her."But I haven't eaten yet," he replied, casually slipping his hand along her back, unclasping
Why wasn't he answering her?She was so desperate to know the answer. What was he thinking?"Um..." she hesitated before softly asking, "What would you do if I were pregnant?"He paused, narrowing his eyes as he scrutinized every expression on her face. Her reaction made him doubt, "Are you pregnant?"His voice was cold, and her heart sank.She felt so foolish, didn't she?"Tell me, are you pregnant?" He tilted her chin up, gazing at her with an icy intensity that held no warmth.Her heart ached; it hurt so much. This child was indeed unwanted.She wanted to strike him fiercely. If he didn't want her to have a baby, why did he give her this chance?Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to sound casual. "No." But her voice betrayed a hint of sadness, and fearing he wouldn't believe her, she continued to explain, "I was just asking casually... I've been taking birth control pills..."This seemed to remind him. He had never made her take birth control pills.With so many women, he alw
Phoebe woke up after three hours of sleep.Habitually, she reached out to feel the space beside her—cold and empty.Opening her eyes, she turned to the side, and his voice echoed in her mind. Her face instantly paled, and she fought back tears, telling herself not to cry.Beneath the sheets, she lay bare, curling into a small ball, staring blankly at the unfamiliar surroundings. Her memories only went as far as the office—had he carried her here?She didn't know where she was, but she felt safe. The décor was distinctly Alexander's, and the sheets still carried his scent.Taking a deep breath, she inhaled his familiar fragrance, then closed her eyes again, a single crystal tear escaping from the corner of her eye.His cold tone replayed in her mind, stirring a wave of pain in her heart. And Melissa—if it were her, he certainly wouldn't act this way.Did he truly not care for her at all?But what could she do? She liked him so much—his good side, his bad side, his domineering nature, a
As they stepped into the grand banquet hall, a sea of elegantly dressed guests filled the space—powerful elites from various industries, all mingling and exchanging pleasantries.The moment Phoebe entered, she felt countless gazes land on her. Instinctively, she shrank back slightly, tightening her grip around Alexander's arm.Alexander's expression remained cold and unreadable as his sharp eyes swept across the room, catching the way certain men eyed Phoebe with curiosity. Without a word, he subtly withdrew his arm from hers, only to move behind her and slide an arm around her waist—a gesture both possessive and intimate.Phoebe let him lead her through the crowd, their presence drawing attention wherever they passed.She had always found these social events tedious, despising the superficial interactions and empty flattery. But tonight, she was surprised to realize that she no longer minded. With Alexander by her side, his promise still ling
Inside the car, the atmosphere was suffocating.Phoebe sat sideways in the passenger seat, her vacant eyes staring out the window. Yet, her mind was far from the passing scenery. Alexander's cold gaze and piercing words haunted her, swirling through her thoughts like ghosts refusing to fade.Alexander gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning slightly white from the pressure. Though his eyes remained fixed on the road ahead, his mind was elsewhere. Phoebe's earlier words were like a sharp thorn lodged deep in his heart—every time he recalled them, a stabbing pain followed.A heavy silence engulfed them. No words were exchanged, no glances met—only the low rumble of the engine and the whooshing wind outside filled the void.Before long, they arrived at the hotel where the banquet was being held.Alexander glanced sideways and uttered two cold words: "Get out."Phoebe slowly turned her head, her eyes filled with grie
Phoebe was still lost in the dizzying heat of the kiss, her mind blank, unable to fully recover from the intoxicating sensation.Without warning, Alexander scooped her up once more, striding purposefully toward the private lounge attached to his office.The heavy door shut behind them with a muffled thud. Alexander carried her straight to the large, plush bed, leaning down slightly as he gently placed her onto the soft mattress.Phoebe's body sank into the luxurious bedding, her eyes widening in alarm as she looked up at him. "What… what are you doing?""I want you." His voice was deep and husky, laced with raw desire."No, you can't." Phoebe's breath came in uneven pants. Her emotions were in turmoil—fear and confusion tangled together, yet at the same time, her body betrayed her, reacting instinctively to his closeness. This only unsettled her more."Can't?" Alexander's lips curled into a faint smirk, his gaze dark and unreadable. Slowly, his eyes drifted downward, lingering at her
Phoebe stood in the secluded corner, her hands trembling slightly as they reached for the buttons of her blouse. Her gaze remained locked on Alexander's back, not daring to blink. Only after watching him remain completely still for a long while did she finally exhale softly and lower her head to begin changing.When she opened the gift box and saw the delicate black lingerie inside, she froze.Lifting the sheer fabric between her fingers, she muttered under her breath, "This is lingerie?"The material was nearly transparent—she could already imagine how revealing it would be once worn. For a moment, she weighed her options: should she stick with her own undergarments, or wear this?Her eyes drifted back to the black evening gown. Its design was exquisite and unique, seemingly crafted to pair perfectly with the lingerie, enhancing its elegance with a touch of allure.Biting her lower lip, Phoebe struggled internally before finally giving in. Slowly, she unhooked her own lingerie, her m
Phoebe dragged her exhausted body home, moving quietly to avoid disturbing her family. She didn't turn on the lights but relied on her familiarity with the house to navigate her way carefully to the bedroom in the dark.Stepping inside, she saw her children sleeping soundly in bed. Her heart instantly softened, overflowing with warmth as she unconsciously sat down beside them."Kids, Mommy saw your daddy today," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Reaching out, she gently brushed her fingers over their cheeks, her touch unbearably tender. A soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips.That night, Phoebe slept more peacefully than she had in a long time.In her dreams, she saw the bright, happy faces of her children, playing and laughing together. She saw herself joining in, their joyous laughter filling the air. And Alexander… he was there too. The four of them stood in a beautiful garden, basking in the warm sunlight. It was a dream so wonderful, so perfect, that she wis
On most afternoons, as soon as lunch was over, Phoebe would return to her desk without delay, diving right back into work. But today, she was different. Instead of heading straight back, she wandered aimlessly around the company's surroundings, unwilling to return. It wasn't until 2:30 PM that she finally, and reluctantly, made her way back to the office.As she walked, her mind kept replaying the moment she had shaken off Alexander's grip earlier. His darkened expression told her everything—he was furious. She was almost certain he would take his revenge in the afternoon, assigning her a slew of unreasonable tasks just to make things difficult for her. With this uneasy thought lingering in her mind, Phoebe stepped into the office.Strangely enough, the entire afternoon passed without any sign of Alexander. It was as if he had vanished into thin air. There were no assignments, no sudden calls to his office—nothing.Sitting at her desk, Phoebe felt restless. Every now and then, she gla
Phoebe covered her lips, tears streaming down her face as she ran toward the restroom. She kept her head low, afraid of letting anyone see her in such a disheveled state. Once inside, she hurried into a stall, locked the door tightly, and slowly crouched down, wrapping her arms around her knees as she broke into uncontrollable sobs.Her cries echoed within the small cubicle, filled with sorrow and despair, as if trying to release all the grievances she had suppressed over the years. She cried for what felt like an eternity until her eyes were so swollen she could barely keep them open.Standing up shakily, Phoebe walked to the mirror and stared at her reflection—her puffy, distorted eyes a stark reminder of her breakdown. She turned on the faucet, cupped her hands under the icy water, and splashed it onto her face repeatedly. The coldness stung her skin, but it also helped her regain a bit of clarity. Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself and made a firm decision in her heart.Ba
Upon reaching it, he freed one hand and, with a swift motion, swept everything off the surface.A loud crash echoed through the office as papers, stationery, and files scattered across the floor.The next second, Alexander carefully laid Phoebe down on the now-empty desk. She instinctively tried to sit up and escape, but before she could make a move, his towering frame loomed over her, pinning her beneath him.Phoebe's hands immediately pushed against him, her voice trembling with near desperation. "No, don't."But Alexander was far too strong. In an instant, he seized her wrists and forced them above her head, rendering her completely immobile."Isn't this the reason you came back?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.Phoebe's eyes welled up with tears. "I didn't… The public records never indicated you were the owner of this company. If I had known, I—"Before she could finish her sentence, Alexander abruptly leaned down, capturing her lips in a fierce, stormy kiss that swallowed her wor
Phoebe's fingers hovered over the cold doorknob for a second, her knuckles whitening. She drew a sharp breath and pushed open the heavy black door.The CEO's office was more expansive than she had imagined. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the glittering cityscape beyond, while at the center of the room, a large black executive chair sat with its high back turned toward her—tall enough to nearly obscure the figure seated in it."Sir, I'm the new secretary, Phoebe Garcia." Her voice cut through the silence, so clear she could hear the faint tremor in her own words.No response.The chair rotated slowly, and Phoebe's gaze traveled upward—over polished leather shoes, long legs, an immaculately tailored suit—until it landed on that face.Alexander Knight.Her breath hitched. Her pupils constricted. It was as if every drop of blood in her veins had frozen solid.Thud. The cardboard box in her arms crashed to the floor, the small potted succulent inside shattering, soil streaking her skirt.