Phoebe glanced at Alexander, confused about what he was trying to achieve.She wanted to ask but didn't dare to, so she turned and followed the stylist into the dressing room.Makeup, hair, clothes, accessories... from head to toe, inside and out, the stylist meticulously handled everything.She stayed inside for a full three hours before the makeup artist finally finished.Phoebe looked in the mirror, stunned by her reflection. Even she couldn't believe how breathtaking she appeared.She recalled a similar moment three years ago when she had been amazed at her own transformation. But the emotions she felt then were completely different from now."You look perfect! You're like a goddess," the stylist praised, clearly pleased with their work. Every little detail was flawless, leaving no room for criticism.Phoebe's cheeks flushed with a hint of shyness. Would Alexander like her like this?Satisfied, the stylist pushed her out of the dressing room."Sir, she's ready. What do you think?"
On a dreamy summer night, a luxurious cruise dinner is held at Valleybrook.In the banquet hall, lights glitter and wine flows, creating an atmosphere of opulence.The entire event is a dazzling display of grandeur, filled with guests from esteemed families, business magnates, and politicians. They raise their glasses and engage in lively conversation, creating a bustling scene.Phoebe lowers her gaze, mechanically linking her arm with Alexander's as they step into the dinner hall.The crystal chandeliers reflect her slender figure. Her long gown trails behind her, requiring her to gently lift it with her fingers, which only adds to her elegance and charm.Yet with each step she takes, her heart tightens. Her palms are slick with nervous sweat, for this is a place she had visited three years ago.Entering again fills her with an unsettling dread, as memories of that night flood back.Phoebe glances at him with suspicion, her long fingers gripping his arm tightly.Why did he bring her
In the corner, Phoebe watched Alexander chatting intimately with another woman, feeling a pang of discomfort.She wanted to leave but hesitated to do so.Turning away dejectedly, she tried to avoid looking at them, perhaps subconsciously trying to escape something. But in that moment, she unexpectedly bumped into someone."I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to..." she hurriedly apologized."Phoebe..."Her heart skipped a beat as she raised her eyes to meet a pair of melancholic blue ones.Curitis... he was here too, which took her by surprise."Professor... you're here too..." Phoebe managed to force a smile, recalling how she had slapped him earlier that day and the harsh words she had spoken. She suddenly felt a bit overwhelmed."Phoebe... you look beautiful tonight.""Thank you. I...""Phoebe, how do you know him?" Curitis asked, noticing her instinctively glance towards Alexander.Anger flashed in his eyes as he tightly grasped her slender arm.His sudden movement attracted the attention
A bitter smile flickered at the corners of Phoebe's mouth, her eyes dimming in response."What's the matter? Is your lover gone, and now your heart aches?" Alexander growled, annoyance lacing his voice. He yanked Phoebe's slender frame closer, gripping her wrist tightly enough to almost break it, clearly indicating her distress."Behave yourself… and stop with that annoying expression. Smile for me… got it?"Did the icy glint in his eyes hurt her?Smile? He wanted her to smile?The tense atmosphere was interrupted by a loud voice."Alex, long time no see…" A man in his late forties approached, a renowned arms dealer."Monroe. What a pleasure…" Alexander replied with a light laugh, narrowing his eyes as he lifted his wine glass in greeting."Cheers.""It's my honor… Hahaha…" Monroe laughed boisterously and downed his drink. "Alex, are you interested in discussing a business deal?""Of course…" This was exactly what Alexander wanted."And who is this lovely lady?" Monroe asked, his gree
Under the dim, suggestive lights of the banquet hall, many people swayed to the music on the dance floor, their graceful movements harmonizing with the soft melodies.Phoebe had no interest in watching. She was tense and restless, awkwardly dodging the unwanted advances of the middle-aged man beside her. Alexander's indifference only emboldened him further.She shot desperate glances at Alexander, but he merely observed coldly.In that moment, she fully understood his callousness. In this evening's affair, she was nothing more than his bargaining chip.By bringing her here dressed so provocatively, he intended for her to attract the attention of these men…Her heart was a whirlwind of emotions.As Phoebe pondered this, Monroe's hand slid from her waist to her prominent chest, his alcohol-laden breath growing closer to her cheek."Smack!" The sound cut through the laughter, drawing everyone's attention.Monroe's face bore the unmistakable marks of five fingers, his expression twisted,
Three years ago, in this very place, she had been forced to sell her body to a mysterious man for money.Now, three years later, here she was again, being handed over to another man by him—just for the sake of his business."No, let me go, let me out!" She struggled fiercely. Even if she were to die, she wouldn't let him touch her.Smack—Another harsh slap landed across her face.Her clothes were already disheveled from his rough handling...As he was about to press down on her, Phoebe, gathering strength from somewhere deep within, kicked him hard in the abdomen."Aaah!" A shriek of pain filled the room. Monroe clutched his injured lower body, and in a fit of rage, threw a punch at Phoebe, knocking her into the wall."You bitch, you want to die?"Phoebe felt blood rise in her throat, but she swallowed it down, wiping nothing away. Despite the pain, she crawled to her feet, desperately searching for the door.But Monroe was faster. He blocked her path and violently ripped her dress.
Phoebe woke up with a start, her heart racing from a terrifying nightmare.Opening her eyes, the sharp smell of disinfectant filled her nose.She coughed lightly and tried to move, but the pain shooting through her body reminded her that last night's nightmare had been all too real."Miss, you're awake?" A nurse approached with a smile. "Are you feeling any discomfort?"Phoebe shook her head, her gaze quickly scanning the room, searching for Curitis. Panic gripped her as she realized he wasn't there. Her chest tightened as she anxiously asked, "What happened to the man who came with me last night?""The man who came with you?" The nurse looked confused."He... he was shot..." Phoebe briefly explained, her eyes filled with worry."Well..." the nurse hesitated. "I wasn't on duty last night. Let me check with the others and find out.""Thank you..." Phoebe replied politely, though her heart was pounding. She watched nervously as the nurse left, then returned a few minutes later."There w
Three days later."Curitis...""Why are you crying?" Curitis sat up, his gaze full of affection as he looked at her. Was she crying for him? Although he didn't want her to feel sad on his behalf, his heart still swelled with joy.Phoebe shook her head, choking on her sobs."I'm so sorry. It's all my fault that you got hurt. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have..." She really was sorry."Silly girl, how is this your fault?" This was something he had willingly chosen."...Waaa..." she sobbed.Curitis chuckled lightly and affectionately pinched her nose. Then, in his slightly accented and not-so-fluent English, he softly coaxed her."Don't cry. See? I'm fine, aren't I?"His words only made Phoebe feel even more guilty."Alright, no more tears. Do you hear me? I chose to do all of this. Even if it meant dying for you, I would gladly do it." His voice was firm, his eyes full of deep emotion.Phoebe was stunned. She shook her head. "I'm not worth you doing all this...""Phoebe, you're in
As soon as the words left her mouth, Phoebe's tears began to fall uncontrollably.It wasn't true—not what she had said. She didn't want him to die. Even if she couldn't forgive him, she would never wish for his death.“Fine. As you wish,” Alexander said coldly, letting go of her.He stood up and walked toward the door. But after just a few steps, his tall, solid frame collapsed to the floor.Curled up on the ground, Phoebe instinctively raised her head at the sound. A flash of white light surged through her mind, and in the next second, she was scrambling toward him in a panic, sobbing.Kneeling by his side, she shook his body desperately. Her tear-streaked face was unrecognizable.“Alexander, wake up! Please, wake up! Don't scare me, okay?” she cried.No matter how much she called his name or shook him, he didn't respond. The blood from his head only flowed more freely. Her trembling fingers pressed agai
Alexander kissed her deeply, completely lost in the moment, while Phoebe stared blankly at the ceiling. What else could he possibly do to her besides this?She wanted to push him away, but her overly full stomach left her feeling sluggish. All she wanted was to lie down comfortably for a while.When Alexander finally seemed satisfied, he pecked her lips a couple more times before letting her go.The moment he released her, Phoebe wiped her mouth in disgust.Her reaction displeased Alexander. Did she find his kiss so revolting? Fine. The more she resisted, the more he wanted to kiss her—until every inch of her body bore his scent."Don't touch me," Phoebe warned, glaring at him."I'll do whatever I want," he shot back.With that, Alexander grabbed her head forcefully, pressing his lips back to hers. His tongue invaded her mouth, relentless and domineering, capturing her own with a fierce hold.It hurt.The despicabl
It felt strange that he would do something like this, but she had to admit that stepping out to get some air, even if it was just moving from the bedroom to the living room, was refreshing."Bring a bowl of oatmeal." Alexander commanded."Yes, sir." The servant immediately obeyed, heading to the kitchen to fetch the oatmeal that had been simmering over low heat."Leave it here and go.""Yes, sir."After the servants left, the living room fell silent, leaving only the two of them. Alexander sat down with Phoebe still in his arms, cradling her like a child. His tall frame completely enveloped her petite form."Put me down," Phoebe demanded firmly. She felt uncomfortable in his embrace. In the past, such closeness would have left her flustered, her heart racing uncontrollably. But now, there was none of that. She didn't want to be near him at all. In fact, she wished she'd never have to see him again.Ignoring her words, Alexander picked
Under the harsh glow of the fluorescent lights, Phoebe's face appeared deathly pale, drained of all color.She lay quietly on the bed, her eyes closed, devoid of any vitality.After conducting a series of examinations, the doctor inserted a needle into the back of her hand and hung an IV bottle."Sir, she's simply too weak. She hasn't eaten for a long time, which caused her to faint suddenly. After administering a nutrient solution, she'll be fine. When she wakes up, don't rush to feed her solid food. Start with some liquids, and after two hours, she can eat something light."The doctor gave instructions and prescribed some medication, adding, "She needs to take these three times a day, before meals.""Understood,"Alexander replied, his expression grave. "Will these medications have any side effects?""Don't worry, there are no side effects. They're just to help stimulate her stomach's movement,"the doctor explained with a smile, s
For two consecutive days, Phoebe continued her silent standoff with Alexander. She refused to eat anything, even though her body was weak, her head spinning with hunger. No matter how faint or dizzy she became, she wouldn't give in to him. Even if it meant starving to death, she would not yield.Once, she endured his treatment because she loved him. But after everything that had happened, she could no longer forgive him. The servants were at their wit's end, desperately trying to persuade her, but she refused to listen. With no other option, they went to Alexander for help.In the study, one of the servants hesitantly reported, "Sir, she still isn't eating.""Mm, I see. You can go.""Yes, sir.""Wait," Alexander called out, pausing for a moment before adding, "Prepare a fresh meal and bring it up."He believed she was just being stubborn and would eventually give in to hunger. But he hadn't anticipated her sheer determination to defy him, no
Alexander's gaze was filled with disdain as he looked at her. Gone was the tenderness he once held for her; all that remained was disgust, contempt, and the bitter hatred of someone who had been deceived. After all these years, he couldn't believe he had cherished a woman like this."I only did it because I love you so much,"Melissa sobbed, tears streaming down her face."Love?"Alexander cut her off coldly. "Is this what you call love? Lying to me? Hurting the woman I care about?"His voice was sharp, laced with icy anger. "I never imagined you could be this vicious."The thought of Phoebe's suffering gripped his heart painfully. He was the one who had caused her so much pain, and all because of Melissa.Melissa desperately tried to explain, her voice shaking. But the Alexander before her was unrecognizable."Please, don't treat me this way. Please!"she begged, reaching out to him."Forgive you?"His words dripped
After taking a cold shower and changing into fresh clothes, he headed out. Passing by her room, the silence was deafening.He reached out, his hand hovering over the doorknob, wanting to go in and check on her. But his hand froze mid-air, unable to move any further.He just couldn't muster the courage to enter.Damn it. Was there really something he was afraid of?Without lingering any longer, he turned and descended the stairs with heavy steps.Tonight, he needed a drink. Because of Phoebe, he couldn't focus on work at all.Inside the car, Alexander stomped irritably on the gas pedal, the vehicle speeding like a bullet. He ran countless red lights, frustration coursing through his veins.Police cars blared their sirens behind him, trailing closely.But Alexander had no intention of stopping. Instead, he pressed the gas harder, increasing the car's speed.The phone buzzed. With one hand on the wheel, he picked it up. His
"Let me out! Let me out! Open the door!"Inside the small villa, Phoebe pounded on the door with all her strength.Her voice echoed throughout the house.Outside, two guards stood expressionlessly, unmoved by her cries.Phoebe had been shouting for hours. Her voice was hoarse, and her hands were red and swollen from hitting the door, but no one came to open it. Sniffling, she finally collapsed back onto the bed in frustration, staring blankly at the ceiling.There was nothing for her to do but stare.She was on the verge of going insane.This imprisoned life was unbearable.It had been days since Alexander had brought her back, yet she hadn't been allowed to take a single step outside the room. Her world was confined to this small space. The door was locked, and the windows wouldn't open.It was suffocating.Why did Alexander have to treat her like this? Would he only be satisfied if she came to hate him completel
"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