Inside the hospital ward.Hermosa's face carried a hint of urgency as she gazed at Alexander, her voice soft but firm. "Alex, I'm really fine now. I want to be discharged." Her eyes were filled with anticipation, eager to leave this sterile, disinfectant-laden place.Alexander frowned slightly, his eyes brimming with concern and determination. Without hesitation, he replied, "No. You need to stay under observation a little longer—that way, I can rest easy." His tone left no room for negotiation; it was clear that this decision was final.Hermosa pouted slightly, her voice carrying a trace of playful protest. "But I really am fine." She tried to persuade him once more, a flicker of stubbornness flashing in her eyes.Taking a step forward, Alexander grasped her hand tightly, as if afraid she might vanish at any moment. "I said no, and that's final. This isn't up for discussion." His voice was gentle yet resolute, and the warmth of his grip conveyed his deep concern.Looking at the unwav
The next evening, after much hesitation, Phoebe finally turned on her phone. Instantly, dozens of messages from Hermosa flooded in, the notifications overwhelming her in an instant.A flicker of irritation crossed her face. Without even bothering to read them, her fingers instinctively swiped past the messages, as if ignoring them could erase the painful past they carried.By the third day, the screen remained filled with Hermosa's apologies—each word a reminder of the wounds Phoebe had suffered.She stared at the messages, biting her lip, her emotions a tangled mess. Yet, she still chose to ignore them.Days passed—fourth, fifth… until the sixth day. Hermosa remained relentless, sending apology messages daily without fail.Phoebe had intended to stay firm, but she was never one to harden her heart completely. Hermosa's persistence, like water wearing down stone, gradually eroded the defenses she had so carefully built.Finally, she couldn't resist any longer. With trembling fingers,
Even though the room was shrouded in darkness, Hermosa could clearly feel the rough, powerful grip tightening around her arm. Fear surged over her like a relentless tide, swallowing her whole.She instinctively wanted to scream, but a large hand clamped down over her mouth, stifling even the faintest sound.More hands suddenly grabbed her, wrapping around her body with brute force. Her heart pounded violently, as if it were about to burst from her chest.She frantically darted her eyes around in the pitch-black room, but she couldn't make out the figures surrounding her. One thing, however, was certain—she wasn't alone with just one man."You'll have a good time tonight,"a sinister voice sneered in the darkness, sending an icy chill coursing through her veins.Then—rip!The sound of fabric being torn apart pierced the silence like a blade, slashing through her last shred of hope."No! No, please—!"Hermosa
The night was deep, and the city was shrouded in thick darkness.Alexander had just finished dealing with a long, grueling day at the company. Exhausted, he dragged his weary body back home. The moment he stepped inside, the eerie silence of the house jolted him awake.Hermosa was nowhere to be seen.His brows furrowed in an instant. Striding quickly to the bedroom, he flipped on the lights. The room was immaculate, everything in its place—except for her.A sinking feeling took hold of him. He rushed downstairs, calling her name in every corner of the villa. His voice echoed in the vast emptiness, but there was no response. A creeping unease clawed at his heart, cold sweat breaking out on his palms.He wasted no time in waking the servants, his voice laced with urgency. "Have any of you seen Hermosa?"The servants shook their heads. They told him she had left in the afternoon and had not returned since.Alexander's heart pounded
Phoebe gently caressed her slightly rounded belly, her heart brimming with anticipation for motherhood. She had just returned from a prenatal check-up, and the doctor's confirmation that her baby was healthy filled her with an indescribable joy. Every step she took felt as if she were floating.However, the moment she stepped out of the hospital, a dark shadow suddenly loomed over her. Before she could react, Alexander appeared like a phantom, seizing her and carrying her into the car.The abruptness of the situation sent a wave of terror crashing over Phoebe. Her heart pounded violently against her ribcage as if it were about to burst free. She collapsed onto the seat, gasping for breath. It took a long while for her heartbeat to slow to a steady rhythm.Instinctively, she shielded her stomach, silently thanking the heavens that her baby had already been nestled safely inside her for several months. If this had happened earlier in her pregnancy, she didn't dare imagine the consequence
Alexander's face was twisted in fury as he gripped Phoebe's arms like iron shackles, dragging her toward the concealed, airtight facility. Fear and panic surged through Phoebe as she desperately clawed at his arms, her nails nearly breaking from the force. Yet, Alexander remained unfazed, his pace unwavering.As soon as they stepped inside, the dim, yellowish lights cast eerie shadows along the walls, intensifying the sinister atmosphere. The air was thick with the scent of dampness and decay, so nauseating it made Phoebe gag. Without warning, Alexander yanked her into a bedroom and flung her onto the bed.The impact was brutal. Pain exploded through her body as she felt like her insides had shifted. Instinctively, she clutched her abdomen, gasping in terror.Please, my baby… please be okay."Alexander, don't do this, please," Phoebe pleaded, fighting through the pain and fear, her voice trembling. "Is there some kind of misunderstanding? Can't we talk? I just want to know why you're t
Phoebe struggled with all her might, her body writhing like a trapped beast. She twisted violently, but the cold, unyielding shackles bound her limbs tightly. Each struggle was futile, leaving only deep red marks on her wrists and ankles.Her eyes were filled with terror and despair. Beads of sweat rolled down her forehead, mixing with the tears streaming from the corners of her eyes.Alexander's bloodshot gaze burned with a fury so intense it seemed almost tangible. The veins on his forehead bulged, twisting like writhing worms. His sharp glare was as chilling as a blade slicing through the darkness, sending shivers down the spine."Why? Why did you do this?" He kept repeating, his voice hoarse from emotion. Each word erupted from deep within his chest, dripping with raw anger and accusation.Before the last word fully left his lips, he lunged at Phoebe like a beast breaking free from its chains. His hands tore at her ruthlessly, subjecting her to unspeakable torment.Phoebe's tear-fi
The atmosphere in the hospital was tense, thick with hostility. Gavin's men had the place sealed off so tightly that not even a fly could slip through.Alexander's expression was ice-cold, his gaze as sharp as a blade as he locked eyes with Gavin. He spoke slowly, enunciating each word with chilling clarity. “Gavin, you'd better pull your men back immediately. Otherwise, you know what the consequences will be.”Gavin's bloodshot eyes burned with fury. He looked like a raging lion, his gaze fixed on Alexander as he roared, “Tell me—where is Phoebe?”A strange smile suddenly crept onto Alexander's face, laced with mockery. “Aren't you supposed to be so capable? If you have the ability, go find and save her yourself.”“Don't push me too far!” Gavin could no longer contain his rage. He lunged forward, grabbing Alexander by the collar, their faces mere inches apart. The tension in the air was suffocating.Yet, Alexander remained unfazed, his gaze cruel and unyielding. “Let go,” he said col
Hotel Lobby.Phoebe gestured frantically, but the receptionist still looked utterly confused. The frustration of the language barrier made her clench her fists, her knuckles turning pale."Miss, please change her room."A familiar voice spoke up behind her—in flawless Japanese. She whipped around.Alexander stood just a couple steps away, his suit jacket draped over one arm, tie slightly loosened.The receptionist swiftly handed over a new key card.Phoebe took it mechanically, throat tightening.Since when does he speak Japanese? And why does he always show up when I'm at my worst?"Check me out," she said suddenly, slapping the key card back onto the counter. "Take me back to my original hotel."Alexander raised an eyebrow. "You sure?""Now. Immediately."She made it sound like an order, her nails digging into her palm. The night breeze tugged at her thin blouse, sending a shiver down her spine.A weight settled over her shoulders—a warm suit jacket, carrying his faint aftershave. S
On the fourth day of her business trip, Phoebe finally stepped out of the hotel to clear her mind. Tokyo's neon lights blinked rhythmically along the streets, but she couldn't bring herself to appreciate the view. Her fingers kept brushing over the phone screen—no missed calls, no texts.A bitter smile tugged at her lips. She had been the one to run away—so why was she expecting anything at all?The bright white lights of a convenience store snapped her back to reality. Checking the time, she realized she'd been wandering the streets for over two hours. She turned to head back to the hotel, only to find herself lost in a maze of unfamiliar alleys. The Japanese signs may as well have been written in code, and when she tried calling her colleague, she was met with a dead line.A chill wind swept past, carrying with it a flurry of foreign words. Phoebe pulled her coat tighter and quickened her steps. As she passed a bustling izakaya, a group of drunk men leered at her. Heart racing, she
Phoebe lay still, listening to the fading sound of footsteps outside her door. It felt like someone had ripped open her chest. He actually left just like that?Tears soaked half her pillow. She stared into the darkness until dawn. In the mirror, her face was pale, with dark shadows under her eyes. Just as her fingers brushed the doorknob, she felt it—his presence on the other side.Alexander was still wearing yesterday's wrinkled dress shirt. His bloodshot eyes said everything: he hadn't slept a minute. He'd been sitting outside her door all night."Phoebe..." His voice was barely more than a rasp.She recoiled as if burned, brushing past him with her head down—but he grabbed her wrist. His palm was so warm it made her tremble."Let go," she said, her voice like ice.Instead, he pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on her head. "What will it take for you to forgive me?"Phoebe fought to break free, her nails leaving red streaks on his arm. "Don't pretend," she choked out, tears
After hanging up, Phoebe immediately turned off her phone. She sniffled, her nose sore from holding back tears. As she looked at her two sleepy children nestled in her arms, her eyes turned red again. Biting her lower lip, she forced down the wave of emotions and held them a little tighter."We're going home." Her voice was hoarse.Jeremy and Amy lifted their heads sleepily and shook them in unison."Mommy, aren't we waiting for Uncle?""No." Phoebe avoided their hopeful eyes.The children's shoulders slumped as they looked down."But Uncle promised to take us out for ice cream..." Jeremy mumbled.A cold wind swept across the empty office building entrance. Phoebe looked at their disappointed little faces, her chest tightening."What do you want to eat? Mommy will make it when we get home.""I'm not hungry," Amy said, burying her face in Phoebe's neck."Me neither," Jeremy echoed, though he kept glancing around. "Maybe Uncle's on his way. Can we wait just five more minutes?"Phoebe's
The office clock struck five. For the third time, Phoebe glanced down the empty hallway.She clutched her phone, scrolling through her contacts again and again. Five missed calls, no one in the office, and his phone still lying quietly in the drawer—where on earth had he gone?Her reflection in the glass window revealed a furrowed brow. They had clearly agreed to leave at four. Even if something urgent came up, he should've at least found a way to let her know.When the six o'clock dismissal bell rang, Phoebe finally grabbed her bag. In the rearview mirror, the neon sign of the kindergarten glowed vividly against the twilight.The car phone suddenly rang. The unfamiliar number made her hand tremble slightly."Phoebe."That familiar voice made her heart settle—only to twist a moment later. "You're at the hospital? Are you hurt?""It's Hermosa. Acute appendicitis,"he said, hospital announcements echoing faintly in the
The morning passed in a slow, steady rhythm, the hours slipping by almost unnoticed.By the time Phoebe returned to the office after lunch, the clock on the wall pointed to half past two.Alexander's lingering kiss still burned on her lips, leaving her ears warm and flushed. She instinctively smoothed her slightly tousled hair, and when her fingers brushed against her heated earlobe, a soft smile tugged at her lips.In the break room, the moment the hot water hit the tea leaves, a delicate fragrance wafted through the air.Phoebe cupped the warm mug in her hands, and through the rising steam, she could almost see him again—his fingers laced tightly with hers, confidently leading her through the office in full view of everyone.He never hid their relationship. That unabashed affection of his… it made even her tea taste sweet.When only a few unfurled leaves remained at the bottom of her cup, Phoebe rubbed her slightly sore eyes.
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