Phoebe was mentally planning to visit the hospital soon. If she was really pregnant, what would she do...?Just then, Alva suddenly pointed to a man who had entered the classroom and shouted, "Phoebe, Professor Jones is finally here!"Following her gaze, Phoebe locked eyes with Curitis' piercing blue eyes.Dressed in a royal blue, custom-tailored suit, he exuded elegance and a commanding presence.It had been a while since she last saw him. Ever since she left the hospital, she hadn't gone to see him again. She didn't even know when he had been discharged or how well he had recovered.A wave of guilt washed over her, making her feel heartless. He must be angry. She hadn't intended to avoid visiting him, but after everything that had happened, she ended up in the hospital herself for a few days, and the whole thing had slipped her mind.Seeing Curitis again today stirred complicated feelings in her heart.He had risked his life to save her, and yet…All she felt for him was guilt.Phoe
The weather had changed so quickly. Just a moment ago, the sky was clear and bright, but now it was dark, as if it was about to rain.The gloomy atmosphere made it hard to breathe. As Phoebe boarded the bus, out of the corner of her eye, she could still see that lone figure standing there in the distance.She thought to herself that Curitis would never appear in her life again. She had made things very clear earlier.Silently, in her heart, she whispered an apology.He would find a woman who truly deserved him. And that woman would never be her.Her heart already belonged to Alexander. No other man could enter.When she returned to the villa, Melissa greeted her eagerly, though her smile seemed a bit forced to Phoebe. She didn't think too much about it and responded with a genuine smile of her own."You're back early. Perfect timing! Come help me choose a WEDDING DRESS. There are so many, I'm getting overwhelmed. You wouldn't believe it—Alex is going on a business trip for several day
Phoebe woke up with swollen eyes and a heavy body, wishing she could stay in bed, but she had to go to class, even though her mood was terrible.As she stepped out, her gaze caught sight of her exquisite phone, stirring a pang of sadness. With just that brief glance, she closed the door behind her.Upon arriving at school, she intentionally glanced at the bulletin board. Just as she expected, an announcement had been posted: Curitis had resigned from his position and left...As soon as she entered the classroom, a sharp voice pierced through the air."Well, look who it is, the little slut."It was Eden's voice.Phoebe didn't need to think to know who Eden was referring to. She lowered her head and took her seat, refusing to engage. Eden always picked on her, and Phoebe couldn't be bothered to respond."Phoebe, you really have some nerve! When did you and the professor become an item? You can't hide it this time," Eden spat out venomously.The surrounding students joined in with mockin
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, Hermosa, 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 hi
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
Half an hour later, the doorbell rang.Satisfied, Alexander leaned down to kiss her flushed cheek. "Good girl," he murmured.His voice made Phoebe even more embarrassed. She wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear. Avoiding his gaze, she quickly jumped out of bed and rushed into the bathroom.Watching her retreating figure, Alexander's lips curled into a wicked smile."Sir, your breakfast," the attendant said from outside."Come in," Alexander replied.Once breakfast was set, Alexander didn't bother waiting for Phoebe to finish her shower. Instead, he stripped off his clothes and strolled straight into the bathroom, leaning casually against the doorframe to admire the view."Hey! What are you doing in here?" Phoebe gasped when she saw him.She instinctively sank deeper into the water, trying to hide her body. She was certain she had locked the door, yet here he was—and stark naked, no less!What was worse, she found herself sneaking glances at him, captivated by his physique.Her ga
Morning sunlight streamed gently through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a soft glow across the room.On the bed, Phoebe's fair skin glowed under the warm light, making her look ethereal, almost unreal.She nestled lazily in Alexander's arms, her slightly disheveled hair veiling the soft curve of her neck.Her long, curled lashes fluttered faintly, and her innocent face, serene in sleep, radiated a tender sweetness that tugged at the heart.Alexander lay on his side, holding her with a possessive tenderness.His sharp eyes locked onto her delicate features, drinking in the sight of her nestled against him. His lips curved into a faint, rare smile, and a glimmer of warmth danced in his deep gaze.Unconsciously, his slender fingers traced the contour of her cheek, tucking stray strands of hair behind her ear.At that moment, Phoebe seemed as pure as an otherworldly sprite.She was stunning. Young. So tempting that it ignited a deep, primal desire to claim her.Lifting a strand of
When Alexander returned from handling his business, he found Phoebe fast asleep. He moved quietly into the room, his cold and indifferent expression softening as he gazed at her peaceful face.Sitting on the edge of the bed, he gently stroked her cheek, a tender smile playing on his lips. The affection in his eyes was unmistakable.Unable to resist, he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before rising and leaving the room, softly closing the door behind him.In the study, Alexander reviewed several documents. The silence was interrupted by his phone ringing.Frowning, he picked it up and answered without much interest."Alex, you finally decided to take my call?""What do you want?""I want to see you!""I'm busy.""I'm pregnant."Alexander's eyes narrowed, his gaze turning sharp and icy. His grip on the phone tightened, his fingers curling with such force that it seemed the phone might shatter."What did you say? Say it again.""Alex, I'm pregnant!" Melissa's soft an
After finishing breakfast, Alexander took Phoebe straight to the airport. Without saying much, he ushered her onto the plane. It wasn't until she was seated that Phoebe realized how confused she felt."Where are we going?" she asked."Abroad," Alexander replied."Ah?" Phoebe's mouth formed an "O.""For what?" she pressed, voicing her curiosity."I have some business to take care of," Alexander answered, his hands still busy working. He had brought her along to give her a change of scenery and to keep her by his side."Oh," Phoebe mumbled, puffing out her cheeks as her mood sank.So, he was here for work. She had assumed this trip was meant to be a relaxing getaway for the two of them.Watching him work so diligently, Phoebe couldn't help but stare. From the moment they boarded the plane, he hadn't stopped, not even for a moment. He's so busy.But despite his hectic schedule, he still made time to see her every day.He looked so handsome while working—especially his profile, with its s
When Alexander emerged from the bathroom, he found Phoebe already dressed and sitting upright, her posture stiff. He couldn't help but laugh. "Not going back to sleep?""No." Phoebe glanced at him quickly before lowering her gaze again. Damn it, why didn't he just put on clothes before coming out of the bathroom? Instead, he had wrapped a towel around his waist and walked out like that. He must have a thing for exposing himself.Wait—Phoebe looked again. That towel... it was her towel—the one she used to dry herself off with. How could he wrap it around his body like that?But as she took a closer look, she couldn't help but find it funny. The towel had cartoon patterns all over it. The more she looked, the more she wanted to laugh. Her lips twitched, but she managed to hold it in."Think I look funny?" His expression darkened slightly.Phoebe quickly shook her head. "No!"But in her heart, she thought he really did look ridiculous. Of course, she couldn't say that out loud. After all
The next morning, Phoebe woke up to find herself lying in bed.Had Alexander brought her back? She turned over, trying to recall what had happened last night.But as she shifted, she felt a sudden chill under the covers. She pulled them back, only to realize she was completely naked underneath.A cold shiver ran down her spine.How did she end up without clothes? She didn't usually sleep like this!Then, the sound of running water from the bathroom shattered her thoughts, making her head spin. She quickly grabbed some clothes and, barefoot and still unclothed, rushed toward the bathroom. She pushed the door open gently.Inside, the mist from the shower hung in the air, and standing beneath it was Alexander—his body, sculpted and smooth, the kind of physique that could drive any woman wild.Phoebe froze, her mind blank, her ability to think evaporating. It wasn't a dream. Alexander was in her house... and he was showering.The water cut off abruptly, and at that moment, Alexander's hea
Phoebe suddenly felt a wave of frustration. He really was so infuriating. If he kept being cruel to her, maybe leaving him wouldn't feel so hard.But now… now he had transformed into someone else—gentle, caring, and tender. His sudden kindness was disarming, and despite herself, she had to admit that she liked this version of him.Especially recently, he had been quietly taking care of her family. She never asked, but she knew it was his doing. Without him, her family might have fallen apart by now.And yet, she was terrified. Terrified that his kindness would vanish as quickly as it appeared. His unpredictability left her feeling insecure, as though happiness were just a fleeting moment she couldn't hold on to. How she wished this moment could last forever.Her pale arms wrapped around his sturdy waist, and she nuzzled her cheek against his chest, like a lazy cat seeking affection from its owner.Alexander chuckled softly. Her gesture stroked his male ego, sending a surge of warmth t
Gordon's funeral was held three days later—a simple and solemn ceremony.On the day of the funeral, Alexander stood at a distance, watching her grieve in silence. He didn't approach, wanting to give her space to process her pain.A few relatives offered their condolences and left early. Only Phoebe and her parents stayed by Gordon's graveside, unwilling to leave him alone.Phoebe stood in front of Gordon's gravestone, crying until she fainted, waking only to cry again. She couldn't believe he was gone—leaving behind their parents and her, just like that. Memories of their childhood happiness played in her mind. He had been alive and well, and now all that remained was a cold gravestone.She would never forgive herself. She believed Gordon's death was entirely her fault. If he hadn't tried to save her, he would still be here. Even if he had gone astray, at least he would still be alive.Now, with Gordon's death, more responsibilities and guilt weighed heavily on her shoulders. Staring
On the other side, Laura returned home, clutching her swollen cheek as she crawled into her bed.Her small face was buried deep into the pillow, her body curled into a ball as if only this could give her a sense of safety. It seemed like this was the only place that could bring her warmth.Her eyes were slightly misted, and she sniffled, thinking of Phoebe in the hospital. She wonders how she's doing now... Has she woken up yet?She longed to be by Phoebe's side, to talk to her. If Phoebe knew that the baby was gone, she would be so heartbroken. Laura wanted to comfort her, but Gavin wouldn't let her stay there. He told her to go home.Her pale fingers gently touched her cheek. She frowned and winced. "Ugh—hurts so much..."Earlier, when she looked at herself in the bathroom mirror, her cheek was so swollen, nearly unrecognizable—red and purple. When Gavin slapped her, her head went fuzzy. For a moment, it felt like her soul had disconnected from her body.It was easy to imagine how h