"Phoebe, pack your things and report to the CEO's office now!" the HR manager, Alvis, commanded.
Phoebe, who had been carefully organizing documents at her desk, immediately stopped what she was doing and responded, "Got it, sir!"
"I mean NOW! Don't keep boss waiting!" Alvis urged. Phoebe didn't dare hesitate any longer and hurriedly stood up to gather her belongings.
Ten minutes later, she was on the top floor, her arms full of items.
The company had been doing well, but for some reason, it was mysteriously acquired by an unknown corporation last week, and with that, a new boss had taken over.
The news had shocked the entire staff, including Phoebe. But what puzzled her even more was how she had inexplicably become the new CEO's secretary.
Was she lucky or unlucky?
On one hand, her salary had doubled, but on the other, she had suddenly become the target of envy and hostility from the female employees.
As she stepped out of the elevator and arrived at the CEO's office door, she knocked lightly and politely said, "Sir, I'm your new secretary, here to report for duty!"
"..."
No response.
Thinking the new CEO hadn't heard her, Phoebe raised her voice slightly and repeated, "Sir, I'm your new secretary, here to report!"
Still, there was no sound. Phoebe grew nervous. Had she knocked wrong, or was it the way she spoke?
As her mind raced with various thoughts, a deep, magnetic voice finally broke the silence.
"Come in."
Two word, simple and cold, yet with a husky edge.
Phoebe's heart skipped a beat. That voice—it felt strangely familiar.
A face flashed in her mind, and her heart ached with a dull pain.
Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she told herself not to think about it.
That man was long gone from her life. For the past five years, she had lived peacefully, happy with her children. Why was she even thinking about him?
Pushing away the thoughts, Phoebe quietly opened the door and walked in.
"Hello, sir, I'm Phoebe Garcia, your new secretary!" she introduced herself politely, staring at the figure with his back to her.
But the moment he turned around, and their eyes met—those cold, piercing eyes—Phoebe froze in place.
The items in her hands scattered across the floor as her face filled with shock and terror.
Instinctively, she stepped back, retreating toward the door. As her legs wobbled from the shock, she nearly fell but caught herself against the wall.
Just as she steadied herself and was about to make a run for it, a strong arm suddenly grabbed her wrist and slammed her against the wall.
"Phoebe Garcia? Where do you think you're going?" His voice was low, filled with hatred, each word spoken through gritted teeth.
"Bastard! Let go of me!" Phoebe struggled to break free, biting down on her lip in frustration.
Fate had a cruel sense of humor—she had wondered why something so good had fallen into her lap. Now she knew—it was this bastard pulling the strings! She had worked so hard to stay out of his life, to disappear entirely. Why couldn't he just leave her alone?
"Let go!" she demanded, her voice tight with anger, pushing him as hard as she could. But the strength difference between a man and a woman was too great—her efforts were futile.
"Phoebe, do you really think I'll let you go this time?" His dark, obsidian-like eyes grew even more intense as he tightened his grip on her wrist, deliberately causing her pain.
This time, he planned to make her pay for everything she had done.
Phoebe cried out in pain, his grip so strong it felt like he was going to crush her bones. Did he enjoy tormenting her?
Desperate, Phoebe did the only thing she could—she leaned in and bit his arm.
Alexander hadn't expected her to bite him, and in his moment of pain, he released her. Phoebe, finally free, shoved him away and bolted for the door.
"Damn it!" Alexander cursed under his breath. There was no way he would let her escape again. He quickly followed after her.
Just as Phoebe reached the elevator, Alexander caught up and slammed her against the wall again, his large frame towering over her small body. He bent down and fiercely captured her lips in a brutal kiss.
Five years, and she was still as sweet as ever!
The moment he saw her again, he had fought to suppress the overwhelming desire that surged within him. But no matter how hard he tried, his heart wouldn't stop racing for her.
He had to admit, over the past five years, she had transformed. Gone was the innocent girl—now she exuded a mature femininity that made her even more irresistible.
Damn this woman! Even with her poisonous heart, he couldn't control his feelings for her. Despite knowing all the unforgivable things she had done, despite his plans to punish her, he still found himself unable to resist her.
Like now—he should be reprimanding her, but instead, all he could think about was kissing her.
He had missed these lips for five long years.
In all that time, he hadn't touched another woman.
Now, after so long, finally tasting her sweetness again, he couldn't control himself. He kissed her harder, his tongue forcing its way into her mouth, tangling with hers.
His kiss was angry, possessive, and dominant, forcing her to submit. The intensity of it was too much for her to bear. Finally, tears of frustration slid down Phoebe's cheeks as she weakly pounded her fists against his chest.
She didn't understand this man at all. Just moments ago, he had looked at her with hatred and disgust, but now—why was he kissing her?
What did he want? Would he only be satisfied once she was completely broken?
Her heart hurt, the pain unbearable, her tears flowing uncontrollably.
The kiss seemed to last forever, until Phoebe, who had initially resisted, found herself succumbing to the feelings she had fought so hard to deny. She hated herself for it, but there was nothing she could do. No matter how much she tried to forget him, her heart wouldn't let go.
Five years, ten years—she knew she would never forget this man who had caused her so much pain.
At last, Alexander, satisfied with the kiss, pulled back slightly.
He remained close, his arms trapping her securely. Gazing down at her swollen, reddened lips, he reached out with a long finger, gently brushing against them.
His dark, unreadable eyes gave no indication of what he was thinking or what he intended to do next. He simply stroked her lips softly, over and over.
Phoebe, her voice raw with frustration, screamed, "What do you want from me?"
He smirked, raising an eyebrow. "What do I want? You'll find out soon enough." With that, he hoisted her up and carried her back into the office.
The door slammed shut behind them as he swept everything off his desk and laid her on top of it, his body pressing down on hers, trapping her completely.
Every cell in his body screamed that he wanted her—needed her.
This time, he wouldn't let her get away. Not again.
If he had suffered for five years, then this woman would suffer too.
She wouldn't escape his grasp again.
Never.
Five years ago...Outside a dimly lit, intoxicating bar at night, Phoebe stood with her head lowered, nervously watching the men and women who continuously went in and out of the establishment.It was her first time in a place like this, and the unfamiliar environment already made her feel uneasy. The leering gazes of some of the men nearby only heightened her anxiety, causing her to break out in a cold sweat. She was too scared to even take another step forward."Hey, are you...?" A voice suddenly appeared near her ear, making her heart skip a beat. The man didn't say so explicitly, but the leering look up and down his face said it all.Phoebe timidly raised her head, only to regret coming here the moment she saw the disgusting man standing in front of her. But there was no turning back now.A bitter taste spread in her mouth as she lowered her eyes. Did she even have a choice? She didn't.Her father was still lying in a hospital bed, her brother had accumulated a massive debt due to
On a summer night, the city was ablaze with lights, hosting a world-renowned luxurious yacht party.Phoebe stood still by the window like a beautiful statue, not moving an inch.However, her hands at her sides were clenched tightly, her knuckles pale. The sea breeze brushed her face, but all she could feel was a bone-chilling cold. The moonlit night outside was mesmerizing, yet she had no heart to appreciate it.Watching the elite guests move across the yacht's deck, each of them radiated an aura of wealth and prestige. They whispered in low voices, laughing softly, clinking their glasses in elegant toasts.She smiled bitterly. This was the stark difference between the rich and the poor.The world was never fair, and all she could do was use her body to save her family.Raising her eyes to the empty night sky, her heart filled with a deep sadness. She felt utterly lost."Follow me." A deep, magnetic voice came from behind her.Phoebe closed her eyes and took a deep breath, her chest r
Without warning, darkness engulfed the room, plunging her into a pitch-black world.Power outage?Phoebe's heart clenched, fear and panic consuming her.It felt like a suffocating weight was closing in, making her body tremble uncontrollably.Suddenly, a gust of wind swept past her, and before she could react, a strong arm wrapped tightly around her waist.Her bare back pressed against a firm chest. Even through the fabric of his shirt, she could feel the heat emanating from him.Startled, she let out a cry, "NO..."But the man chuckled darkly, his deep, husky voice breaking the silence of the room. "Don't make a fuss..."His voice was intoxicating, but why did it carry such an overwhelming sense of dominance? The aura of this man was formidable!"You...who are you?" Phoebe mustered the courage to ask, her voice trembling.Though the room was pitch dark, the man's sharp eyes could clearly catch every emotion in her wide, clear eyes—those beautiful eyes, like black pearls, pure and flaw
Two years later.At the art gallery, the staff bustled through the exhibition halls, meticulously preparing for an upcoming grand solo art show."Phoebe! How's the progress on Curtis' exhibition?" A deep voice asked from the other end of the phone."Everything's ready, just waiting for the gallery to open." Phoebe adjusted the outdated glasses perched on her nose. Her long hair was tied into a neat ponytail, giving her a fresh and elegant appearance.After hanging up, Phoebe carefully examined the paintings on the wall. This exhibition was part of Curtis' nationwide tour, and she was fortunate to have been selected as the temporary tour assistant for this world-renowned artist.During a small exhibition, one of Phoebe's own pieces caught Curtis' eye by chance. He appreciated her unique perspective on art, and that stroke of luck made her his chosen assistant.Phoebe had a natural talent for painting.For the past two years, her goal had been to apply to Valleybrook's top art school. H
Her heart clenched tightly, a wave of fear and panic rushing through her.Curtis quickly extended his arm, pulling her waist close to him, wrapping her in a firm embrace. His heart raced, and Phoebe clung to him like a frightened rabbit, seeking warmth and comfort."Phoebe, don't be scared. I'm here, everything's going to be fine," he whispered, gently stroking her soft hair in a soothing gesture.The car came to an abrupt stop after a series of jolts, skidding to a halt at a sharp corner. Only when Phoebe felt the car come to a safe stop did she slowly open her tightly shut eyes. She was still shaken, her gaze lifting toward the man holding her. A hoarse whisper escaped her lips, "Are we safe?""Yes, we're fine now," Curtis nodded, his gaze soft and reassuring. In this moment, he felt needed by her, a feeling he savored."What just happened? Did we crash?" Merle asked, steadying himself, his voice shaky.Curtis was about to ask the driver what had happened when he noticed that their
Phoebe sat in the car, anxiously waiting. She kept glancing toward the distance, silently praying that Curitis would return safely.The events of the day were terrifying, and the mysterious people they encountered filled her with fear. The suppressed memories from her past resurfaced, dragging her into a pit of darkness. The unsettling gaze of that man earlier left her deeply uneasy."Merle, do you think someone is targeting Mr. Curitis? Could they be part of a terrorist group?""It's possible...but Phoebe, don't overthink it. He'll be fine. Let's wait here for him." Merle tried to comfort Phoebe, though he, too, was still shaken by what had happened. They could do nothing but wait for Curitis to return—only then would they know what was going on.Suddenly, the sound of an approaching car broke the silence.Phoebe's heart raced as she looked outside—Curitis was back."Did they hurt you?" The group rushed forward, anxious to see if he was okay. Seeing him unharmed, they finally let out
Three days had passed, and Phoebe walked through the hospital, her body exhausted. Tears welled up in her eyes as she gazed at her parents lying unconscious in their beds.She would find the money. Her parents would be okay!But—Where was she going to find so much money? She had already begged for help wherever she could, lowering herself, speaking softly, but the amount she managed to borrow was still a pittance.Suddenly, a face flashed in her mind. She remembered Curtis, and for a moment, a glimmer of hope sparked within her.She could ask him for a loan, and once she graduated and found a job, she'd pay him back.Nervously, she tried calling Curtis' private number. But after several attempts, the phone was still switched off.She tried calling Merle as well, but no one answered. Disappointment crashed over Phoebe once again, and the last bit of hope in her heart crumbled.She wandered aimlessly through the streets, her figure fragile and lost. The path ahead seemed uncertain, and
Night had fallen.Phoebe stood in front of the full-length mirror, staring at her reflection. She was startled by the new face before her—she could hardly believe the beautiful woman in the mirror was herself.She had blossomed even more than she had three years ago, her beauty radiant and captivating, though she hadn't noticed it herself.Usually, she dressed casually, favoring simple, neutral colors.But now, she was wrapped in an elegant, black gown that hugged her curves, making her look like a goddess who had descended to Earth—graceful and mesmerizing.Her skin was smooth and flawless, her makeup meticulously applied, and her hair as black as ebony.Her slender figure radiated charm with every subtle movement. She was stunning, alluring, a true beauty. Yet, Phoebe had no heart to admire her own reflection."You are the most enchanting girl I've ever seen," the stylist said, nodding with satisfaction, showering her with praise.Phoebe lowered her head, a shy blush tinting her che
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
Phoebe's fingertips trembled slightly as she stared blankly at Hermosa's pale face. That name always pricked at her memory like a needle—Melissa's curly hair, the unopened photo frame in Alexander's study—all flashing before her eyes now."What a coincidence. Running into you here," Hermosa said, her face still drained of color.Phoebe forced a smile. "Yeah, what a... coincidence."She quickly added, "What are you doing here?""My stomach was acting up, so I came to get something for it. You?""Oh, me? I..." Phoebe's throat tightened. Instinctively, she crushed the box of birth control pills hidden behind her back. She only realized where Hermosa's gaze had landed when it was too late. Embarrassed, she moved her hand behind her again. "I was just buying... medicine."As Hermosa turned to leave, the hem of her trench coat brushed past Phoebe's wrist, sending a chill straight to her bones. Hermosa suddenly paused. Under the harsh fluorescent lights, her profile looked almost transparent
When Alexander stepped into the bathroom, he found Phoebe resting peacefully in the bathtub, eyes closed. A soft flush still lingered on her cheeks, a trace of pleasure not yet fully faded. Her face looked like a ripe peach, pink and dewy, waiting to be picked.He walked over quietly. She must have heard him—her thick lashes fluttered as if she wanted to open her eyes. But she was too exhausted, not even a finger moved.Alexander chuckled softly, gazing at her delicate face. He'd really worn her out today.He reached down and gently stroked her silky cheek. He'd intended to call her for dinner, but looking at her now, sleep seemed more fitting.Scooping her out of the water, her smooth skin against him made his body stir again—but he held himself back.He dried her carefully, then laid her on the bed. The marks he'd left on her body filled him with a certain pride, but as he inspected the swollen red tenderness between her thighs, a pang of guilt twisted in his chest. He'd been a litt
The sound of running water from the bathroom came to an abrupt stop. Less than three minutes later, Alexander stepped out, a towel slung low around his waist, his damp hair dripping, sun glinting off his bronze skin."Do I have a good body?" he asked with a cocky arch of his brow, the towel hanging precariously low, revealing the sharp V-lines at his hips.Phoebe turned away, stubborn as ever. "Male models look better."His expression instantly darkened. The towel slipped to the floor, and he didn't seem to notice—or care.Phoebe's eyes widened, her pupils dilating as the sight in front of her hit like a punch to the gut. That bastard. He was doing it on purpose—always flaunting his raw, masculine power right in front of her like a predator marking territory."Have you tried one?" he asked, closing the distance between them. The sharp scent of cedarwood from his body wash filled her nose."They're all online!" she stammered, stumbling backward until her lower back hit the nightstand.
He wanted all of her—completely—until she melted beneath him like snow in spring.Tears still clung to Phoebe's lashes, her flushed cheeks pressed against the sofa armrest. She heard his husky laugh fall from above."Tired?"A muffled sound escaped her throat. She didn't bother answering such a pointless question. It felt like her bones had been taken apart and reassembled—dull pain laced with an electric numbness that left a tremor with every breath.She thought back to the wildfire burning in his eyes, the near-manic hunger in his touch. He didn't seem like a man who'd gone five years without a woman—more like someone hell-bent on satisfying a lifetime of cravings in a single day."Get up..."She pushed weakly at his arm, her limbs as soft as cotton, but before she could finish, he pinned her wrist against the couch. The scent of sweat and cedar clung to him, invading her senses as she tilted her head back, only to be caught in the lingering embers in his gaze."One more time," he m