"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
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.
Monday, Alexander's office.The sharp scent of nicotine hung heavily in the air, making it hard to breathe. The thick curtains were drawn tightly shut, blocking out even the faintest trace of sunlight. On the desk, countless files were scattered—each one filled with information about a certain woman.Alexander sat there, eyes tightly shut, brows deeply furrowed. He had locked himself in the office for two whole days, isolating himself from the outside world entirely.For the past two days, it felt like he was wandering through a maze of agony, memories flashing through his mind like fragmented images. The stories Dana had told him surfaced again and again, chaotically piecing together inside his head.Maybe it was because those memories were too familiar. Maybe it was the scent that lingered around him lately, or the figure that haunted his dreams. He had lost his memory for five years, but within these two days—it all came flooding back.All the love, all the hatred, played like a mo
In the car ride home, Jeremy sat sulking in his seat, puffing out his cheeks, eyes fixed straight ahead, completely ignoring Amy. Amy gazed at him pitifully. She had apologized several times, but Jeremy remained unmoved.Amy felt both aggrieved and anxious. Is Jeremy really that angry with me? Is he just going to ignore me like this? No, she couldn't stand it. She didn't want her brother to keep giving her the cold shoulder."Jeremy, I'm sorry. Please talk to me. Forgive me, will you?" Amy sobbed as she stole glances at Jeremy, desperately hoping he would at least spare her a glance — even just a fleeting one.Jeremy folded his arms tightly across his chest and turned his head toward the window, deliberately avoiding Amy's gaze. He secretly made a vow to himself: From now on, I'm never taking her out again.Seeing that Jeremy still refused to pay her any attention, Amy had no choice but to seek help from their mother. She threw herself into Phoebe's
OfficePhoebe was fully engrossed in her work, her eyes scanning the design proposal on her screen with meticulous focus. The office was silent except for the rhythmic tapping of her keyboard and her soft breathing. Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the stillness. She instinctively looked up and saw a police officer walking toward her."Excuse me, are you Miss Phoebe Garcia?"Phoebe frowned slightly, puzzled. "Yes, I am. May I ask what this is about?""It's about your child. She's downstairs waiting for you," the officer explained briefly.Phoebe's face turned pale in an instant. Without hesitation, she rushed toward the front desk.Jeremy recounted everything that had happened, his voice filled with urgency. Phoebe, though shaken, took a deep breath to calm herself and turned to the officer. "Officer, can we check the security footage?""Of course. I'll request authorization now." The officer made a quick phone call,
For the past month, Phoebe's work had been progressing smoothly. She quickly adapted to the team and earned the recognition of both her colleagues and superiors. However, as her workload increased, the time she spent with the children grew less and less."Jeremy, are you sure this will help us find Mommy?" Amy stood at the kindergarten gate, her face full of worry as she looked up at Jeremy."Of course!" Jeremy grinned with confidence. "Just follow me closely."With that, he tightly grasped Amy's small hand, leading her toward the bus stop like a little adult.After a long bus ride, they finally arrived near the city center. Jeremy carefully helped Amy off the bus, holding her hand firmly. As they approached the entrance of LD Corporation, just as they were about to step inside, Amy suddenly frowned and tugged at Jeremy's hand anxiously."Jeremy, I need to go potty.""You're so troublesome." Jeremy scrunched his little brows in frustration a