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
"What right do you have? He already agreed to your terms, and you accepted!"That night, Curitis had agreed to his demands just in time to save her."Because we're perfectly compatible in bed..." Alexander sneered, his hand sliding down suddenly, grabbing her... Damn woman, she hadn't left him yet? And here she was, constantly calling out another man's name."No—" Phoebe's body trembled as she instinctively clamped her legs together. This was a hospital. He couldn't do this to her here."You can't go back on your word... Since Curitis already promised to give you the painting, I expect you to honor your agreement and let me go."Alexander gave her a wicked smile, one that sent chills down her spine."You're really that eager to leave me?""You're damn right! I want to leave you. I want to get as far away from you as possible..." Phoebe nearly shouted. To him, she was nothing but a plaything.Alexander leaned down, slowly whispering into her ear, "But I'm not letting you go."And with
"Phoebe, Phoebe, what's wrong? Please answer me..."The strange sounds from inside the room sent Curtis into a panic as he turned the doorknob frantically, but the door was locked from the inside, he couldn't get it open."Answer him or he's really going to bang on the door ..." he slammed into her punitively, although he didn't mind Curitis seeing him and Phoebe having sex, they were bound to be disturbed if he barged in. But he was desperate for Phoebe tonight; he wanted to enjoy her fully."Phoebe... Phoebe..." Curtis shouted, twisting the doorknob with all his might."Curtis... I'm... I'm fine... um..." She slowed her breathing, finally managing to speak, but even so, her suppressed reactions betrayed her, making it hard to stifle the alluring sounds she wanted to make."Phoebe, open the door. I want to check on you." Despite her reassurances, he still felt uneasy.Her voice sounded strange, like she was holding back something.What was wrong? Was she unwell?"Am I... I really am.
Meanwhile, Alexander was interrupted from his work by his phone ringing.Checking the caller ID, he answered gently, "Melissa...""Alex, when are you coming to pick me up? You promised to take me to your villa today!" Melissa whined. Alexander had said he would take her to his villa, but it was already late, and he hadn't shown up."..." Alexander fell silent.He was reluctant to have Melissa stay at his place, especially since Phoebe was there. Concerns began to creep in."Don't you want me to go?" Melissa's voice trembled, as if she might cry, and Alexander felt a wave of guilt."Melissa, how could I not want you? I'm in a meeting right now, but I'll come to get you as soon as I'm done, okay?" he reassured her softly, maintaining his usual tenderness."You better not be lying to me...""When have I ever lied to you?" Alexander chuckled, chatting with Melissa for a little longer before hanging up.After ending the call, he pinched the bridge of his nose, then dialed another number."
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
NighttimeInside X Villa, Alexander stepped out of the bathroom. He walked over to the liquor cabinet, took out a bottle of strong alcohol, and leaned elegantly against the plush sofa.For years, he had been haunted by a strange dream—an indistinct figure appearing and disappearing in the shadows. It seemed to be a woman. Every time, he tried desperately to see her face, but the closer he got, the blurrier she became until she eventually faded into the darkness.He had no idea how much time had passed when the sudden ringing of the phone in the living room pulled him back to reality. Reaching out, he picked up the receiver. A voice from the other end said, "Sir, we've found something. Your sister is alive."Alexander's body tensed instantly. His grip on the receiver tightened involuntarily...***Early the Next MorningPhoebe arrived at LD Corporation bright and early.The HR staff led her to the design department. Throug
At the kindergarten.Amy sat quietly on the swing, gently swaying back and forth. Tilting her head slightly, she gazed at Jeremy in the distance and murmured, "Jeremy, I'm not happy."Jeremy didn't even lift his head. He simply responded coldly, "Talk."Amy's eyes flickered with confusion and curiosity as she said, "Everyone else has a dad." She pointed toward a group of children playing not far away. Among them, a little boy was being lifted high into the air by his father, laughter ringing out."Mhm, I know. We have one too," Jeremy replied, still focused on his work."You mean Daddy Gavin?" Amy tilted her head."Mhm." Jeremy was beginning to lose patience. To him, Amy's questions were far too childish."Then why doesn't Daddy Gavin live with us?""Because Daddy Gavin isn't really our dad." Jeremy finally stopped what he was doing, his tone serious."Why not?""There's no reason. He just isn't.""Then who is our real dad?"Jeremy's body stiffened slightly. He slowly put down the blu