Phoebe wandered around outside for a long time before returning to the apartment.The room was dark, and Alexander wasn't home. She didn't want to think about him, so she didn't bother turning on the lights. She took off her shoes, slipped on some slippers, and made her way to the bedroom in the dark.The memory of Melissa's angry face from earlier that day weighed on her heart. It made her feel awful, though she didn't blame Melissa—she knew she had no right to. After all, Melissa wasn't wrong.She sniffled, then climbed into bed, pulling the covers up around her.Her fingers brushed against something cold and smooth, and she pulled it closer, switching on the light to see what it was. It was Alexander's black suit.Had he been back?Thinking of him again, her calm mood evaporated, replaced by a renewed sense of frustration.Her eyes clouded with tears. She angrily tossed the expensive suit onto the floor and buried her face in the pillow, trying to sleep.She didn't care whether he
"I told you, it's just me." Phoebe couldn't tell the truth, and even if she did, what good would it do?Seeing that she wasn't willing to speak, Alexander didn't press further."Does it still hurt?""It's not that bad anymore." She shook her head. No wonder the pain on her cheek was less when she woke up in the morning."Make me breakfast. I'm hungry." It had been so long since he had tasted her cooking.She didn't really want to make him breakfast, but since he hadn't yelled at her and had even helped her with the medicine, she nodded reluctantly.After Alexander changed clothes and went downstairs, Phoebe had already finished making breakfast. There was still half an hour left, and she should be able to make it to school in time. She grabbed her things and was about to leave, but just as she reached the door, Alexander's voice came from behind."Where are you going?""To school.""Eat breakfast first.""I'll be late.""I'll take you after breakfast." He realized his temper had been
In just two days, rumors began to spread like wildfire across the school.Word quickly got around that Phoebe had a sugar daddy.It didn't take long for the gossip to become the talk of the school, with everyone—whether in public or private—whispering about Phoebe.Some classmates even posted pictures of her getting into Alexander's car.But that was just the beginning. Some people dug deeper, uncovering details about her family background, her parents, and even her drug-addicted brother.The insults, sneers, and cruel comments echoed in her ears at all hours.The rumors were causing her immense trouble.Her professors called her in for several meetings, and even the school administration had personally approached her, warning that if things continued like this, they might start advising her to drop out.If it got any worse, they would likely expel her.Phoebe didn't understand how everything had gone so wrong.Just a few days ago, things had been fine, and now suddenly, her world was
After shouting at Alexander, Phoebe immediately turned off her phone.Moments later, she was stunned, not even sure where she found the courage to yell at him, let alone insult him. Perhaps the pressure of the past few days had built up, and she just needed to vent.Meeting him had sucked the color out of her life. Was he really planning to trap her? To make her his secret lover forever, living there like his pet?Although he had changed a lot recently, showing more patience and even being gentle with her, it wasn't what she wanted.She didn't want this life anymore. Without love, no matter how good he was to her, she didn't want it.Wrapping the blanket tightly around herself, she tried to think things through. What should she do? How could she break free from him? How could she get him to stop bothering her and give her space, so her life could go back to the peaceful state it once had?She was so absorbed in her thoughts, her headache growing worse, that she didn't even hear the doo
As soon as the door clicked shut, the living room was left with only the two of them.Alexander gave Phoebe a cold look and patted the spot beside him."Come here.""What... what do you want?" Phoebe said, her guard up.Was he really going to do something here, in her house? He was just too infuriating. She didn't pick up his calls, and yet here he was, showing up at her doorstep.Boyfriend? He looked more like the Big Bad Wolf waiting to devour Little Red Riding Hood."Phoebe, you'd better come here before I lose my temper," Alexander said, glaring at her with increasing impatience.He couldn't understand why she was acting this way today. His patience, which had been stretched thin with her, was starting to wear out. He could tolerate her occasional tantrums, but not when she crossed the line."This is my house. You wouldn't dare," she retorted, meeting his gaze boldly.Her parents were here—she didn't believe he would actually lose control. But even so, a tiny spark of fear still l
Phoebe stared at him, incredulous. "There's no room for you here. What are you even talking about?""It's fine," he said casually, his eyes glinting with a mischievous light. "I don't mind sharing a bed with you. I'll make do." He leaned in close to her ear, his voice low and seductive, his gaze drifting to her curves in a way that made Phoebe feel completely exposed.Damn it, she hadn't even put on a bra when she came out."You—" Phoebe gasped, her hands instinctively covering her chest.What was wrong with him? Just moments ago, he was furious, and now he was being this way. Was he schizophrenic?Alexander straightened his back and pointed to the room across the hall. "Is that your room?"Without waiting for her response, he started walking toward it."Hey! What are you doing?" Phoebe exclaimed, a trace of panic in her voice."Obviously, I'm going to sleep," he replied casually.In truth, he was doing it on purpose to get a reaction from her.She was too clueless to appreciate his
"The design of your windows is quite convenient," Alexander chuckled softly, his gaze falling on her.He had already started approaching her bed."Get out!" Phoebe yelled, her voice tinged with panic. She had expected he wouldn't let her go so easily."Don't even think about it. Tonight, I'm sleeping here with you," Alexander replied with a smirk, his tone unapologetically teasing.As he walked, his eyes caught sight of the clothes rack beside him.His fingers curled around a delicate piece of lingerie, her lingerie, lifting it playfully.It was something he had bought for her, and just the thought of how stunning she looked in it was enough to make his pulse quicken."You!" Phoebe gasped, her face turning crimson.She hurriedly jumped off the bed, reaching out to snatch it back. She usually hung her lingerie on the rack before going to bed, but she hadn't anticipated he would casually pick it up and examine it with such a wicked glint in his eyes.His gaze, filled with mischief, was
"Ugh, no!" Phoebe's voice was fractured, her entire body trembling in fear from his forceful actions.Her breathing was erratic, completely out of control, and her body shook uncontrollably."Baby, you're so sensitive," Alexander murmured.Phoebe snapped back to her senses and instinctively tried to push him off her. They couldn't do such a thing here.Summoning an unknown surge of strength, she shoved him forcefully. Alexander, caught off guard in the heat of the moment, lost his balance. With a yelp, he tumbled sideways and hit the floor with a thud.Phoebe froze, wide-eyed, her hands flying to cover her flushed lips. Guilt welled up as she looked at the man sprawled awkwardly on the floor.Did she hurt him? She didn't mean to push him off the bed, just wanted him to keep his distance.But in the next second, her guilt faded, replaced by a sense of justice. Serves him right! She wouldn't go soft on him.Seconds passed, and she expected him to get up. But he remained completely still
Phoebe was still lost in the dizzying heat of the kiss, her mind blank, unable to fully recover from the intoxicating sensation.Without warning, Alexander scooped her up once more, striding purposefully toward the private lounge attached to his office.The heavy door shut behind them with a muffled thud. Alexander carried her straight to the large, plush bed, leaning down slightly as he gently placed her onto the soft mattress.Phoebe's body sank into the luxurious bedding, her eyes widening in alarm as she looked up at him. "What… what are you doing?""I want you." His voice was deep and husky, laced with raw desire."No, you can't." Phoebe's breath came in uneven pants. Her emotions were in turmoil—fear and confusion tangled together, yet at the same time, her body betrayed her, reacting instinctively to his closeness. This only unsettled her more."Can't?" Alexander's lips curled into a faint smirk, his gaze dark and unreadable. Slowly, his eyes drifted downward, lingering at her
Phoebe stood in the secluded corner, her hands trembling slightly as they reached for the buttons of her blouse. Her gaze remained locked on Alexander's back, not daring to blink. Only after watching him remain completely still for a long while did she finally exhale softly and lower her head to begin changing.When she opened the gift box and saw the delicate black lingerie inside, she froze.Lifting the sheer fabric between her fingers, she muttered under her breath, "This is lingerie?"The material was nearly transparent—she could already imagine how revealing it would be once worn. For a moment, she weighed her options: should she stick with her own undergarments, or wear this?Her eyes drifted back to the black evening gown. Its design was exquisite and unique, seemingly crafted to pair perfectly with the lingerie, enhancing its elegance with a touch of allure.Biting her lower lip, Phoebe struggled internally before finally giving in. Slowly, she unhooked her own lingerie, her m
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