She was so sweet

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 cheeks, though deep inside, her heart ached.

Walking lightly through the long corridor, she could feel the astonished gazes following her. She had no idea how long she had been walking or how many turns she had taken. She muttered the room number under her breath: 2069.

At that moment, her mind was clouded, and every step felt like a monumental effort. She mechanically repeated the number, her thoughts growing foggier with each passing second.

This was the last time. Once tonight was over, everything would be behind her.

Finally, she saw the door marked 2096.

She stepped forward quietly. The door was unlocked—likely left open just for her. Without hesitating, she pushed it open.

Creeeak—

The room was pitch-black, as if the darkness was ready to swallow her whole. Phoebe trembled with fear.

Such darkness filled her with unease and dread, a reminder of the tragedy about to unfold. Although her previous attempt at such a transaction had failed, this wasn't her first time, yet she was still terrified—still unable to fully accept it.

The air was thick with the smell of alcohol, mingled with a mature masculine scent that was oddly pleasant.

She couldn't see anything, but she could feel the presence of a pair of cold eyes fixated on her, silently, yet dangerously closing in.

Phoebe's panic deepened as flashes of that night from years ago flickered in her mind. She had barely escaped back then.

A bitter smile crossed her lips. If it hadn't been for that, she wouldn't be fetching such a high price tonight, would she?

She tried to speak, but before she could, a cold gust of wind brushed against her. A tall shadow appeared in front of her.

She couldn't make out his features, but the air was thick with that masculine scent, now much closer. Her body stiffened instantly. This must be the man for tonight.

The intimacy of their proximity made her fearful. Tears welled up in her eyes, but they clung to the edges, refusing to fall. She nervously tested the waters with a trembling voice.

"Sir, I..."

She couldn't see his face in the darkness, but something about his presence felt strangely familiar. Perhaps it was just her imagination.

"Sir... could you please turn on the light?"

Alexander narrowed his eyes, silently staring at her for a while.

How audacious!

"S-sir... I didn't mean anything by it. I just don't like the dark..." Her voice shook as he moved closer, his presence overwhelming her with a powerful sense of danger.

Alexander sneered. Women were always so greedy, trying to catch his attention with their little tricks.

Foolish.

He continued to close the distance, and Phoebe backed away, retreating until her back hit the wall. She was now cornered, trapped by his towering figure.

Her chest heaved as her breathing became erratic, her heartbeat spiraling out of control. She knew what was about to happen, and she was terrified. She had lost her courage once again.

This man was far more intimidating than the one from three years ago—his coldness was even more chilling.

Phoebe pressed herself tightly against the wall, her small frame dwarfed by his imposing presence, making her look even more fragile.

Her expression was one of vulnerable beauty, the kind that could make any man's heart race. But in the darkness, Alexander couldn't see her face.

"Do you understand the consequences of this?" Alexander's eyes narrowed, a deadly coldness flashing in them.

His voice... it sounded like the devil himself.

Phoebe tried to steady her racing heart, silently telling herself not to be afraid. It would be okay.

She just had to close her eyes and wait for morning. But why was her skin crawling with goosebumps? Why was her heart pounding uncontrollably?

"I... I..." She stammered, unable to string together a coherent sentence in front of this man.

Alexander's eyes glinted with disdain. How brazen of her.

If she was trying to catch his attention—well, she had succeeded.

She would now have to face the consequences of her foolishness.

The room fell into an eerie silence, broken only by the sound of their breathing. Phoebe bit her lip, her eyes brimming with fear.

Suddenly, a large hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her hard against his cold, firm chest.

Startled by the sudden movement, Phoebe let out a scream.

Her face turned pale as she struggled to catch her breath, her body trembling uncontrollably.

She tried to move, but his body pressed firmly against hers, leaving no room for escape. The innate danger radiating from him made her heart race faster.

Pain shot through her neck as if something sharp had cut into her skin. The metallic scent of blood filled the air, reaching her nose.

Her body shook violently from the pain, her voice weak and trembling. She hadn't expected him to actually cut her.

"W-what are you doing?"

The man's lips curled into a bloodthirsty smile, his eyes gleaming with a cold, menacing light.

His icy fingers traced along her neck, inhaling the scent of her blood. He suddenly bent down, his cold lips pressing against the wound.

His teeth grazed the cut, sucking on it, savoring her blood as if he were tasting the finest wine, taking one sip after another.

She was so sweet.