The next day.Phoebe closed her eyes, relishing the warmth as she nestled back into Alexander's arms.He hadn't left her side all night.A sudden pang of sadness welled up inside her. She had no idea what he would be like toward her after this. But right now, she just wanted to enjoy the comfort of his embrace.Unconsciously, she snuggled closer to his chest, craving to be nearer. The subtle scent of his skin filled her senses, intoxicating her. It was so alluring, she couldn't help but feel like she was falling under its spell.In his sleep, Alexander seemed to sense her movements, his arms tightening around her. After a while, his body grew restless. The soft, tickling sensation against his chest made him snap his eyes open.Damn it, Phoebe. Teasing him so early in the morning.He glanced down, a smile tugging at his lips.She was still asleep, but like a little kitten, she was nuzzling his chest as if trying to win her master's affection. The way she gently rubbed against him, almo
Alexander walked into the villa, the living room engulfed in darkness, and he reached out to turn on the lights.He had planned to visit Phoebe at the hospital, but today was Melissa's birthday, and he figured he could celebrate with her first and head to the hospital afterward.Suddenly, slender fingers covered his eyes from behind. "Don't open them," Melissa whispered, standing on her tiptoes."Melissa," Alexander said fondly. Who else could it be? It was her, of course."Don't open your eyes yet," Melissa's sweet voice teased him by his ear."Why so mysterious?" Alexander asked with a smile."I have a surprise for you," Melissa let go of him and smiled brightly. "Do you like it?"Alexander chuckled. "Did you do all this?" She certainly knew how to be romantic.Of course, she hadn't done it herself. She had hired help to arrange everything, but she didn't respond to his question."Do you like it?" she asked again."It's your birthday today, I should be the one preparing things," Ale
Alexander felt something wrapping around him from behind.He squinted his eyes, his gaze sharp and piercing. Reaching out, he grabbed and yanked whatever it was toward him to see who it was."Melissa? Why is it you?" Alexander frowned. No wonder he had sensed something familiar; he almost threw her to the ground just now."Alex," Melissa fell into his arms, her voice sweet and sticky.The cold shower had already washed away half of the heat in his body, but now it was quickly reigniting."Hurry and go back to bed," Alexander said, sensing something was off. His hand brushed against her skin. Quickly, he reached over and turned on the bedside lamp.The room lit up, and what he saw made his eyes narrow.Melissa's hair cascaded over her shoulders, her eyes full of seductive intent as she looked at him. Her lingerie—if it could even be called that—was barely there, a sheer red fabric that left little to the imagination.Damn it. Did she even know what she was doing?"Alex," Melissa purred
In the hospital, Phoebe lay dejectedly on the bed. It was late, and he still hadn't come.She took a deep breath, feeling a pang of self-contempt. Despite his treatment of her, she found herself inexplicably in love with him.Was it love?No—she didn't even know what love truly was.Was it simply liking him? It must be, since he always made her heart ache.Was it because of his looks? She wasn't the kind of girl to judge based on appearances.So what was it? After thinking for a long time, she couldn't come to an answer. He treated her so cruelly that she should hate him, yet she found it impossible to do so.For over a decade, her love life had been empty; she had never truly liked any boy. Some had pursued her before, but she had always felt repulsed.In college, juggling studies and work left her with no time to consider relationships. In the realm of emotions, she felt like a blank slate, and he had stumbled into her life, catching her completely off guard.He occupied her mind an
Early in the morning at the hospital."Get off me..." Phoebe mumbled, realizing he had been on top of her since waking up.They were both naked, skin against skin, making her heart race. And this was the hospital—she feared someone might walk in at any moment."Phoebe, why were you rejecting me last night? Did I scare you?"She didn't answer, turning her head away from him. She closed her eyes, her long lashes glistening with tears. He hadn't forced her, yet she felt an inexplicable fear. She could no longer accept him.Alexander felt a pang of sympathy. He gently cupped her face and kissed away her tears. If he had caused her lasting shadows, he would work to erase the darkness in her heart.Unable to resist, he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly without saying a word, offering her a comforting embrace.Perhaps Phoebe's earlier screams had attracted the attention of a nurse.Knock, knock, knock—"Miss, are you alright?" The nurse's concerned voice came from outside the doo
As they left the hospital, Alexander looked at Phoebe, his face pale."Why didn't you fight back? Didn't you hear what she said to you?" Why did she look so defeated, accepting mistreatment without a word?"..."Seriously? Wasn't it his fault too? The nurse's words were harsh, but she felt she had no reason to respond. She just had to endure."From now on, if anyone dares to say anything to you, I'll deal with them.." He wouldn't let anything slide.Phoebe rolled her eyes; he seemed a bit immature.Both were hungry, especially Alexander, who had been up all night. They decided to eat at the nearest upscale hotel, marking Alexander's first time taking Phoebe out to eat.Walking into the hotel in her hospital gown attracted some odd looks, but Alexander didn't seem embarrassed at all. He held her hand tightly, offering warmth, which made Phoebe feel a little touched.Since breakfast had already passed, they went straight for lunch, even though it was only eleven.After lunch, Alexander
In the upscale club, a man slapped Melissa's rear forcefully."...Don't touch me!" Melissa glared at him angrily, wanting nothing more than to go home."Already turning on me? You were just fine a moment ago," the man smirked, unconcerned about her expression."Just take me back."It was already afternoon; what was supposed to end by eleven had dragged on, and she had lost track of time, caught up in his demands.Alex must be looking for her. If she didn't return soon, he would start to worry. She could already imagine him searching anxiously for her."Afraid Alexander will be worried?""You don't get to tell me what to do. Just take me back," Melissa replied, her tone firm. Their relationship was purely transactional—he had no right to dictate her actions."You really think you can go back like this? You don't think he'll be suspicious?" The man chuckled, lighting a cigarette."You don't need to worry about that; I have my own ways.""Care to share your plan?" He scoffed. "Don't unde
Inside the hospital.Alexander frantically summoned all the doctors in the hospital to one patient room.They gathered nervously around Melissa, conducting a thorough examination of her pale face on the hospital bed. "Melissa, I won't let anything happen to you." His gaze lingered on her frail features.Guilt, shame, worry, and heartache overwhelmed him. It was his fault that Melissa was hurt! If only time could rewind, he would never have left her side. It was all his fault!"How is she?" he asked, anxiety etched on his face."Sir, the patient is currently stable, but... she has experienced intense sex and her body is weak. She needs time to recover," the doctor replied.Alexander's body trembled for a moment, then stiffened in rage as he gripped the doctor's collar. "What did you say?"Though he had already sensed it, he couldn't bear to accept the truth. How could he acknowledge such a reality about someone as pure and beautiful as Melissa?"Sir, please calm down... I..." The docto
"Where are you going?" he asked, his voice husky and magnetic when he noticed her trying to leave his embrace."I need to use the restroom." Phoebe's voice was quiet as she avoided his gaze. Her heart felt heavy from the tears she had shed moments before. She wanted to wash her face—or more truthfully, she needed a moment alone to gather herself.She pushed herself up, but her legs gave out before she could steady her balance. In an instant, she fell back into his arms."Ah, so greedy for my embrace?" His lips curled into a playful smirk, and a mischievous glint sparked in his eyes. The wicked charm in his tone and demeanor was a stark contrast to his cold and silent self from the night before. It was as if he had become a different man."You... go to hell!" Phoebe's face flushed a deep red, both embarrassed and furious. She shoved him away with all her strength, wobbling as she stood. Her lips twisted into a bitter smile. How could any woman resist a man so handsome, so alluring? she
As she exited the bathroom, she collided with a solid wall of muscle. Covering her face, she looked up. She didn't need to guess who it was."Did I say you could leave?" Alexander's grip on her wrist was firm, almost painfully so. Her eyes turned red, tears threatening to spill."Let go of me! I want to go back." She tried to free her wrist, but his grasp was unrelenting. After a few futile attempts, she stopped struggling."Given up already?" Alexander raised an eyebrow when she stilled."Would it make a difference if I didn't?" Her voice was small, her head bowed."What are you doing?" she asked sharply as he scooped her into his arms."Taking you to eat.""I'm not hungry," she replied stubbornly, though her stomach growled loudly, betraying her."Then you've got energy for other things? Fine, let's continue.""No! I'm hungry. I'll eat!"They ate in silence. Phoebe was famished and ate a lot, not caring about appearances. After being tormented by him for two days, she was physically
In a luxurious hotel room, Phoebe seized a brief moment when Alexander was distracted. She pushed him away with all her strength and rolled off the bed.She tried to run, but her legs gave out after only a few steps. A hand clamped down on her waist from behind, causing her to scream.She flailed her arms and legs in a desperate attempt to fend him off, but it was futile."What are you doing? Let me go! Let me go!"Her body was thrown back onto the bed, and Alexander pinned her down with a force that left her breathless. He restrained her hands above her head, his eyes locked onto her face, which was devoid of any vitality."Damn it,"he muttered under his breath. "You're always like this when you're with me."Alexander's composure snapped. He tore at her clothes with brutal force."What are you doing? Stop it!"Phoebe struggled fiercely, disbelief and fear evident in her voice. She hadn't expected Alexander to bring her her
"Let me go… It hurts…"Phoebe's brows knitted tightly, her voice tinged with sobs.She felt like a lone leaf tossed about by a violent storm, battered mercilessly by the raging winds.Moments earlier, Alva had stood frozen in shock, watching Alexander roughly pin Phoebe against the wall.Her mind went blank for an instant. But when she heard her friend's anguished cry, she snapped back to her senses.Alva rushed forward, flipping on the stairwell light with a sharp "click."The dim yellow glow dispelled some of the darkness. Without hesitation, Alva stormed over and tried with all her strength to pry Alexander's arm off Phoebe."Hey! What do you think you're doing to her?"she demanded, her eyes blazing with anger and suspicion as she glared at Alexander's menacing demeanor. She could tell this man was trouble, and her fury flared."Get lost!"Alexander growled, his voice like the roar of a provoked beast.
Meanwhile, at the square, Phoebe's legs felt weak and powerless, making it nearly impossible to stand no matter how hard she tried.Frantically, she looked around for a taxi, but not a single empty one was in sight. Helpless, she dialed Gavin's number.Before long, Gavin arrived at lightning speed. He quickly got out of the car and carefully helped Phoebe and Alva into the vehicle, then drove them straight to the hospital.At the hospital, after a thorough examination, the doctor concluded it was just a cramp and nothing serious. With some rest and a bit of massage, she would recover fully. Relieved by the news, everyone let out a sigh of relief. Gavin then promptly drove both women back to their doorstep.The car came to a gentle stop by the roadside. Alva, being considerate, got out first, leaving Phoebe and Gavin some privacy.Phoebe lowered her gaze slightly and said softly, "Thank you for helping today and for bringing us back. I really apprec
For the past month, if not for being swamped with endless affairs and busy cleaning up a series of troublesome messes, he might have already lost control and rushed off to find her.At this moment, however, a thought unbiddenly surfaced in his mind: Is she with Gavin right now?As soon as the idea emerged, it spread like wildfire through his heart, igniting an uncontrollable jealousy.Anger surged like a violent tide, breaking through the dam of his rationality. He abruptly raised his foot and kicked the chair beside him with all his strength.The chair toppled over with a loud crash, the sharp sound echoing through the silent room.Gone was his usual composure and cold demeanor; now, he resembled nothing more than a jealous husband, consumed by suspicion and rage.The memory of that night replayed in his mind—her dressed in an elegant gown, dazzling and radiant. But the man standing beside her was Gavin, accompanying her to the banque
At this moment, Alexander, the man at the center of the recent scandal, sat inside his car. Although a beautiful woman leaned against him, seemingly basking in his affection, his heart was filled with nothing but disgust."Alex, darling, please… I really want it," the woman cooed, her lips painted a bright, tempting red. She pouted slightly, her sugary-sweet voice dripping with a coy and cloying charm that could make anyone's heart flutter.Her fingers, like serpents, slithered boldly across Alexander's chest, inching downward with shameless audacity."Get out!" Alexander snarled, his fury erupting. The veins on his forehead bulged as his eyes blazed with anger and disdain.Without hesitation, he kicked the woman away, his action as swift as it was ruthless.To him, these women were increasingly revolting, their fake affection akin to a foul, putrid swamp that sickened him to his core. He felt his stomach churn, a wave of nausea rising."Did I… do something wrong? Are you angry with m
Elsewhere, as evening descended, two figures emerged from the campus."Phoebe, there's a movie later. Come with me, okay?" Alva suggested."Huh?" Phoebe's eyes widened, clearly lost in thought moments before."I said, there's a movie tonight. Come with me." Alva rolled her eyes and raised her voice slightly."I…"Before Phoebe could finish, Alva cut her off with a warning. "You've bailed on me so many times already. This time, you're coming.""Alva, my foot…""I'm here, aren't I? Don't worry. Come on, let's go." Alva supported Phoebe as they walked forward slowly.Though Phoebe's injury had mostly healed, her dislocated bone still required more time to fully recover.By 8 PM, the two had arrived at the cinema. Because of Phoebe's foot, they couldn't move quickly and entered after most of the crowd had already gone in. To their surprise, many of the good seats were still vacant.They exchanged a glance and laughed, picking a comfortable spot to settle into.As the lights dimmed, the mo
The restaurant was bathed in soft, warm lighting, casting a gentle glow over each meticulously arranged table and creating an elegant, relaxing atmosphere.Laura sat across from Wright, her hands clasped nervously, her fingers slightly curled.She seemed uneasy, out of her element. This was her first time stepping into such an upscale restaurant.Everything around her felt foreign and fascinating, yet tinged with an inexplicable fear, as if she were an intruder in a world that didn't belong to her—a stranger amidst the refined luxury.Other patrons, dressed in elegant attire, occupied the surrounding tables. Some engaged in hushed conversations, while others laughed heartily. The cheerful sounds interwove, creating an infectious liveliness that floated and echoed through the air.Laura's gaze wandered across the room, quietly observing the people around her. Her eyes betrayed a deep longing.Their faces radiated happiness and contentment—emotions she had never truly experienced. A que