Last night, Phoebe returned home quite late. She had gone to Meadowville and initially planned to call him to let him know she would be staying with her parents that night.However, after several calls went unanswered and he didn't reply to her texts, she grew concerned.By eleven o'clock at night, she tried calling him again, but his phone was still off.Worried that he might be upset if he returned home and found she wasn't there, Phoebe hurriedly said goodbye to her parents and called a taxi to return home.When she arrived upstairs, she found that Alexander hadn't come back yet, and she let out a sigh of relief.After taking a shower in the guest bathroom, she crawled into bed, ready to sleep. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't fall asleep, tossing and turning instead.She listened intently to the sounds outside...By morning, Phoebe could no longer hold on and finally fell into a deep sleep.Phoebe woke up groggily at 1 pm the next day, listening to the soft patter of
Later that day."Miss Phoebe, are you okay?" one of her students asked with concern.Phoebe forced a small smile, rubbing her eyes. She was surprised to find tear stains at the corners. "I've just been staring too long..." she explained."Why are you wearing a disposable mask? Are you coming down with something?"Phoebe nodded. "Yeah, I don't want to pass it on to you all..."After reviewing her students' artwork, Phoebe headed straight to the studio's break room.She removed the disposable mask in front of the mirror, staring at the red, swollen mark on her cheek. A sense of helplessness washed over her. Her parents had never laid a hand on her, not even once.Yet he had slapped her twice today—each slap harder than the last. Gently touching the burning area on her cheek, she felt a sting in her nose as her eyes began to water.Once class ended, Phoebe didn't head straight back to the villa. Instead, she wandered aimlessly through the streets, not wanting to return. The thought of go
Morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating every corner of the room.Phoebe frowned slightly, her eyes squinting against the bright light as soon as she opened them. A pleasant, masculine scent filled her senses, and when she looked up, she saw a handsome face next to hers.Remembering his gentle touch from the night before, warmth filled her heart.His embrace was comforting, his chest radiating warmth against her.It wasn't until she felt the heat of skin-on-skin contact that she realized, with a sudden shock, that she wasn't wearing anything.Her face flushed with embarrassment, a delicate blush spreading across her cheeks. She wanted to move but didn't dare, afraid to wake him—she'd only feel more awkward if he woke up. So, she let him hold her possessively, feeling the heat of his body against hers.She found herself liking the feeling of being in his arms more and more...As she gazed at his flawlessly handsome sleeping face, Phoebe couldn't hel
By the time it was over, Phoebe was completely exhausted, while the man above her remained as firm as ever.Seeing that he was about to continue, Phoebe hurriedly pressed her hands against his chest. "Don't you have work? You'll be late...""It seems I haven't satisfied you enough... Otherwise, why would you want me to 'leave'?"He deliberately emphasized the last word, making Phoebe want to crawl into a hole from sheer embarrassment. He was being impossible!"Women are all so hypocritical," Alexander's thin lips curled into a wicked smile. He continued, his tone teasing, "Especially when they're beneath a man... Saying 'no' with their mouths, but their bodies? Much more honest."His mocking words made Phoebe's body tremble slightly, her face burning with embarrassment, her ears turning a deep shade of red."I... I...""Are you trying to say... 'Give it to me' or 'I want more?'" He raised an eyebrow, enjoying the array of expressions on her face.Phoebe was mortified! How could he be
That night, Alexander didn't come home. However, he did leave her some instructions—she was to prepare nutritious meals and have them ready for pick-up.For several consecutive days, it was the same routine. Three meals a day, Phoebe would cook, and one of his subordinates would come by to collect the food."Miss. Here's the menu for tomorrow," the subordinate said with a smile, handing her the list while holding the freshly prepared meal."It's ok," Phoebe replied with a light smile. Looking at the varied and elaborate dishes on the menu, she sighed softly. It seemed like she would have to make another trip to the supermarket after school.Many of the dishes were ones she had never heard of before. But to make sure she got them right, she spent hours poring over cookbooks. During the day, she had classes and no time to experiment, so she'd stay up late into the night in the kitchen, practicing how to prepare everything.One afternoon..."Phoebe, you seem so out of it lately. You look
It was the afternoon after school.Phoebe had just parted ways with Alva when she lifted her gaze and locked eyes with a man walking towards her.She instinctively wanted to turn and leave quickly, but he had already stepped up to block her path.With a gentle smile that seemed to radiate warmth, he said, "Phoebe, are you trying to avoid me again?"Phoebe stopped, feeling awkward. "Professor, I... I'm in a hurry... I really have to go..."She had hoped that if she kept avoiding him, he would eventually leave and return to France. Yet, after all this time, he remained persistent, which only made her feel more guilty.Passersby occasionally glanced their way, and Phoebe lowered her head, feeling the weight of their intrigued and curious looks.Thank goodness they had moved a good distance away from the school; otherwise, rumors would surely start flying.Curitis was far more popular at the school than she had imagined.On his first day, he had attracted a large crowd of female students
"What are you standing there for? Get in the car!" Alexander's voice was cold and commanding, his gaze sharp enough to kill.Phoebe bit her lip, the car too conspicuous, making her want to turn and run. But she had no choice; she steeled herself and opened the back door, jumping inside.She knew that if she didn't get in, it would only anger him further and attract more attention from onlookers, making her situation even more awkward."Sit in the front." Another icy command, the air thickening with tension.As soon as she settled in, his sharp shout startled her. Sensing his anger, she quickly jumped out and slid into the front seat.The atmosphere in the car was tense and strange.Phoebe cautiously glanced at him; his tightly pressed lips and furrowed brow told her he was clearly upset. His piercing black eyes radiated a chilling indifference, laced with barely concealed fury.What's wrong with him? Why is he angry?She didn't know. Was it related to her?It had to be! But how had sh
Phoebe glanced at Alexander, confused about what he was trying to achieve.She wanted to ask but didn't dare to, so she turned and followed the stylist into the dressing room.Makeup, hair, clothes, accessories... from head to toe, inside and out, the stylist meticulously handled everything.She stayed inside for a full three hours before the makeup artist finally finished.Phoebe looked in the mirror, stunned by her reflection. Even she couldn't believe how breathtaking she appeared.She recalled a similar moment three years ago when she had been amazed at her own transformation. But the emotions she felt then were completely different from now."You look perfect! You're like a goddess," the stylist praised, clearly pleased with their work. Every little detail was flawless, leaving no room for criticism.Phoebe's cheeks flushed with a hint of shyness. Would Alexander like her like this?Satisfied, the stylist pushed her out of the dressing room."Sir, she's ready. What do you think?"
As soon as the words left her mouth, Phoebe's tears began to fall uncontrollably.It wasn't true—not what she had said. She didn't want him to die. Even if she couldn't forgive him, she would never wish for his death.“Fine. As you wish,” Alexander said coldly, letting go of her.He stood up and walked toward the door. But after just a few steps, his tall, solid frame collapsed to the floor.Curled up on the ground, Phoebe instinctively raised her head at the sound. A flash of white light surged through her mind, and in the next second, she was scrambling toward him in a panic, sobbing.Kneeling by his side, she shook his body desperately. Her tear-streaked face was unrecognizable.“Alexander, wake up! Please, wake up! Don't scare me, okay?” she cried.No matter how much she called his name or shook him, he didn't respond. The blood from his head only flowed more freely. Her trembling fingers pressed agai
Alexander kissed her deeply, completely lost in the moment, while Phoebe stared blankly at the ceiling. What else could he possibly do to her besides this?She wanted to push him away, but her overly full stomach left her feeling sluggish. All she wanted was to lie down comfortably for a while.When Alexander finally seemed satisfied, he pecked her lips a couple more times before letting her go.The moment he released her, Phoebe wiped her mouth in disgust.Her reaction displeased Alexander. Did she find his kiss so revolting? Fine. The more she resisted, the more he wanted to kiss her—until every inch of her body bore his scent."Don't touch me," Phoebe warned, glaring at him."I'll do whatever I want," he shot back.With that, Alexander grabbed her head forcefully, pressing his lips back to hers. His tongue invaded her mouth, relentless and domineering, capturing her own with a fierce hold.It hurt.The despicabl
It felt strange that he would do something like this, but she had to admit that stepping out to get some air, even if it was just moving from the bedroom to the living room, was refreshing."Bring a bowl of oatmeal." Alexander commanded."Yes, sir." The servant immediately obeyed, heading to the kitchen to fetch the oatmeal that had been simmering over low heat."Leave it here and go.""Yes, sir."After the servants left, the living room fell silent, leaving only the two of them. Alexander sat down with Phoebe still in his arms, cradling her like a child. His tall frame completely enveloped her petite form."Put me down," Phoebe demanded firmly. She felt uncomfortable in his embrace. In the past, such closeness would have left her flustered, her heart racing uncontrollably. But now, there was none of that. She didn't want to be near him at all. In fact, she wished she'd never have to see him again.Ignoring her words, Alexander picked
Under the harsh glow of the fluorescent lights, Phoebe's face appeared deathly pale, drained of all color.She lay quietly on the bed, her eyes closed, devoid of any vitality.After conducting a series of examinations, the doctor inserted a needle into the back of her hand and hung an IV bottle."Sir, she's simply too weak. She hasn't eaten for a long time, which caused her to faint suddenly. After administering a nutrient solution, she'll be fine. When she wakes up, don't rush to feed her solid food. Start with some liquids, and after two hours, she can eat something light."The doctor gave instructions and prescribed some medication, adding, "She needs to take these three times a day, before meals.""Understood,"Alexander replied, his expression grave. "Will these medications have any side effects?""Don't worry, there are no side effects. They're just to help stimulate her stomach's movement,"the doctor explained with a smile, s
For two consecutive days, Phoebe continued her silent standoff with Alexander. She refused to eat anything, even though her body was weak, her head spinning with hunger. No matter how faint or dizzy she became, she wouldn't give in to him. Even if it meant starving to death, she would not yield.Once, she endured his treatment because she loved him. But after everything that had happened, she could no longer forgive him. The servants were at their wit's end, desperately trying to persuade her, but she refused to listen. With no other option, they went to Alexander for help.In the study, one of the servants hesitantly reported, "Sir, she still isn't eating.""Mm, I see. You can go.""Yes, sir.""Wait," Alexander called out, pausing for a moment before adding, "Prepare a fresh meal and bring it up."He believed she was just being stubborn and would eventually give in to hunger. But he hadn't anticipated her sheer determination to defy him, no
Alexander's gaze was filled with disdain as he looked at her. Gone was the tenderness he once held for her; all that remained was disgust, contempt, and the bitter hatred of someone who had been deceived. After all these years, he couldn't believe he had cherished a woman like this."I only did it because I love you so much,"Melissa sobbed, tears streaming down her face."Love?"Alexander cut her off coldly. "Is this what you call love? Lying to me? Hurting the woman I care about?"His voice was sharp, laced with icy anger. "I never imagined you could be this vicious."The thought of Phoebe's suffering gripped his heart painfully. He was the one who had caused her so much pain, and all because of Melissa.Melissa desperately tried to explain, her voice shaking. But the Alexander before her was unrecognizable."Please, don't treat me this way. Please!"she begged, reaching out to him."Forgive you?"His words dripped
After taking a cold shower and changing into fresh clothes, he headed out. Passing by her room, the silence was deafening.He reached out, his hand hovering over the doorknob, wanting to go in and check on her. But his hand froze mid-air, unable to move any further.He just couldn't muster the courage to enter.Damn it. Was there really something he was afraid of?Without lingering any longer, he turned and descended the stairs with heavy steps.Tonight, he needed a drink. Because of Phoebe, he couldn't focus on work at all.Inside the car, Alexander stomped irritably on the gas pedal, the vehicle speeding like a bullet. He ran countless red lights, frustration coursing through his veins.Police cars blared their sirens behind him, trailing closely.But Alexander had no intention of stopping. Instead, he pressed the gas harder, increasing the car's speed.The phone buzzed. With one hand on the wheel, he picked it up. His
"Let me out! Let me out! Open the door!"Inside the small villa, Phoebe pounded on the door with all her strength.Her voice echoed throughout the house.Outside, two guards stood expressionlessly, unmoved by her cries.Phoebe had been shouting for hours. Her voice was hoarse, and her hands were red and swollen from hitting the door, but no one came to open it. Sniffling, she finally collapsed back onto the bed in frustration, staring blankly at the ceiling.There was nothing for her to do but stare.She was on the verge of going insane.This imprisoned life was unbearable.It had been days since Alexander had brought her back, yet she hadn't been allowed to take a single step outside the room. Her world was confined to this small space. The door was locked, and the windows wouldn't open.It was suffocating.Why did Alexander have to treat her like this? Would he only be satisfied if she came to hate him completel
"Ugh..." Her small shoulders trembled as she sobbed softly, unable to escape no matter how much she tried."Come back with me!" Alexander's deep voice thundered as he leaned down toward her. There was still one day left before the week ended, and he had intended to wait. But seeing her wandering around, breaking down in tears, tore at his heart. He couldn't hold back any longer—he had to take her back early.She cast him a bitter glance, wiped her tears, and sniffled as she pushed his approaching figure away with all her strength."You really don't want to see me, do you?" Alexander's face darkened, his expression cold and menacing."Yes! I don't want to see you! Why can't you just leave me alone?""Damn it. You're coming with me!" He grabbed her wrist firmly, his eyes gleaming like a predator's, filled with a dangerous determination. She didn't want to look at him? Fine, then he'd make sure she could only see him!"Let me go! Let me go!" Phoebe struggled, but her resistance was futil