Hearing his words, Phoebe's anger was instantly replaced by sheer astonishment.She stared at Alexander, searching his eyes for any sign of deception. Yet no matter how long she scrutinized him, she couldn't detect a single crack in his truth.Hermosa? Isn't she supposed to be dead?How could she believe that Hermosa was alive—and perfectly fine?Impossible.Suddenly, it all felt like some absurd, elaborate farce where she was nothing more than a pitiful fool.Phoebe glanced at Hermosa again. This time, she noticed subtle differences between her and Melissa. Despite their identical appearance, there was something distinct about Hermosa—the quiet dignity in her eyes, the sharp, cold aura woven into her very presence. Her voice, unlike Melissa's gentle softness, carried a distant chill.Then, like a bolt of lightning striking her mind, the truth hit Phoebe with terrifying clarity.Hermosa. The very woman Alexander had loved and longed for with every fiber of his being.In an instant, al
Time flew by like a fleeting shadow, and before Phoebe knew it, the seasons had changed once again.Winter had arrived quietly, though it wasn't particularly cold this year. Dressed in a simple coat with a thick, cozy scarf wrapped around her neck, Phoebe strolled leisurely down the road on her way home from the office.Her stomach had a slight swell—so subtle that it would be easy for others to miss unless they looked closely.Three months ago, with a heart full of trepidation and resolve, she had lain on the operating table, ready to endure the cold instruments and terminate the life growing inside her. But the doctor's words had struck her like a thunderclap, shattering her resolve.Due to a previous miscarriage, her uterine lining was now dangerously thin. Another abortion would greatly diminish her chances of conceiving in the future.The doctor's tone was calm, seemingly indifferent to her decision, but those words unleashed a storm within Phoebe.Fear surged like a tidal wave,
It was finally Saturday.Phoebe stepped out of the car, her eyes fixed on the house not far away, her steps faltering."Gavin, I'm so nervous." She looked up at Gavin, her palms clammy with cold sweat.Gavin gently enveloped her small hand in his warm, firm grip. His magnetic voice was calm and soothing as he whispered beside her, "Don't be nervous. You're carrying a baby; you can't let your emotions get too intense, okay?""But I don't dare go in." Phoebe lowered her head again, her voice barely above a whisper. She was truly afraid.Now that the moment to face her parents had arrived, she felt completely unprepared. Her mind was a jumble of uncertainty. What would they think once she told them about the baby? How would they react? She couldn't imagine how her usually obedient self would explain becoming an unwed mother."I don't even know how to begin. My mind is all over the place right now.""I'll explain everything. You just sit there and listen. I'll handle it.""Really?"Gavin
Gavin continued, "I've known Phoebe for some time now. I haven't visited you before, but today, I came to discuss our marriage plans.""Marriage?" Anila widened her eyes in surprise."What's going on?" Ryan asked, his face serious. "Phoebe, and what's the deal with Alex?"Anila quickly kicked Ryan, signaling him to stop talking.Gavin, however, spoke first. "Uncle, Phoebe and Alex have been separated for a while now. Phoebe didn't want to mention it out of embarrassment, but in fact, we've been together for quite a while."Ryan and Anila exchanged a look, still too shocked to respond."Phoebe, why didn't you say anything?""Forget it, it's your business, and we can't interfere," Anila said. "But you're not even graduated yet. Getting married this soon... that's not going to work.""Aunt, I've thought about that too. But the thing is, Phoebe is pregnant with my child. That's why I've decided we should get married now."Ryan and Anila were stunned into silence by this unexpected revelat
Watching Phoebe walk into her room, Anila turned to Gavin with a serious expression. She didn't want to make things difficult for him; she just wanted to share her thoughts."Gavin, although we don't know exactly what happened before, since you and Phoebe have broken up with Alex and she has chosen you, I believe you must hold a special place in her heart. Our family is quite traditional, and we struggle to accept the idea of having a child before marriage. But since it's already happened, what we want is for our daughter to have a happy future. We want her to marry a good man and build a wonderful family. As for everything else, it doesn't matter to us. We don't care about your background or wealth. We just need one thing from you: can you guarantee a good future for her?""I can," Gavin said firmly."With your word, we'll be at ease. Seeing you both happy will be the greatest comfort for us." Anila continued. "Considering Phoebe is still in school, we think it
It was already late when Phoebe left the company. Just as she reached the entrance, she heard someone call her name."Phoebe."She looked up to see Gavin getting out of a sports car, a smile on his face as he walked toward her.Phoebe smiled and walked toward him."How about some late-night snacks? I can take you to get some now," Gavin said, a playful smile on his lips and his eyes shining brightly like stars."I'd love to," Phoebe replied, grinning. "How about we go to a street vendor?""It's up to you."Phoebe thought for a moment before saying, "Let me think about where to go while we're in the car."After getting out of the car, Phoebe took Gavin's hand and led him toward a small food stall.The place was bustling with people, and the atmosphere was lively. Phoebe casually picked an empty spot and sat down with Gavin.Gavin looked around in surprise; he hadn't expected this place to be so crowded at night.
In the study, Alexander opened his laptop, flipping through photo after photo.His eyes narrowed slightly as he scrutinized the images, his gaze sharp and icy.Damn it. Didn't she love him? How could she move on so quickly?The further he scrolled, the darker his expression became.Her smile… it was too dazzling, too painful for his heart to endure.Why?Why did he feel such an intense, burning emotion?His eyes locked on the image of Gavin kissing her—his lips claiming hers without resistance.A wildfire of rage ignited in his chest, making his blood boil. His entire body felt like it was going to explode. His eyes burned red with fury.When he saw Gavin holding her hand, her flushed face nestled against him, the simmering anger snapped.Alexander slammed his fist onto the desk, his expression dark and terrifying.Damn it.He had only wanted to check if she was miserable after their enc
For the past few days, Phoebe had been diligently working on the tasks Kimberley had assigned to her before leaving the country.Her performance had been excellent. Within just a few days, she had designed several series of wedding gowns, which she sent to Kimberley for review. Kimberley was thoroughly impressed and scheduled a meeting for Sunday to discuss them further.Because of this project, Phoebe had more flexible hours and didn't need to go to the office every day. On Friday, after her classes, Gavin picked her up for dinner.After their meal, Gavin took her to a large supermarket.They headed straight to the fourth floor to browse baby products.Phoebe hadn't expected to start shopping for baby items so soon, but Gavin seemed excited, picking out quite a few things.When they finished on the fourth floor, Gavin led her to the second floor to buy sour snacks that were popular with pregnant women.Phoebe added some sour plums to
Phoebe lay still, listening to the fading sound of footsteps outside her door. It felt like someone had ripped open her chest. He actually left just like that?Tears soaked half her pillow. She stared into the darkness until dawn. In the mirror, her face was pale, with dark shadows under her eyes. Just as her fingers brushed the doorknob, she felt it—his presence on the other side.Alexander was still wearing yesterday's wrinkled dress shirt. His bloodshot eyes said everything: he hadn't slept a minute. He'd been sitting outside her door all night."Phoebe..." His voice was barely more than a rasp.She recoiled as if burned, brushing past him with her head down—but he grabbed her wrist. His palm was so warm it made her tremble."Let go," she said, her voice like ice.Instead, he pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on her head. "What will it take for you to forgive me?"Phoebe fought to break free, her nails leaving red streaks on his arm. "Don't pretend," she choked out, tears
After hanging up, Phoebe immediately turned off her phone. She sniffled, her nose sore from holding back tears. As she looked at her two sleepy children nestled in her arms, her eyes turned red again. Biting her lower lip, she forced down the wave of emotions and held them a little tighter."We're going home." Her voice was hoarse.Jeremy and Amy lifted their heads sleepily and shook them in unison."Mommy, aren't we waiting for Uncle?""No." Phoebe avoided their hopeful eyes.The children's shoulders slumped as they looked down."But Uncle promised to take us out for ice cream..." Jeremy mumbled.A cold wind swept across the empty office building entrance. Phoebe looked at their disappointed little faces, her chest tightening."What do you want to eat? Mommy will make it when we get home.""I'm not hungry," Amy said, burying her face in Phoebe's neck."Me neither," Jeremy echoed, though he kept glancing around. "Maybe Uncle's on his way. Can we wait just five more minutes?"Phoebe's
The office clock struck five. For the third time, Phoebe glanced down the empty hallway.She clutched her phone, scrolling through her contacts again and again. Five missed calls, no one in the office, and his phone still lying quietly in the drawer—where on earth had he gone?Her reflection in the glass window revealed a furrowed brow. They had clearly agreed to leave at four. Even if something urgent came up, he should've at least found a way to let her know.When the six o'clock dismissal bell rang, Phoebe finally grabbed her bag. In the rearview mirror, the neon sign of the kindergarten glowed vividly against the twilight.The car phone suddenly rang. The unfamiliar number made her hand tremble slightly."Phoebe."That familiar voice made her heart settle—only to twist a moment later. "You're at the hospital? Are you hurt?""It's Hermosa. Acute appendicitis,"he said, hospital announcements echoing faintly in the
The morning passed in a slow, steady rhythm, the hours slipping by almost unnoticed.By the time Phoebe returned to the office after lunch, the clock on the wall pointed to half past two.Alexander's lingering kiss still burned on her lips, leaving her ears warm and flushed. She instinctively smoothed her slightly tousled hair, and when her fingers brushed against her heated earlobe, a soft smile tugged at her lips.In the break room, the moment the hot water hit the tea leaves, a delicate fragrance wafted through the air.Phoebe cupped the warm mug in her hands, and through the rising steam, she could almost see him again—his fingers laced tightly with hers, confidently leading her through the office in full view of everyone.He never hid their relationship. That unabashed affection of his… it made even her tea taste sweet.When only a few unfurled leaves remained at the bottom of her cup, Phoebe rubbed her slightly sore eyes.
The next morning."Mom, are we going to Grandma and Grandpa's tonight?" Amy clung to the edge of the table, her eyes sparkling with excitement.Phoebe nearly dropped the plate in her hand. "Hmm?" She was sure she hadn't said anything about that to the kids."Uncle said so," Amy replied confidently, swinging her legs under the chair.Phoebe glanced out the window at the man polishing the car in the driveway. Her fingers tightened unconsciously around the plate. She'd thought he was just talking offhandedly—but he actually meant it? A wave of warmth rose in her chest, only to be washed over by a ripple of unease. Would her parents even be friendly to him? Her mother hadn't said much during their last phone call, but the sigh she'd heard through the receiver still echoed in her ears."Mom?" Amy tugged at her sleeve.Phoebe crouched down and gently smoothed her daughter's crooked collar. "Of course we're going.""Yay!" Jeremy jumped up from his chair with a loud clatter of utensils. "I ha
Alexander's deep voice rumbled against her ear, and Phoebe could no longer hold back the tears welling in her eyes. Warm drops slid down her cheeks as she stood on tiptoe and clung tightly to his neck, burying her tear-streaked face into the crook of his shoulder. Her slender shoulders trembled uncontrollably.Those three words were far too heavy—so heavy, they made her chest ache.He immediately wrapped his arms around her, gently stroking her back with the flat of his palm. Suddenly, Phoebe clenched her fists and began pounding his chest, each hit harder than the last."You bastard..." she sobbed into his shoulder. "You've made me cry so many times..."Yet even so, hearing his confession now, all those scars seemed to vanish into insignificance. Love was ridiculous like that—no matter how deeply wounded, the heart still surrendered without hesitation."Say it again," she whispered, lifting her tear-soaked face, her nose bright red.Alexander chuckled lowly and brushed her damp cheek
"Mom, you don't have a boyfriend, and Uncle is such a good guy. Can't he be your boyfriend? Can't he be our dad?""Yeah, Mom, just think about it!"Phoebe kept her expression neutral. This wasn't something that could be decided so easily.She wasn't about to let him off that easily. Especially after what Hermosa said earlier… What exactly did she mean by those words? And that look of surprise on her face—what was that about?Every time she thought about it, a heavy pressure settled on her chest. It felt like they were hiding something from her.She told herself not to overthink it. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop the wild guesses running through her mind.Maybe... maybe it was time to ask.And he owed her a real explanation."Mom?"Her thoughts snapped back to the present. The kids were looking up at her with hopeful eyes. They really cared about her love life, it seemed. And clearly, they liked Alexander a lot.Of course she knew what they were trying to do. But a
Phoebe's fingertips trembled slightly as she stared blankly at Hermosa's pale face. That name always pricked at her memory like a needle—Melissa's curly hair, the unopened photo frame in Alexander's study—all flashing before her eyes now."What a coincidence. Running into you here," Hermosa said, her face still drained of color.Phoebe forced a smile. "Yeah, what a... coincidence."She quickly added, "What are you doing here?""My stomach was acting up, so I came to get something for it. You?""Oh, me? I..." Phoebe's throat tightened. Instinctively, she crushed the box of birth control pills hidden behind her back. She only realized where Hermosa's gaze had landed when it was too late. Embarrassed, she moved her hand behind her again. "I was just buying... medicine."As Hermosa turned to leave, the hem of her trench coat brushed past Phoebe's wrist, sending a chill straight to her bones. Hermosa suddenly paused. Under the harsh fluorescent lights, her profile looked almost transparent
When Alexander stepped into the bathroom, he found Phoebe resting peacefully in the bathtub, eyes closed. A soft flush still lingered on her cheeks, a trace of pleasure not yet fully faded. Her face looked like a ripe peach, pink and dewy, waiting to be picked.He walked over quietly. She must have heard him—her thick lashes fluttered as if she wanted to open her eyes. But she was too exhausted, not even a finger moved.Alexander chuckled softly, gazing at her delicate face. He'd really worn her out today.He reached down and gently stroked her silky cheek. He'd intended to call her for dinner, but looking at her now, sleep seemed more fitting.Scooping her out of the water, her smooth skin against him made his body stir again—but he held himself back.He dried her carefully, then laid her on the bed. The marks he'd left on her body filled him with a certain pride, but as he inspected the swollen red tenderness between her thighs, a pang of guilt twisted in his chest. He'd been a litt