Under the dim, suggestive lights of the banquet hall, many people swayed to the music on the dance floor, their graceful movements harmonizing with the soft melodies.Phoebe had no interest in watching. She was tense and restless, awkwardly dodging the unwanted advances of the middle-aged man beside her. Alexander's indifference only emboldened him further.She shot desperate glances at Alexander, but he merely observed coldly.In that moment, she fully understood his callousness. In this evening's affair, she was nothing more than his bargaining chip.By bringing her here dressed so provocatively, he intended for her to attract the attention of these men…Her heart was a whirlwind of emotions.As Phoebe pondered this, Monroe's hand slid from her waist to her prominent chest, his alcohol-laden breath growing closer to her cheek."Smack!" The sound cut through the laughter, drawing everyone's attention.Monroe's face bore the unmistakable marks of five fingers, his expression twisted,
Three years ago, in this very place, she had been forced to sell her body to a mysterious man for money.Now, three years later, here she was again, being handed over to another man by him—just for the sake of his business."No, let me go, let me out!" She struggled fiercely. Even if she were to die, she wouldn't let him touch her.Smack—Another harsh slap landed across her face.Her clothes were already disheveled from his rough handling...As he was about to press down on her, Phoebe, gathering strength from somewhere deep within, kicked him hard in the abdomen."Aaah!" A shriek of pain filled the room. Monroe clutched his injured lower body, and in a fit of rage, threw a punch at Phoebe, knocking her into the wall."You bitch, you want to die?"Phoebe felt blood rise in her throat, but she swallowed it down, wiping nothing away. Despite the pain, she crawled to her feet, desperately searching for the door.But Monroe was faster. He blocked her path and violently ripped her dress.
Phoebe woke up with a start, her heart racing from a terrifying nightmare.Opening her eyes, the sharp smell of disinfectant filled her nose.She coughed lightly and tried to move, but the pain shooting through her body reminded her that last night's nightmare had been all too real."Miss, you're awake?" A nurse approached with a smile. "Are you feeling any discomfort?"Phoebe shook her head, her gaze quickly scanning the room, searching for Curitis. Panic gripped her as she realized he wasn't there. Her chest tightened as she anxiously asked, "What happened to the man who came with me last night?""The man who came with you?" The nurse looked confused."He... he was shot..." Phoebe briefly explained, her eyes filled with worry."Well..." the nurse hesitated. "I wasn't on duty last night. Let me check with the others and find out.""Thank you..." Phoebe replied politely, though her heart was pounding. She watched nervously as the nurse left, then returned a few minutes later."There w
Three days later."Curitis...""Why are you crying?" Curitis sat up, his gaze full of affection as he looked at her. Was she crying for him? Although he didn't want her to feel sad on his behalf, his heart still swelled with joy.Phoebe shook her head, choking on her sobs."I'm so sorry. It's all my fault that you got hurt. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have..." She really was sorry."Silly girl, how is this your fault?" This was something he had willingly chosen."...Waaa..." she sobbed.Curitis chuckled lightly and affectionately pinched her nose. Then, in his slightly accented and not-so-fluent English, he softly coaxed her."Don't cry. See? I'm fine, aren't I?"His words only made Phoebe feel even more guilty."Alright, no more tears. Do you hear me? I chose to do all of this. Even if it meant dying for you, I would gladly do it." His voice was firm, his eyes full of deep emotion.Phoebe was stunned. She shook her head. "I'm not worth you doing all this...""Phoebe, you're in
"What right do you have? He already agreed to your terms, and you accepted!"That night, Curitis had agreed to his demands just in time to save her."Because we're perfectly compatible in bed..." Alexander sneered, his hand sliding down suddenly, grabbing her... Damn woman, she hadn't left him yet? And here she was, constantly calling out another man's name."No—" Phoebe's body trembled as she instinctively clamped her legs together. This was a hospital. He couldn't do this to her here."You can't go back on your word... Since Curitis already promised to give you the painting, I expect you to honor your agreement and let me go."Alexander gave her a wicked smile, one that sent chills down her spine."You're really that eager to leave me?""You're damn right! I want to leave you. I want to get as far away from you as possible..." Phoebe nearly shouted. To him, she was nothing but a plaything.Alexander leaned down, slowly whispering into her ear, "But I'm not letting you go."And with
"Phoebe, Phoebe, what's wrong? Please answer me..."The strange sounds from inside the room sent Curtis into a panic as he turned the doorknob frantically, but the door was locked from the inside, he couldn't get it open."Answer him or he's really going to bang on the door ..." he slammed into her punitively, although he didn't mind Curitis seeing him and Phoebe having sex, they were bound to be disturbed if he barged in. But he was desperate for Phoebe tonight; he wanted to enjoy her fully."Phoebe... Phoebe..." Curtis shouted, twisting the doorknob with all his might."Curtis... I'm... I'm fine... um..." She slowed her breathing, finally managing to speak, but even so, her suppressed reactions betrayed her, making it hard to stifle the alluring sounds she wanted to make."Phoebe, open the door. I want to check on you." Despite her reassurances, he still felt uneasy.Her voice sounded strange, like she was holding back something.What was wrong? Was she unwell?"Am I... I really am.
Meanwhile, Alexander was interrupted from his work by his phone ringing.Checking the caller ID, he answered gently, "Melissa...""Alex, when are you coming to pick me up? You promised to take me to your villa today!" Melissa whined. Alexander had said he would take her to his villa, but it was already late, and he hadn't shown up."..." Alexander fell silent.He was reluctant to have Melissa stay at his place, especially since Phoebe was there. Concerns began to creep in."Don't you want me to go?" Melissa's voice trembled, as if she might cry, and Alexander felt a wave of guilt."Melissa, how could I not want you? I'm in a meeting right now, but I'll come to get you as soon as I'm done, okay?" he reassured her softly, maintaining his usual tenderness."You better not be lying to me...""When have I ever lied to you?" Alexander chuckled, chatting with Melissa for a little longer before hanging up.After ending the call, he pinched the bridge of his nose, then dialed another number."
"Alex... who is she?" Melissa's sharp eyes landed on Phoebe sitting at the dining table, her voice soft and curious.Then she turned to Alexander, smiling sweetly, "Is she your wife?""Melissa, don't pay attention to her; she's just someone insignificant.""Should I take you to the bedroom to rest?" Alexander withdrew his gaze and said gently.Phoebe was taken aback, her mind replaying his words—she let out a bitter smile. So she was considered insignificant?"Actually, I am a bit tired..." Melissa glanced at Phoebe before leaning against Alexander, lazily closing her eyes."I'll take you to rest right away..." Alexander affectionately brushed Melissa's nose and wrapped his arm around her slender waist as they headed upstairs.Watching their perfect silhouettes fade away, Phoebe felt tears streaming down her face uncontrollably.Just last night in the hospital, he had been so passionately asking for her, yet today, he spoke such cold and hurtful words.What did he really think of her?
In the early morning, Phoebe slowly regained consciousness. Her mind cleared, but she couldn't immediately tell how much time had passed.The dim wall lamp still emitted a faint glow, and the heavy curtains remained tightly drawn, blocking out every trace of light.She instinctively shifted, only to freeze at the firm pressure wrapped around her waist.A strong arm was holding her tightly. She was curled up in a warm yet unfamiliar embrace. A violent shudder ran through her, every muscle in her body tensing in an instant.Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision. Fear and despair consumed her. What had happened?"You bastard! Let me go! Let me go!" Phoebe's voice trembled with anguish as she screamed, her words choked with sobs. She thrashed desperately, her hands clawing at the arm encircling her waist, trying to break free from the stranger's hold.But the moment she turned her head and saw the man's face, all movement ceased. Her breath hitched. Her expression went from pan
Phoebe's mind felt as if it were wrapped in a thick, impenetrable fog. Her usual clarity had vanished without a trace, leaving her in a dazed and sluggish state.She struggled to lift her heavy eyelids, desperate to see who was in front of her. But the man's head was buried against her chest, completely obscuring her vision.What was happening? Who was this man pressing against her? What was he doing to her?A whirlwind of questions surged through her muddled mind, fueling her growing sense of unease. Everything around her became a blur, her consciousness flickering like a candle in the wind. Darkness crept in, swallowing her whole, leaving her with nothing but emptiness."Oh, Phoebe...you are mine. Mine."Alexander's voice was thick with longing as he pressed soft kisses against her through the sheer fabric of her dress. In his world, perhaps only in this dreamlike state could he truly possess her without restraint.His long fingers trembled slightly as he painstakingly undid the but
Phoebe's pale fingers unconsciously scratched at her own skin, as if doing so could ease the burning fire raging within her body."Oh god, what's happening to me?" The heat inside her felt like it was consuming her whole.She desperately needed cold water to extinguish the flames coursing through her veins. Fighting through the discomfort, she fumbled her way toward the bathroom door.Her vision blurred, her steps unsteady, as if she were lost in a dark labyrinth. She didn't know how long it took, but at last, she found the door—the one thing that could save her.Without hesitation, she turned on the cold water and submerged herself in the bathtub.The icy water enveloped her burning body.She had no idea how long she stayed there, but gradually, the searing heat began to fade, and the sensation of being consumed by fire slowly dissipated.When she finally rose from the bathtub, her mind was still clouded, as though she had been drugged. Her consciousness wavered—one moment clear, the
For the past few days, Phoebe had felt as if she were trapped under a heavy cloud of gloom, unable to shake off the oppressive weight pressing down on her heart. Ever since she had heard those words, it felt as though a massive stone had settled in her chest, leaving her burdened with unrelenting thoughts.Longing for someone to confide in, she eagerly arranged to meet Alva at a dessert shop, hoping that a heartfelt conversation with her friend might provide some comfort.Phoebe arrived early, choosing a seat by the window, her eyes frequently drifting toward the entrance. Minutes ticked by, and customers came and went, yet Alva never appeared.With no other choice, Phoebe ordered a drink and idly sat there, her fingers tapping lightly on the table as she waited.Before long, her phone rang. Seeing Alva's name on the screen, she quickly picked up."Phoebe, something came up. I can't make it today. Let's meet another time, okay?" Alva's voice sounded hurried.Phoebe's heart tightened w
Phoebe's thoughts were like wild horses, and those long-buried memories surged back like a tidal wave. Why hadn't they gotten married? Wasn't that what he wanted the most?He had ruthlessly made her abort the child in her womb just to marry Hermosa."He doesn't care whether he marries Phoebe or not,"Dana said coldly. No matter how Dana intended to explain, in her heart, Alexander had already been nailed to the unforgivable pillar of shame.Her eyes were downcast, her gaze filled with coldness, as if Alexander had been completely erased from her world, leaving not a trace behind.Dana leaned forward slightly, her expression sincere yet tinged with urgency. "Phoebe, there must be some misunderstanding between you two. After you left, the boss rushed to the hospital in a panic, desperate to get you back, but..."But he was in a car accident...Yet, she didn't finish that sentence.Phoebe keenly caught the fleeting, strange expressi
It was the weekend, and with her parents out of the house, Phoebe felt restless. The suffocating weight on her chest urged her to step outside, to clear her mind.Just as she reached for the door, the sharp chime of the doorbell shattered the silence.Frowning, Phoebe walked to the entrance and pulled open the door—only for her expression to turn icy the moment she saw Dana standing there.A flash of memory hit her like a thunderbolt—the last time she had seen him, he had abducted her. Fear and rage surged through her veins. Instinctively, she moved to slam the door shut, her hands gripping the handle with force, sending it hurtling toward Dana.But just as the door was about to close completely, Dana reacted swiftly, shoving his arm into the narrowing gap, stopping it just in time."Phoebe, aren't you going to invite me in?" His lips curled into a seemingly harmless smile, but in Phoebe's eyes, it was filled with calculation, making he
Inside the house, Phoebe had just taken off her shoes and was about to step into the living room when a sudden, urgent knock on the door startled her. She froze for a moment. Who could be knocking this late? Could it be her father forgetting his keys?Thinking of this, a helpless smile tugged at her lips. She slipped her shoes back on and quickly walked toward the door.As she opened it, her heart brimmed with expectation, but all she saw was an empty hallway—there wasn't a single soul in sight.Had she misheard? Just as she was about to close the door, her gaze inadvertently dropped to the ground, where she spotted her phone lying silently on the doormat.Her breath hitched. Instinctively, she crouched down and slowly picked up the phone.In that instant, a thought flashed through her mind like lightning—Alexander had been here!The more she dwelled on it, the more certain she became. She had felt it earlier—a pair of unse
In the dimly lit car parked not far away, Alexander stared intently out the window, his hands unconsciously clenching into fists.No one inside the car dared to make a sound, afraid of disturbing him in his torment.Dana quietly observed Alexander's profile. He watched as Alexander slowly lit a cigarette, taking a deep drag. Perhaps he inhaled too sharply, as he suddenly broke into a violent cough, his body trembling uncontrollably.Dana sighed inwardly. He knew all too well—Alexander's love for Phoebe was genuine, deep, and unwavering.He couldn't bear to see him in such agony. If this continued, Dana feared Alexander might do something reckless.Watching Alexander chain-smoke, the glow of the cigarette flickering in the dark car, Dana finally couldn't hold back. After hesitating for a long moment, he braced himself and spoke up. "Boss, you should stop smoking. It's bad for your health."He knew his words would likely be ignored, or w
Today is the birthday of Phoebe's father Ryan's colleague's child, and Ryan is attending the birthday party, so he won't be home for dinner.In the spacious and bright dining room, warm yellow light softly bathed the table, casting a glow on the exquisite dishes. At the table sat only Anila, Phoebe, and Gavin.Anila wore a radiant smile, her eyes full of love and warmth as she kept checking on Gavin, making sure he was comfortable.Phoebe sat beside them, watching this warm scene. A smile naturally curved on her lips, her eyes filled with joy.She knew deep down that her parents genuinely liked Gavin, and Gavin, in turn, treated them with sincerity and respect.Whenever he had free time, he would sit with them, patiently listening to their stories and offering a kind, gentle smile.Not only that, but he also frequently chose thoughtful gifts for her parents, always surprising them with something special. Even the little details around the ho