It was already 11 p.m. by the time Phoebe left the hospital, wandering alone through the streets.The night wind tousled her messy hair, but she didn't bother fixing it. She walked aimlessly, letting the cold breeze chill her face and stir up the confusion in her heart. There were few pedestrians on the street, though many cars passed by. Her silhouette, however, stood out in its loneliness, enough to make anyone feel for her.A single tear slipped from beneath her black-rimmed glasses, landing on her lips. The tear tasted salty, bitter, and painful... much like her current state.Her mind was consumed with thoughts of money—no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't think of a way to come up with the funds she needed.Suddenly...A blue Bugatti Veyron screeched to a halt just a few meters ahead of her. Its bright headlights cut through the darkness, blinding her momentarily.Phoebe froze for a second, wiping the tears from her eyes. The car was blocking her path, so she turned to wal
In the bathroom, the water cascaded down her body, following every curve.Phoebe closed her eyes, letting the hot water pour over her for what felt like an eternity.Finally, she turned off the faucet and took a deep breath, staring at her reflection in the mirror as she forced a smile."It's only a year," she whispered to herself. "It'll pass quickly."Her eyes stung with unshed tears.The thought of becoming his mistress was like a knife twisting in her chest.In her world, especially in art schools like hers, many were willing to sell their bodies to wealthy businessmen in exchange for a life of luxury. She had always looked down on those who took that path—yet here she was, finding herself in the same situation.A one-night stand. Being kept. These modern, shameful realities had somehow become hers.She laughed bitterly. How had it all gone so wrong?Her fingers trailed along her neck, brushing the scar that had already begun to heal. The occasional sting from it reminded her of th
In the bustling commercial district of Valleybrook stands the towering DA. Group building, a hundred-story marvel designed by one of the world's top architects. This globally renowned conglomerate has emerged in recent years, establishing a strong foothold in various industries.Group dominates numerous sectors, particularly in finance, energy, real estate, hospitality, and entertainment...Alexander Davis, the founder of DA. Group is said to be ruthless and iron-fisted. He is notoriously enigmatic, with very few people having seen his true face—even the media, known for chasing rumors, have failed to capture his image.Standing at the foot of the DA. Group building, Phoebe gazes up at the opulent structure. With her heart racing, she finally musters the courage to step inside."Excuse me, miss, who are you looking for?" The receptionist blocks her path as soon as she enters."I'm looking for…" Phoebe stammers, her nerves getting the best of her."I'm looking for your boss!""Mr. Alex
"I…" Phoebe bit her lip."The door is right there! You can leave at any time!" Alexander's voice was cold."That's not what I mean!" She stiffened, closing her eyes, her pale face looking even more fragile in the chill. His message was clear: the choice was hers.She had carefully considered her tone, yet it still managed to infuriate him!"I'm sorry!""Then come here!" His commanding tone brooked no dissent.Under his intense gaze, Phoebe felt a surge of panic. Yet, her body slowly moved toward him.With her head bowed, she crossed the distance between them, her heart racing uncontrollably!"Do you want to just stand there?" He narrowed his eyes, leaning back with his arms crossed, his lazy demeanor reminiscent of a predator. "Come here!"Each step felt like walking through molasses; the few feet felt like a century.A gust of wind swept by, and suddenly, her arm was yanked forcefully, sending her tumbling onto his strong legs!Alexander gripped her waist tightly, pulling her closer.
"Sir, I… I'm sorry, I didn't know!" She bit her lip, seeming to only know how to do that in front of him.Wasn't he asking her to please him? How could she please him without kissing?"Remember, don't touch my lips again!" he said in a low voice. Yet, seeing her bite her lip so enticingly only made him want to kiss her even more!Damn it, no one got to make exceptions for him! And certainly not her; he thought women's lips were dirty."Mm!" She nodded like a child caught in trouble, her head lowered. But inside, she was stubbornly thinking, if he didn't want to kiss, then fine! She wouldn't mind! Kisses were meant for lovers! And between him and her…She recalled that other man, who had been much kinder than Alexander!"Don't keep me waiting too long?" His eyes burned with desire, as if he wanted to undress her."I…" She looked up, licking her lips, on the verge of tears…Was he deliberately making it hard for her? She had tried so hard to please him just now, but he had turned away i
The next day, Phoebe prepared breakfast early and headed straight to the hospital.As soon as she entered the room, she was met with a shocking scene. A group of men with hostile expressions surrounded the hospital bed. She immediately recognized them as loan sharks."What do you want? Mom, are you okay?" Phoebe rushed over, pushing the men aside and placing herself between them and her mother."Phoebe, don't worry about me! Get out of here!" her mother, Anila, cried out."Here...This is your money!" Phoebe pulled out a crumpled check from her bag."Well, aren't you impressive? Got the money so fast?" A sleazy middle-aged man grinned as he took the 500,000-dollar check, his leering eyes roaming over Phoebe.He hadn't expected Gordon to have such a sister...Her innocent, schoolgirl appearance was exactly the type they liked to toy with."Where's my brother?" Phoebe frowned slightly, feeling her stomach churn with disgust at the man's gaze."We'll bring him out soon enough!" the sleazy m
The luxurious bedroom was entirely decorated in black tones, giving off an oppressive and heavy atmosphere. Phoebe stood in silence, feeling Alexander's piercing gaze sweep over her like a predatory panther.His presence was overwhelming, causing her whole body to tense. Fear, anxiety, and panic surged through her all at once."You're late," Alexander's voice was as cold as ice, enough to freeze the air around them. Damn it. No one had ever dared to make him wait."I'm sorry... I... it won't happen again!" Phoebe lowered her head, apologizing in a weak and timid voice. Her face had gone pale, and her palms were sweaty from the tension.Alexander rose elegantly and walked toward her, each step closer making her more nervous. He gripped her chin tightly, forcing her to look up."And what about this time? How do you think I should punish you?" he growled."I... sir, I swear it won't happen again!" Her voice trembled with fear, and the pain from his grip brought tears to her eyes.Damn it
"What...what does this mean?" Her face was filled with shock and confusion as she asked, her voice trembling. God, what had she just done? She must have been bewitched to sign it! She didn't even read the contract before signing it! Wasn't this supposed to be a lover's arrangement? How did it turn into a marriage contract— and for three years? Tears welled up in Phoebe's eyes...she felt deceived."Does that expression mean you're unwilling?" Alexander's voice was cold, his face hard. Damn woman, what kind of reaction was this? Any other woman would be ecstatic, but not her. She looked like she wanted to run away."I...I...I..." she stammered, still unable to wrap her head around what had just happened. "Don't worry, you'll be well compensated," he said, his tone dismissive. "Wait...I didn't read it properly before signing. It doesn't count!" Phoebe protested. She didn't care about the money. No matter how much it was, she didn't need it. She had wanted to clear things up wi
After bidding Alva goodbye, Phoebe nearly sprinted out of the school. Instead of taking the bus, she hailed a taxi. Taking a bus would be too slow, and a taxi would get her there much faster. Normally, she would never spend the extra money, but today, all she wanted was to see him as quickly as possible.However, once inside the taxi, her courage began to waver. A sense of fear crept over her, though she couldn't quite pinpoint what she was afraid of. She kept telling herself she couldn't back down, refusing to allow herself to retreat.When the taxi pulled up in front of the apartment complex, she realized she didn't have an access card. The security guard stopped her at the gate, and no matter how much she pleaded, he refused to let her in. Fortunately, a shift change brought a new set of guards, and one of them recognized her from a previous visit, allowing her to enter.As the villa came into view, Phoebe's steps grew heavier, as if her legs had turned to lead. It was incredibly d
"Miss, you come here every day to buy a newspaper, but you barely look through it. Are you searching for some important news?" the newspaper vendor asked with a friendly smile. Every day, this young lady would buy a paper, flip through a few pages, and leave with a disappointed expression. This had become her routine."I..." Lost in thought, she hesitated. What could she say? She was searching for news about Alexander. Any mention of him, no matter how small, would suffice."Do you have any fashion magazines?""Of course! What kind are you looking for?" The vendor gestured toward the stack of magazines on the table."I'd like an entertainment magazine," she said, clinging to a sliver of hope. She had often seen him mentioned in such magazines before. Perhaps he would appear in one of them again. She just hadn't looked hard enough."Here, try this one. It's full of gossip—rich people, celebrities, their private lives, and whatnot.""I'll take it," she said, handing over the money.On h
One Month Later."Phoebe, stop pushing yourself so hard. Come eat something first; you can continue drawing afterward."Alva snatched the pencil from Phoebe's hand and pulled her up, ready to take her out of the studio. "Who studies like you? It's like your life depends on it. You even forget to eat!""Alva, I'm not hungry. Let me finish this drawing first."Phoebe smiled and reached for her pencil, but Alva quickly hid it behind her back, refusing to give it back. She insisted Phoebe eat with her instead. For a month now, her friend had been working too hard. Study required balance, not self-torture. Sitting in one spot all day without moving wasn't learning—it was punishing oneself. If Phoebe didn't get up soon, she'd rust."No way. Finish your meal first, and then you can draw again,"Alva said firmly, her tone leaving no room for negotiation."But Alva, I'm almost done!"Phoebe glanced longingly at her unfinished drawing.
The door suddenly swung open from the outside. Phoebe lifted her gaze, her eyes brimming with fleeting hope before it quickly dimmed. How much she wished it was Alexander walking in. How much she longed for him to stand before her, whole and unscathed. But the person who entered was a middle-aged man, unfamiliar to her, though it was clear from his demeanor that he was one of Alexander's subordinates.Her disappointment was momentary, replaced almost instantly by desperate anticipation. Barefoot, she dashed toward him with urgency.“Him... How is he? Please, tell me. I'm begging you. I just need to know if he's okay.”“Miss, you're free to leave now. Gather your belongings, and I'll have a car take you home,” the man said, ignoring her questions and instead delivering his instructions calmly.Leave?“What do you mean?” Phoebe asked, her eyes widening in shock.“You are free now,” he replied.
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