A figure stood by the bed, watching me sleep for a long time before slowly turning to leave.Alexander sat behind his desk, gazing at the wedding photo placed there. Thinking about how I had been avoiding him, his brows furrowed slightly. He pulled out his phone and made a callâŠWhen I woke up again, the sky outside the window was completely dark.I groggily opened my eyes, only remembering a pair of hands, like Alexanderâs, caressing me in my dream. Perhaps because Alexander had always been so gentle, even those imaginary hands in my dream were extremely considerate, taking great care of my feelings.I dismissed it as another dream, got up, and walked to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face. When I looked up, I noticed a dark red mark on my shoulder, as if someone had intentionally left it there. I pulled down my collar and gently touched it with my hand.Just then, Adrian pushed open the bedroom door.âSweetheart, come out quickly, Alexanderâs wife is back,â Adrian's voice
"Bella, why are you eating so little? Are you feeling unwell?" Kate looked at me with concern.I glanced at Alexander and accidentally met his deep, pool-like eyes. Quickly, I averted my gaze and nodded slightly, "Yes, thank you for asking. I have a bit of a headache. Iâll go rest now."With that, I hurried back to my room.Adrian watched my retreating back, then looked at Alexander, whose expression remained unchanged. He pursed his lips slightly and stood up to follow, "Iâll check on Bella."Back in my room, my chest felt like a heavy stone was pressing down on it, making it hard to breathe.Images of Kate sitting next to Alexander, their laughter and every little gesture, were like tiny knives stabbing my heart. Though I knew I shouldnât, the jealousy surged uncontrollably from deep within me, turning into a bitter taste lodged in my throat, neither coming out nor going down."Jealous, are we?" Adrianâs icy voice came from behind me, making my whole body stiffen.Adrian walked up t
Exhausted from crying, I slowly closed my eyes, feeling as if I were trapped in an inescapable cage.I rose from the floor and looked out the window. The gentle moonlight cast a golden glow over the world. I let out a faint smile, but my heart was filled with endless bitterness that crept up to my throat.When I walked out of the room, Alexander happened to come in from outside."Alexander," I blinked and turned my head to wipe away the traces of tears.I glanced at the empty space behind Alexander, "Where's Kate?"Alexander's gaze fell on my swollen, tear-streaked eyes and the handprint on my cheek. His hand at his side clenched slowly, "She had something to do and left."I nodded, grabbed my bag, and headed out, brushing past Alexander.At the door, I bent down to change my shoes, but Alexander suddenly spoke from behind me, "Where are you going?"My hand tightened around my bag, tears dripping from the tip of my nose. I didn't dare look up, "I have plans with a friend."Without ano
I was completely drunk, my head lolling onto Alexander's shoulder. I continued to sob, trembling uncontrollably like a small rabbit who had endured too much.Alexander carried me out, and as I rested in his arms, I whimpered, "Why... why are you forcing me...""What did I do wrong? Why treat me like this...""Liar... they're all liars..."Alexander placed me in the car, then got into the driver's seat himself.Seeing me still restless even in sleep, he tightened his grip on the steering wheel.He felt that he had indeed moved too hastily, but Alexander had no regrets. My avoidance was unbearable for him. My evasive gaze, my reluctance, all made it hard for him to breathe. Only now, seeing me before him, did Alexander feel somewhat relieved.He parked the car steadily, opened the back door, and carried me horizontally into his room's bathroom.My body reeked of the bar's smells, and I kept complaining about the stench, insisting on a bath.Alexander put me in the bathtub and filled it
In the study, Alexander was already wrapped in a robe. He leaned back in his chair, holding an unlit cigarette between his fingers. The sky outside was fully bright by now.Adrian sat across from him, his face drained of color. Alexanderâs gaze fell on Adrian like he was observing a pathetic clown. He tapped the USB drive on the table with his finger. "You need to decide whether you want these things sent to Dad, or..."Before Alexander could finish, Adrian interjected, "Alexander!"His gaze flickered over Alexander's hand, noting the absence of a wedding ring. An absurd thought crossed Adrian's mind, and he couldn't help but ask, "That woman who came yesterday... is she really your wife?"Alexander lifted his eyes, casting a cold glance at Adrian but remained silent.Adrian and Alexander locked eyes for a moment, a cold sweat breaking out on Adrian's back. He pressed his lips together. "I understand." With that, Adrian turned and left Alexander's study.Alexander lowered his head, gl
Holding the divorce certificate, I watched Adrian's car slowly disappear from view. The suffocating feeling in my chest was gone, replaced by a fleeting sense of loss that quickly vanished without a trace.I returned to the villa and headed straight into the kitchen. I cooked a pot of soup and made several dishes, arranging them neatly on the dining table. Satisfied with my work, I smiled and even took a few pictures with my phone.Just as I was about to sit down to eat, I heard footsteps approaching.Turning around, I saw Alexander walking towards me. He was wearing a finely textured light gray cardigan over a simple white T-shirt and dark casual trousers. It was a simple outfit, yet on him, it exuded a relaxed, homely charm.As Alexander approached, I felt my cheeks heat up, my heartbeat quicken, and my palms start to sweat. It was as if those internal medicines were taking effect again, making me feel a rush of heat throughout my body.But thinking of Kate, I quickly looked away an
Feeling unbearably hot, I slowly walked into the villaâs garden.A gust of autumn wind blew by, bringing some relief, but the medicine I had taken earlier had already permeated deep into my body. Whenever its effects kicked in, I felt extremely uncomfortable. If I couldnât find some relief, Iâd be plagued by an unbearable itch that left me restless.I sat on the swing in the garden, taking off my cardigan and tossing it aside. My pale arms were exposed as I lazily leaned back on the swing, gently swinging my legs, causing the swing to sway lightly.The constant emptiness in my clitoris brushed against the swingâs movement, and a blush slowly spread across my face.Not far away, a figure in light gray observed through the floor-to-ceiling window. Shortly after, the door leading to the garden was quietly opened...I had already reclined on the swing, closing my eyes. Memories of Alexander surfacedâhis hands roaming over me in the hot spring, in the cave. The itch and emptiness grew more
"...You donât have to treat yourself like this anymore."The man carried me to a nearby chair and sat me down, his expression furious. He looked at me with a stern, icy gaze, his raspy voice carrying a tone of unquestionable authority. This was the first time Alexander had spoken to me in such a manner.My expression froze. I couldnât tell if he was referring to my marriage with Adrian, my masturbation behavior, or what had happened in his room before...The blush on my face instantly faded, leaving me pale.The sun emerges from the clouds, casting a gentle golden glow. But at that moment, everything felt bleak to me, as if I were plunged into an icy abyss, overwhelmed with guilt and fear.Had Alexander remembered the incident with Adrianâs trickery? Did he now realize it was me, not Kate, who had seduced him? Is that why he looked at me with such disdain?The more I thought about it, the more frantic I became, like a thief caught red-handed. Did Alexander think I was just a promiscuo
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window, casting a golden corner inside the room. I was awakened by the shimmering light, and for a moment, I couldn't gather my thoughts. Recalling the wild night with Alexander, I quickly touched the empty, neatly made bed beside me and breathed a sigh of relief.Stepping out of the room, I saw a plate of cold spaghetti on the dining table and a note beside it: "Iâll be back, sweetheart. You didnât have dinner last night. If you wake up hungry, remember to eat this spaghetti."It was Alexander's handwriting. The memory of last night's madness came flooding back. The intense lovemaking had left me unconscious, and my legs felt weak again. Everything that happened last night was so absurd. I had no idea what followed, but it shouldn't have been anything significant. Like a turtle retreating into its shell, I didn't want to ponder the meaning behind Alexander's actions. I would just take things one day at a time.I went to the bathroom to
Alexander gently lifted me, placing me onto the bed in the bedroom. He went to the bathroom, wrapped a towel around his waist, and then opened the door and walked out.Sure enough, he saw Theodore. Theodore leaned against the wall, a cigarette between his fingers, the ember flickering in the dim hallway. When Alexander opened the door, the hallway light turned on, and the two men locked eyes like two beasts in the jungle testing each other's territory."Enjoying listening to others make love?" Alexander asked mockingly.The hallway was silent, echoing only Alexander's question. Alexander then heard Theodore's faint laughter."What does a moment of passion matter? I've waited so many years; I can afford to wait a bit longer. I'm patient.""But you, you've been swamped with work and only managed to carve out a single day. You'll have to leave tomorrow, right?" Theodore flicked the ash from his cigarette, "kindly" reminding Alexander.Anger flared in Alexander. He closed the door a bit m
My fingers tightened with anxiety, unsure of what to do, remaining silent.Alexander chuckled softly, lifting me while thrusting his shaft inside me as he slowly approached the door. I bit down on my finger to stifle my moans, but Alexander, dissatisfied with my restraint, slipped his fingers into my mouth, toying with my tongue, causing my muffled moans to echo in the room."My darling, how is it that you donât miss me at all, and so quickly found another man? I know this man has been circling around you recently."His thrusts changed pace, slowly grinding against the walls of my vagina, then fiercely hitting the soft spot deep inside, sending pleasure surging up my spine to my scalp. His hand found my nipple again, roughly rubbing it, driving me to the brink of tears, wanting to scream but too afraid to do so.He kissed my ear, his voice a husky whisper, like a devil's murmur: "Tell him you're not available right now, and to leave the cello at the door."I choked back a sob, shaking
I entered my apartment, breathless, leaning against the door, trying to regain my composure.The room was dark, and in my haste to close the door, I couldn't see anything. Just as I hesitated to turn on the light, someone suddenly embraced me from behind!A broad, firm chest pressed against my back, strong arms encircling my waist, pulling me into a tight embrace. He leaned down, his thin lips pressed against the sensitive skin behind my ear, trailing kisses up to my earlobe, which he gently nibbled.I turned around with a scream, but seeing Alexanderâs face, the scream died in my throat, leaving my mouth agape and eyes wide. Alexander seemed tired, with a hint of frustration in his brow. His eyes were dark and narrowed, like a predator eyeing its prey, ready to pounce."Come here," his voice was tinged with irritation, hoarse and slightly inebriated.Seeing my lack of response, he stepped closer, his hot breath in my ear, his breathing heavy and seductive like a teasing feather.A wa
Returning to campus has been particularly enjoyable, and time has flown by like the windâintangible, slipping through my fingers without any sense of reality.Itâs been three months since I last saw Alexander at the airport. Occasionally, while walking down the street, in class, or eating, my mind would wander, and I'd recall Alexander's eyes.But most of the time, I try to restrain myself from thinking about him.Today, after class, I packed my things slowly, lingering until most people had left the classroom before I finally trudged out of the school."Bella, class is over?" Suddenly, I heard someone calling me.I turned around and saw it was a classmate from the same program, a tall guy with glasses and a gentle appearance who often looked out for me.I smiled at him and politely greeted, "George."Our eyes met, and my smile seemed to dazzle him for a moment. He quickened his steps and moved closer to me, asking, "Do you have time this weekend? I heard from some classmates that you
Standing at the sink in the restroom, I washed my face and examined my reflection in the mirror. My lips were bruised and cut from Alexanderâs bites. I struggled to calm my racing heart.I realized something was seriously wrong. Why was Alexander at the airport? I couldn't fathom his reasons, but I knew I couldnât let anyone, not even Alexander, derail my plans. I had already regretted giving up opportunities for Adrian's sake; I couldnât afford to make the same mistake again. Besides, how could a man like Alexander ever love me?Emerging from the restroom, I was in a daze. I didnât notice Theodore waiting for me at the entrance. As I walked out, he approached."I saw a man coming out of the women's restroom," Theodore said, concerned. "I was worried about you and came to check. Are you alright?"Blushing, I shook my head. "I'm fine. Sorry to keep you waiting."He nodded, not pressing further. Instead, he looked at me deeply and reminded, "It's time to board. Let's go."I hesitated bu
As I finished going through security, Theodore also completed his check. We walked to the boarding lounge together, maintaining a distance and not engaging in much conversation. Once there, we each found an empty seat and sat down.Theodore sat next to me, immediately taking out his phone as if he had work to attend to.I didn't interrupt him. My gaze drifted from the people in the boarding lounge to the view outside the window. The sunlight reflected off the airplane wings, creating a series of light waves. Watching the planes take off and land made the feeling of departure grow heavier.I couldn't help but think of the moment Alexander recognized me in the stairwell, his body pressed against mine. The memory caused my heart to race, making me wish the plane would take off sooner so I could leave this city behind. The heaviness in my chest grew unbearable, and I placed a hand over my heart, contemplating whether to get some medicine.Theodore noticed my discomfort and raised his brow
In the airport restaurant, we had a simple meal while Mandy interrogated Theodore. After checking her watch, Mandy hurriedly pulled Theodore and me towards the security checkpoint."Hurry up, don't miss your flight," Mandy urged, her hasty movements making me feel a bit nauseous.Theodore, being observant, noticed my pale face and frowned slightly. "Are you okay?"I shook my head. "I'm fine."Theodore nodded and said no more.Mandy handed me a bottle of mineral water. "Take a sip to feel better," she said, then turned to Theodore and added, "Since you'll both be in the same city, I'm counting on you to look after Bella."I took a sip of water and choked a bit. During the meal, Mandy had bombarded Theodore with questions and learned that he was also heading to New York for a research project. She was thrilled to discover we were on the same flight and was clearly trying to set us up. But having just gone through a divorce, I had no intention of jumping into another relationship, especi
My flight was at noon, and my dear friend Mandy made time out of her busy schedule to see me off at the airport."Why are you leaving so suddenly?" Mandy asked as she helped me lift my suitcase onto the conveyor belt, giving the check-in staff a thankful smile before turning back to me.She was a friend I had known since middle school. Coincidentally, we had been in the same class from middle school to high school and even attended the same university. Despite Mandy's outgoing and lively personality, which was completely different from mine, we fit together like the perfect pieces of a friendship puzzle. Even if we didn't talk for a long time, it never affected our bond.After graduating from university, Mandy's cheerful demeanor and good looks helped her become a popular meteorologist and TV host. Her job kept her very busy. She was the only person I wanted to tell about my departure, and upon hearing that I was leaving, she hurried to the airport to see me off.Mandy had many questio