“Just there,” Phoenix answered as he removed his necktie. “I just had to go somewhere.”“Oh,” Atticus nodded, “what do you want to eat?”“We’re going to eat outside.”Atticus froze at what he said. “What?”“We’re eating outside.” Phoenix rolled up his sleeves to his elbows and faced her. “Go change.”She looked down at her clothes and bit her lip. “Um, I think I’ll stay here. You go ahead and eat out.”Phoenix frowned. “Why? Are you disgusted to be seen with me?” There was anger in his eyes.She quickly shook her head. “It’s not like that!”“Really?” He sounded upset.“It’s really not.” She shook her head more to convince him, then shyly looked down. “It’s just that, um, I don’t have any clothes that are suitable for… you know, fancy places.”Phoenix studied her carefully, disbelief evident in his eyes. “What do you mean you don’t have any clothes?”He didn’t believe her. She had worn the sexiest outfits before and constantly asked him to buy her expensive clothes. Her excuses weren’t
The whole dinner, Atticus was silent. Phoenix, too, would catch himself glancing at her from time to time. She gave her full attention to the food, but she couldn’t focus. The things the man said earlier kept creeping into her thoughts.“Wine, Sir?” the voice of the waiter asked.She looked up at the waiter. “Do you have something hard? Like… whiskey? Tequila? Vodka?”“We have, ma’am,” the waiter replied. He turned to Phoenix. “Sir?”Phoenix stared at her intensely before speaking. “Tequila for her. Whiskey for me.”“Is that all, Sir?”“Make it one bottle of tequila,” Phoenix added.“Yes, ma’am.”Once the waiter was gone, Phoenix gave Atticus a stern look. “Are you planning to get drunk?”“No.” She replied. “I’ll just drink.”She had always turned to alcohol when she felt down or hurt. Liquor always had the power to numb her feelings… to make her forget why her heart ached. She hoped that by drinking Tequila, she would forget the things the man said, things that were still affecting h
Goosebumps rose on his skin. She giggled at that, pleased to see that her small kiss had an effect on him. And whether it was the liquor or not, she licked the skin on his neck.“Fuck,” Phoenix groaned. “S-stop that, Atticus.”The alcohol had completely taken over his rational mind. He felt no inhibitions anymore. All she knew was that she loved the strange warmth Phoenix’s embrace brought her. And she wanted more.She wanted to kiss him. She wanted to hear him moan. She missed making him moan, making him whimper.She tightly shut her eyes as her head suddenly ached from the last thought that crossed her mind.She missed him? Where did that come from?She held her head as it started to throb when she forced herself to think deeply. She wanted to know why she missed Phoenix. She could feel it. It was buried under her pile of forgotten memories.“Atticus…” Phoenix whispered her name as she felt his hand gently caress her back.She closed her eyes, savoring the soothing sensation of his
Atticus felt a very special woman as Phoenix laid her down on her bed, his eyes staring intimately at hers. Her face was so soft as he stared intently at her face. She was lost in the depths of his green eyes, his eyes felt familiar. Those eyes gave her a different feeling. She swallowed when she felt Phoenix's hand on her thighs, feeling and crawling toward her open womanhood. "Phoenix..." she couldn't help but moan. Her lips almost hurt from his biting there when his finger went inside her and twisted it around her jewel. She jolted in pleasure as his fingers encircled her clot. Her lips parted in pleasure. A lustful moan escaped her lips as Phoenix rubbed her clot with his sinful finger. God! It felt like heaven! Her breathing deepened with each passing second as Phoenix stroked and played with her wet jewel. "Oh, Phoenix..." That was all she could say as the young man slowly inserted his penis inside her while his finger was still feeling and squeezing her jewel. Her body twis
"You want another round?" Phoenix asked, now lying next to her. Her cheeks turned red. "N-no." She laughed weakly then hugged her around the waist and pulled her closer to him. “Just say it." He teased, "I'm more than willing." He made it hard. "Stop it." He kissed her forehead. "Okay. Go rest." She was about to answer when the doorbell of her penthouse rang. Irritation filled Phoenix's face. "Who else could it be?" "Wait, I'll just get dressed and then-" He pulled her back to the bed, back next to her then hugged her tightly. "Let them be. They'll leave when they get tired." She couldn't let go of Phoenix because of her tight embrace as if she had no intention of letting go. It feels so good to be in his arms like this. But there was something wrong. It's too naughty no matter who's ringing the doorbell. Phoenix groaned in annoyance. "I'll just check who it is, then I'll send them away." He got out of bed and turned to her, his eyes twinkling mischievously, "Stay here. I w
Her cheeks heated up as she hugged her naked body. What happend!!! Did we? Did we!? “Oh my god!” She bit her lip. “Shit. It’s embarrassing! What kind of face will I present to him now?” She wanted to beat herself up for drinking alcohol last night. If she had been in the right state of mind, she definitely wouldn’t have done that—she definitely would’ve stopped herself from doing the crazy things she did. And as she stood there, hugging her naked body, she remembered every detail of their lovemaking. “Oh, God…” She covered her face with both palms because it was getting hot even though she was awake. “What did I do?” She looked down at her naked body and hurriedly ran to the bathroom to take a shower. It was weird and all, but she could still feel Phoenix’s touch—the way he caressed her. And even though it was just a memory, she felt a strange warmth come over her body. “Oh, God,” she said under the cold shower. “What am I going to look like to him now?” Even after f
“Here in the office.”“Hurry up, okay?”Her eyes widened. “What?”“I need a PA, so hurry up, okay?”I took a deep breath while riding the elevator to the top floor of the building where Phoenix’s office was. The last time I came here, Phoenix yelled at me. I could only hope that wouldn’t happen again today.Five minutes later, I arrived at his office.I let out a deep sigh as the elevator doors opened, my nerves tightening with each step toward the CEO’s office.When I entered, Phoenix’s secretary’s gaze met mine, her bright smile immediately welcoming me.“It’s nice to see you again,” she said warmly.I gave her a shy smile. “Ahm, Mr. Everette asked me to come here.”“Yes, he told me to let you know to wait for him inside his office. He’s still in a meeting right now,” she said, gesturing toward the door to Phoenix’s private office. “Just go in and wait for him there.”I nodded, stepping inside Phoenix’s office and settling into the visitor’s chair. The air felt heavy like it carried
Phoenix told her they were just going out for lunch, so Atticus was completely taken aback when he brought her to the mall instead. After their meal, he began shopping for her, buying clothes, shoes, and accessories. Despite her repeated protests, she couldn’t stop him.He knew her body measurements so well as if he’d memorized them by heart. Every time she asked how he knew, he only responded with a mysterious smile.Because of their shopping spree, they ended up spending half the afternoon at the mall. They didn’t return to his office; instead, they headed straight back to the penthouse.“Walking is so tiring,” she muttered as she sat on the edge of her bed.Phoenix was busy arranging her new clothes in her closet. “You sound like you’re not used to going to the mall,” he teased, his voice laced with humor.Atticus lowered her head, trying to hide her guilt. “I just don’t like spending someone else’s money. It makes me feel uncomfortable.”Closing the closet door, Phoenix turned to
“Phoenix, I’m okay.” Atticus repeated the words several times to her husband, who was persistently assisting her as they walked toward the door of his house. “Really, Phoenix, I’m perfectly fine.”“Let me take care of you,” Phoenix replied.Apparently not satisfied, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her toward the door.“Phoenix!” she exclaimed, laughing and playfully slapping his chest. “Put me down. I can handle myself.”“Just let me do this, sweetheart,” Phoenix said, planting a kiss on her cheek before continuing his walk.Atticus could only shake her head. Since last night, when she woke up after resting, he had been extra sweet to her.And ever since she recovered all her lost memories, she felt whole again. She felt complete. And happy. Especially because she could feel just how much her husband loved her.Phoenix hadn’t stopped caring for her since last night. He was thoughtful, sweet, and loving—just like the Phoenix she had married years ago.“Open the door, sweethea
THE NIGHT was chilly. Atticus felt the cold breeze, especially since she wasn’t wearing a jacket to fight off the biting cold.Her frightened eyes fixed on the man pointing a gun at her. She recognized him—he was one of Phoenix’s employees, but she didn’t know his name.“W-what do you want from me?” she asked, her voice trembling with fear.The man pressed the gun against her forehead, making her entire body shake in terror.“Be quiet.”Her body trembled. Phoenix called for her husband in her mind. Phoenix… help me, please…She instinctively placed a protective hand on her stomach. She couldn’t afford to get hurt. She needed to be strong—for the child she carried. She hadn’t even told Phoenix yet that he was going to be a father soon.She needed to get back to him. He’d surely be worried if she didn’t return home soon.“Please, let me go home,” Atticus pleaded. “Have mercy. My husband might be looking for me—”“I said shut up!” The man glared at her and slapped her hard across the fac
Atticus could feel every beat of her heart as Phoenix kissed her passionately. Her mind wrestled with whether what they were doing was right, but her body’s desire to be one with her husband prevailed.She missed him. She missed him terribly. And she wanted to be with her husband, even just for today.So she gave in as Phoenix removed every piece of her clothing, leaving nothing behind. He did the same, stripping himself bare before leaning down to kiss the fullness of her ample breasts tenderly.“Oh,” Atticus moaned as Phoenix’s tongue swirled around her taut nipples.Her nipples ached, seeking the wicked play of his tongue. When Phoenix took her hardened peak into his warm mouth, she clung tightly to his head, pressing her chest closer to him.“More, Phoenix,” she moaned. “Lick me more… more… ohh.”Atticus’s body tingled as Phoenix’s hand massaged her other breast, drawing louder gasps from her lips. When he switched his mouth between her breasts, she gripped his hair tightly, overc
Phoenix just stared at her before turning away. She stood up, placed the tray of her used dishes on the round table, and then sat on the sofa, cradling her head as she stared at the floor.She bit her lower lip when the sharp pain in her head returned. Flashes of blurred memories forced their way into her mind, leaving her even more frustrated.Why couldn’t her memories come back clearly?Why were they always a blur?“Are you okay?” Phoenix’s voice broke the silence.She quickly erased the pain etched on her face and looked up at him. “I’m fine.”Doubt shadowed his face. “You’re pale.”“I said I’m fine.” She stood, attempting to walk away, but as soon as she took a step, the searing pain shot through her head, making her cry out in agony.“Argh!” she screamed, clutching her head, nearly collapsing before Phoenix rushed to catch her.“Fuck!” Without hesitation, he carried her in his arms and quickly brought her to the master bedroom, laying her down on the bed.“Phoenix! It hurts!” she
“Do you want to eat out—”“No.”“Atticus—”“Leave me alone, Phoenix.”Atticus stormed into the guestroom, slamming the door shut to keep him out. Phoenix clenched his fists to stop himself from barging in.She needed space, so he would give it to her.He left and went to the bar, grabbing two bottles of rum. Opening one, he drank straight from the bottle.Atticus, meanwhile, sat frozen in her room, staring blankly into space. Her heart ached for her husband, but she stopped herself. She shouldn’t feel that way for someone who had hurt her and given her false hope.But she couldn’t stop her feet from walking toward him or her hand from tapping his shoulder.“Stop drinking,” she said.Phoenix turned to look at her, his eyes emotionless. “Why?”“It’s bad for you,” she replied.He snorted. “Bad? Yeah. Right.”Atticus sighed. “Stop it. You won’t gain anything from drinking,” she said, her tone firm.Phoenix sighed and stared at her. “If I stop, will you pay attention to me? Will you care f
WHEN Atticus ENTERED the Master Bedroom she used to share with Phoenix, she immediately saw her husband lying face down on the bed, sound asleep.The smell of alcohol filled the room. It was clear that Phoenix had been drinking. She knew Phoenix couldn’t hold his liquor well; his tolerance was low.She sighed and sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes fixed on her husband’s handsome face. Bitterness, pain, and anger instantly welled up in her heart. She quickly averted her gaze as a tear rolled down her cheek.The pain in her heart resurfaced. Seeing Phoenix’s face again made her chest ache deeply.She stood up and took a deep breath to calm herself.Her gaze fell on a large picture frame on the wall. Her heart softened at the sight of their wedding photo.They looked so happy, so content. Who would have thought everything would end up like this?She exhaled deeply, letting out a careful sigh before turning her gaze away from the photo.She looked around the entire room. Nothing had cha
Lineth shrugged. “Just a guess. Besides, the past is the past. Move on and move forward when you can. Don’t bury yourself in the past because you might end up miserable in the present and future. If you’re not careful, you’ll grow old alone.” She warned her. “Go talk to him. Now that you’ve regained your memories, I’m sure you know where your husband’s house is.”At Lineth’s words, she suddenly stood up. “Fine. I’ll talk to him, and if he can’t give me a reason why he didn’t look for me, I’ll forget about him. And I’ll ask him for an annulment.”Lineth rolled her eyes. “Do you even have money for the trip to the city?”Her shoulders slumped. “No.”Lineth sighed and took something out of her pocket, handing it to her. “Here’s your fare.”She gratefully hugged Lineth. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”Lineth patted her back. “That’s what friends are for, as they say.”She smiled and tightened her hug. “Thank you.” Then she let go. “I’ll follow your advice and talk to him right now
The shock was evident on Sean’s face when he opened the door. Phoenix knew he looked worse for wear, but he didn’t care about that.“Sean… help me.”Sean stared at his swollen eyes and sighed. “What happened?”“I went to see Atticus this morning.” His heart felt like it was being torn apart by the memory of what had happened earlier. “She said we had a child, but the baby died. A premature baby… and then she said she waited for me, and now she’s angry at me because I didn’t look for her because I didn’t show up because I sought revenge while she was suffering too. I feel like such a prick. I want to beat myself up. I want to kill myself for hurting my wife. Fuck, Sean,” he couldn’t hide his tears anymore, “I don’t know what to do anymore. I feel so hopeless. I don’t know what to believe, or what to do. I don’t know. I’m so lost.”Sean sighed deeply and loosened the door.“Get in,” Sean said. “Head to the pool, stay there for now. My wife and kid are in the living room. I don’t want th
“ARE YOU sure you’ll be okay on your own?” Blaze asked, his tone laced with concern as he dropped her off at her small home in the province. “Is there someone to look after you here?”“I’ll be fine, Doc,” she replied with a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Besides, my neighbor-slash-friend will be here soon, so don’t worry.”“Are you sure?” He didn’t look convinced, his eyes narrowing slightly as if he could see through her facade.She nodded firmly. “Yes, I’m sure.”Blaze sighed, then reached out to ruffle her hair. “Alright, but I’ll wait until your friend arrives before I leave.”“There’s no need,” she protested, shaking her head. “And anyway, it’s embarrassing… My house—”“That’s okay.” He messed up her hair again with a soft chuckle. “I’ll just wait outside. Promise, you won’t even notice I’m here. I won’t creep you out.” He gave her a reassuring smile. “Now, go inside.”Though she wanted to argue, she knew it was useless. Blaze was as stubborn as they came. With a resigned sigh