A while later, Phoebe finished getting ready and went downstairs, only to find Melissa at the dining table.The moment their eyes met, Phoebe sensed hostility in Melissa's gaze, but it quickly disappeared as Melissa smiled sweetly at her."Good morning, Phoebe," Melissa greeted in a sugary-sweet tone, stepping forward.Phoebe froze for a moment, unsure of how to respond to the sudden friendliness. Had she misread things before? Or was it all in her head?"Morning, Melissa," she replied, offering a warm smile in return.However, standing there in front of Melissa, Phoebe couldn't help but feel like she'd stolen something precious from her, a guilty sensation creeping into her heart.Melissa affectionately grabbed Phoebe's hand and led her to the table."Alex was in a rush this morning and couldn't stay to have breakfast with me. Will you keep me company instead? What would you like to eat? I'll have the staff prepare something for you," Melissa offered, her smile radiant, though her de
Phoebe was mentally planning to visit the hospital soon. If she was really pregnant, what would she do...?Just then, Alva suddenly pointed to a man who had entered the classroom and shouted, "Phoebe, Professor Jones is finally here!"Following her gaze, Phoebe locked eyes with Curitis' piercing blue eyes.Dressed in a royal blue, custom-tailored suit, he exuded elegance and a commanding presence.It had been a while since she last saw him. Ever since she left the hospital, she hadn't gone to see him again. She didn't even know when he had been discharged or how well he had recovered.A wave of guilt washed over her, making her feel heartless. He must be angry. She hadn't intended to avoid visiting him, but after everything that had happened, she ended up in the hospital herself for a few days, and the whole thing had slipped her mind.Seeing Curitis again today stirred complicated feelings in her heart.He had risked his life to save her, and yet…All she felt for him was guilt.Phoe
The weather had changed so quickly. Just a moment ago, the sky was clear and bright, but now it was dark, as if it was about to rain.The gloomy atmosphere made it hard to breathe. As Phoebe boarded the bus, out of the corner of her eye, she could still see that lone figure standing there in the distance.She thought to herself that Curitis would never appear in her life again. She had made things very clear earlier.Silently, in her heart, she whispered an apology.He would find a woman who truly deserved him. And that woman would never be her.Her heart already belonged to Alexander. No other man could enter.When she returned to the villa, Melissa greeted her eagerly, though her smile seemed a bit forced to Phoebe. She didn't think too much about it and responded with a genuine smile of her own."You're back early. Perfect timing! Come help me choose a WEDDING DRESS. There are so many, I'm getting overwhelmed. You wouldn't believe it—Alex is going on a business trip for several day
Phoebe woke up with swollen eyes and a heavy body, wishing she could stay in bed, but she had to go to class, even though her mood was terrible.As she stepped out, her gaze caught sight of her exquisite phone, stirring a pang of sadness. With just that brief glance, she closed the door behind her.Upon arriving at school, she intentionally glanced at the bulletin board. Just as she expected, an announcement had been posted: Curitis had resigned from his position and left...As soon as she entered the classroom, a sharp voice pierced through the air."Well, look who it is, the little slut."It was Eden's voice.Phoebe didn't need to think to know who Eden was referring to. She lowered her head and took her seat, refusing to engage. Eden always picked on her, and Phoebe couldn't be bothered to respond."Phoebe, you really have some nerve! When did you and the professor become an item? You can't hide it this time," Eden spat out venomously.The surrounding students joined in with mockin
Another day flew by, but Phoebe's mood only grew heavier. She was reluctant to go home and wished she could find a place to hide.Torn inside, she decided to visit the art studio instead, having not taught her students in a while and missing them.Alexander had restricted her freedom, not even allowing her time to teach.Adding to that, she had been to the hospital several times recently, and her job at the bar had only lasted a few days before she stopped going altogether.After spending a few hours in the studio, her spirits lifted considerably.By the time she returned to the villa, it was already ten o'clock at night.She deliberately stayed out late, avoiding the thought of Melissa marrying Alexander, which only made her more anxious about facing Melissa.After taking a shower, she lay in bed, her mind racing with thoughts, feeling exhausted. It took her a long time to finally fall asleep.That night, she had a dream about Melissa and Alexander's wedding. As soon as she appeared
That night.Phoebe didn't return to the villa. Instead, she spent the night with her parents.As she lay in bed, she held her mother, Anila, tightly as she fell asleep...Meanwhile, across the city in New York, on the bustling financial street, Alexander returned to his hotel, exhausted after a long day. He had to handle some important matters at the branch office in person over the past few days.After stepping out of the bathroom, he casually picked up the phone. He dialed several times but only got voicemail.Irritated, he frowned.Phoebe hadn't answered any of his calls. This was the fifth day he had tried to reach her. How could she disregard his words so easily?Alexander narrowed his eyes dangerously. She better pick up his call soon; otherwise, he wouldn't hold back!Growing impatient, he called Rod directly to inquire.He learned that she hadn't even returned home that night!Hanging up, Alexander clenched his fists, the knuckles cracking ominously.Great! She had pushed him t
It all happened so suddenly that Phoebe was momentarily stunned, her eyes wide as she stared at him.Gavin's eyes gleamed with mischief as he took in her expression. This wasn't just a light kiss; he intended to delve deeper into her mouth...Kissing her was an impulsive reaction, driven by the sight of her enticing, ruby-red lips. He hadn't anticipated how soft they would be, transforming his initial peck into a desire to explore her sweetness.Her body stiffened at his touch. She understood perfectly well what he wanted and instinctively tried to push him away.However, his strength was astonishing. Being a solidly built man, no amount of effort on Phoebe's part could dislodge him.She gritted her teeth, refusing to give him an opportunity to invade her further. But then he shamelessly squeezed her chest, and the pain made her cry out, allowing his tongue to slip in."Mm—" she whimpered, utterly incredulous at the violation happening before her. She had thought he was a good person;
She actually said he had never been good to her. Couldn't she see his kindness?"You're hurting me…" Phoebe whimpered, her pale fingers trying to pry his large hand away. When he didn't let go, instead tightening his grip, she stopped struggling, sniffling in frustration."You're going to marry Melissa! Why would you give me hope? You must be doing it on purpose, playing with my feelings, right? Don't you know I'm not as strong as you think? In situations like this, I only feel heartache, not knowing what else to do. You're such a jerk. Don't you know I… I don't want you to marry her. Don't you know I like you?"Her voice broke, each word a mixture of accusation and confession."Damn it, who told you I'm getting married?" He looked down at her, and seeing her tears, his anger softened. Was that why she hadn't been answering his calls? She was angry at him?"Melissa told me herself. You've been lying to me all along—isn't this what you wanted? My heart aches so much. Are you satisfied
After she left, the maid tiptoed to the study door, raised her hand, and gently knocked before respectfully announcing, "Sir, the lady has left. The arranged taxi is waiting outside."Inside the study, Alexander reclined in his large chair, eyes closed, seemingly lost in deep thought.Hearing the maid's report, his eyes snapped open, a flicker of complex emotions flashing within his deep gaze. He pushed the wheels of his chair forward and slowly made his way to the floor-to-ceiling window.His tall, muscular frame was bare, his sculpted physique exuding an almost suffocating allure.He had told himself not to look at Phoebe again, not to let her every move dictate the rhythm of his heart.Yet, the moment that door opened and he saw her panicked yet resolute figure, his chest tightened involuntarily, and he found himself unable to tear his gaze away.He loathed the idea of her leaving. Even just watching her retreating silhouette felt like a precious moment slipping through his fingers
After rushing into the bathroom, Phoebe collapsed onto the cold floor, feeling as though all the strength had been drained from her body.She hugged herself tightly, burying her head between her knees as if doing so could shield her from the nightmare that had become her reality.From deep within her throat, suppressed sobs finally broke free, carrying with them an unbearable weight of grievance, anger, and pain. The sorrowful cries echoed in the small bathroom, filling the space with her despair.She cried for what felt like an eternity. Tears streamed down her cheeks like a flood breaking through a dam, pooling onto the floor beneath her.By the time her sobs subsided, her eyes were swollen and red, the skin around them bruised with exhaustion and anguish.Throughout it all, only one name dominated her thoughts—Alexander.Bastard! Monster! Scum!She cursed him over and over again in her mind, hurling every vile insult she could think of at him, as if that were the only way to ease t
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