Chapter 1: Sister-in-law

“Mmm... Alex, slow down...” Ella let out a low moan, her legs wrapped tightly around Alexander’s waist.

The rhythmic intensity of his thrusts sent tremors through her entire body.

Ella looked up at him, mesmerized. Alexander’s deep-set eyes and sharp features gave him a cold, noble air, but his usually distant gaze was now clouded with raw desire.

He was the current CEO of Blackwood Group, the most handsome and powerful man in all of New York. Ella had loved him for eight years. Just being looked at by him like this made her soul tremble.

One of his hands cupped her full breast, squeezing firmly, his thumb brushing roughly against her erect nipple.

“Oh! No... it’s too fast...” Ella tilted her head back, broken moans escaping her throat.

Her silky long hair spread across the pillow, her delicate face flushed. Seeing her like this, Alexander’s gaze darkened further.

His hand moved down, his fingers pressing precisely against her clitoris, circling and grinding with every heavy thrust.

Ella tried to squeeze her legs together to dull the electric sensation, but he forced them wider.

She bit her lip in shame. “Please, keep it down... Leo is right next door...”

Alexander let out a dark chuckle, leaning forward to breathe hotly against her ear. “Honey, we’ve been married for five years and you’re still this shy? Leo’s out like a light. He won’t hear you begging.”

He didn’t stop; instead, he pushed harder, hitting deep every time.

Ella couldn’t help but scream as her muscles buckled. A wave of pleasure crashed over her—she reached her climax, clinging to him as her body shook. “Alex! Oh god... I’m coming!”

She felt herself tighten around him, but Alexander wasn’t finished. He gave a soft laugh. “Good girl, but we’re not done yet.”

He flipped her over onto her hands and knees, gripped her waist, and drove into her from behind.

Ella’s moans quickened. “Alex, it’s too much... I’m still so sensitive.”

Her voice was shy, but her body instinctively met his movements.

Alexander reached around to knead her breasts, his pace accelerating until every impact made her ache with pleasure.

“Ah! Slower... I’m going to...” The sensation built up again. She leaned forward, her hips arched high, letting him take total control.

Just as she felt a second climax approaching, Alexander’s phone suddenly rang.

He went rigid and stopped, pulling out of her abruptly.

Ella immediately felt empty, her body still hovering on the edge.

"Alex, who is it?" She turned around, panting, her voice full of grievance and longing.

But before Ella could finish speaking, she saw Jessica's name flashing on the screen.

Ella's heart sank. This was already the fifth time this month.

Alexander glanced at his phone and frowned slightly, but still got up to grab his shirt.

"It's already two in the morning, Alexander." Ella propped herself up and pulled the blanket over her chest. Her voice trembled with a hint of grievance.

Alexander paused and turned to look at her. "Baby, Jessica hasn't been doing well lately. Ever since Michael died..." He paused. "You know how hard it is for her to raise a child alone. She must be having another panic attack."

"Panic attack?" Ella laughed bitterly. "This is the fifth time this month. Are you her therapist or her babysitter?"

"Ella, don't be like this." Alexander walked over, trying to touch her face, but Ella turned her head away.

He sighed. "Michael was my older brother. You know what I promised Michael when he died. He died trying to save me. Jessica is his only widow. I have to take care of her."

Ella let out a cold laugh and grabbed her phone. She pulled up a photo Jessica had posted on Instagram that afternoon.

In the photo, Jessica was intimately pressed against Alexander's face, her red lips planted on his cheek. Though Alexander hadn't kissed her back, he let her lean on him, the corner of his mouth showing a hint of helpless indulgence.

"What about this photo? Is this your way of taking care of her? She even posted it on Instagram this afternoon."

Alexander glanced at the photo and actually chuckled. "You know Jessica has been like this since our student days. She loves joking around like this. She's my sister-in-law. There's nothing between us."

"Joking around?" Ella felt her chest tighten.

"Yes." Alexander continued putting on his suit jacket. "Be good, Ella. She's just too fragile right now and needs a little sense of existence. You've always been generous. You wouldn't hold this small matter against a widow who lost her husband, would you?"

Ella wanted to say something, but the words stuck in her throat. Five years of marriage had taught her that arguments were meaningless. Alexander always had his reasons, and she was always the one who "should understand."

Alexander's phone rang again. He quickly answered. "Okay, I'll be right there." After hanging up, he turned to Ella with apologetic eyes, but more so with a sense of entitlement. "She said she dreamed about Michael and had an emotional breakdown. I need to go check on her."

"Tomorrow is Leo's birthday." Ella reminded him quietly.

"I know. The party is at two in the afternoon, right? I promise I'll be back on time. Leo is my son. How could I miss it?"

Alexander turned back and gave her a reassuring smile, leaned down to kiss her forehead, then turned and left.