At midnight, Phoebe changed out of her bar uniform, ready to leave.The bar was close to school, and it only took her about fifteen minutes to bike there. But before she could even get close to campus, a car suddenly swerved in front of her, blocking her path.Startled, she screamed, nearly being thrown off her bike. Heart pounding, she was still trying to catch her breath when a commanding voice rang out from above her."Get in the car!"Phoebe froze in shock. It was Alexander. Before she could react, he stormed out of the car, kicked her bike aside, and grabbed her by the throat, lifting her off the ground."You're disobeying me?" His voice was slow and deliberate, every word dripping with dangerous intent as he locked eyes with her.Phoebe's face paled as she struggled to breathe. Without a word, Alexander threw her into the car and got in himself. The door slammed shut, and the locks clicked into place. He pressed a button, and the car's windows darkened with a black tint.Phoebe c
The next morning, Phoebe woke up feeling like her entire body had been broken. Her most intimate areas ached with sharp pain. She glanced around and saw that Alexander was already gone.On the bed beside her, a gold card, a key, and a check for five million lay neatly on the sheets.Her hands shook with anger as she gripped the blanket tightly. What good was money? It was just a transaction for her body! She didn't care about the money—not at all!But last night had taught her one thing: the more she resisted, the more it fueled his desire to conquer her.He had made it clear that once he was done playing with her, he would let her go. Until then, she had to accept her role as his wife and cater to his every demand.Since she couldn't fight back, all she could hope for now was that he'd tire of her soon.After the brutal night, her strength was completely drained. Phoebe got up, looking at her reflection in the mirror. Her face was pale, her eyes were ringed with dark circles, her lip
The following week Phoebe'd been going to Alexander's villa as he requested. However, she only went after midnight, as she didn't want to give up her job at the bar, which ended at 12:00.After checking with the butler, she was shown to a guest room. Alexander wasn't there, and she didn't dare sleep in his bed. Besides, she didn't want to—it smelled like him, which unnerved her.By the time she showered and changed into her pajamas, it was already 1:00 a.m. She lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.This had been happening every night. Despite being exhausted, sleep wouldn't come.What exactly was she waiting for?Why hadn't Alexander come back in all this time? What was he doing?Damn it, why was she thinking about him again?That beastly man! She must have been cursed to even think about him. She should hate him—despise him.Phoebe clenched her fists, wishing he would never appear before her again. She slapped her head in frustration, turned off the light, and buried hers
Phoebe felt deeply embarrassed by her shameful thoughts. She was becoming less and less like herself.Stealing a glance at the man beside her, she noticed his eyes were still closed. Assuming he had fallen asleep, she carefully thought about how to slip away from him without making any noise."And what about the rest?" Alexander's eyes suddenly opened, locking onto her. He was waiting for her next move.Phoebe's already flushed cheeks burned even hotter under his gaze. She understood exactly what he meant.Fearing he might get angry, she didn't dare hesitate. Nervously, she got down on her knees and began to unbuckle his belt, then carefully unzipped his trousers, struggling to pull them off.Her face reddened further as she averted her eyes, her heart racing. She dared not look at his strong, muscular legs. When her fingers had brushed against them, she had felt a strange, electric-like jolt run through her."Keep going," Alexander ordered in a low voice.Phoebe looked up at him, pan
Fortunately, Alexander did not."Close your eyes and sleep," he ordered, his long, cold fingers intertwining with hers.His deep voice rumbled in her ear, but his actions were surprisingly gentle, causing her tense body to relax slightly. She had been bracing herself for him to go further, but instead, he stopped. And the way they were lying there, entwined like this... it almost felt like they were a couple in love.Her head rested against his chest, their fingers interlaced, her body pressed against his solid frame, surrounded by the scent of his masculine presence.His body was cold, likely from the shower, but holding her like this, he felt warm.Phoebe bit her lip, her long lashes fluttering. Her body still trembled slightly, but it felt like her heart was starting to thaw, little by little.Why was this happening?This strange, unfamiliar feeling...Was it just an illusion?How could she possibly think this cruel man was being gentle?She must have been frightened into thinking
At the university's design building—Class hadn't started yet, and a group of girls had already gathered, gossiping loudly about someone else's drama."Hey, did you hear? Eve just became someone's mistress," one girl whispered."Seriously? And the guy's an old man practically on his deathbed. Can he even get it up?" another asked with a smirk."They've got pills for that now. If he can't, medicine will make sure he can," they laughed."How much is she getting?""Eight thousand a month.""That's it? She sold herself cheap," the girl scoffed."Especially to an old guy!" someone added."Why would she do that for so little money? And with an old man? If she's going to be someone's mistress, at least find someone younger!""People are so desperate for money these days. I wouldn't be surprised if someone in our class was doing the same," one girl suggested."Who? Who?" The group perked up, their eyes darting around the room in anticipation."Look over there," Eden said with a sly grin, nodd
At a high-end French restaurant, Phoebe sat nervously in her seat. It was her first time in such a fancy place, and she felt out of place."Phoebe, why aren't you eating?" Curtis asked gently, his blue eyes soft and full of affection.His warm, magnetic voice wrapped around her, making her even more flustered. She stammered, "I'm... I'm not hungry. You... you eat."Seeing how she kept her distance from him, Curtis gave her a tender smile, one so gentle it could make anyone's heart flutter. "Phoebe, will you give me a chance?"Phoebe felt a pang of guilt. She had already turned him down once. She never expected him to show up at her school as a professor.For someone as kind and accomplished as Curtis, she felt undeserving. "I'm sorry, sir. I—""Just call me Curtis. And don't be in a rush to reject me. I'll win your heart, I promise," he said with confidence. He wasn't going to pressure her, but he would be by her side, waiting patiently for her to accept him.Just then, the restaurant
Alexander's kisses were fierce and relentless, making Phoebe's lips ache."Mmm..." Phoebe furrowed her brow, her curled lashes trembling slightly from his passionate kiss, her cheeks flushing red. She wanted to resist but couldn't help wishing the kiss would continue.It seemed she was developing feelings for him. She hated that about herself; despite how he had treated her moments before, the moment his lips touched hers, her heart felt like it was melting. She inexplicably liked the masculine scent that lingered on his lips.Realizing this made Phoebe's heart race.When the searing kiss ended, Alexander began tearing off his clothes. Phoebe instinctively took a step back, afraid and shy at the urgency in his eyes.Tonight, he was going to...Strangely, she found herself anticipating something.He pulled her into his arms, his strong embrace enveloping her. His rough fingers tore open her conservative nightgown."I won't let you go tonight."For the first time, she didn't push him aw
Golden sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows of the church, casting a dreamlike glow over the entire hall. Phoebe stood beneath an archway adorned with white roses, her fingers unconsciously tightening around her father Ryan's arm."Nervous?" Ryan gently patted the back of her hand.Phoebe took a deep breath, her gaze following the long red carpet all the way to the tall figure waiting at the end. Alexander stood there in a perfectly tailored black suit, a white rose matching her bouquet pinned to his lapel. His deep, unwavering gaze was locked onto her, as if in his world, there was only her.The moment the orchestra began playing the Wedding March, Phoebe felt her eyes well up with tears. She clutched her father's arm and took her first step forward, the lace hem of her gown rippling like water, the hand-embroidered pearls on her train glinting softly in the sunlight."Oh my God, look at the flower kids! They're adorable!""They look just like the groom!"Guests' whisp
Phoebe finished getting ready and followed the two children out of the room. At the same moment, Alexander's door across the hall swung open.Their eyes met.In an instant, Phoebe felt her ears grow hot, the memory of last night's intimacy flooding back. Alexander's gaze lingered on her flushed cheeks, and a subtle tension crackled in the air."Daddy!""Daddy!"The crisp, cheerful voices of the children shattered the silence.Alexander's pupils contracted slightly as he mechanically turned his head toward them. Jeremy and Amy had already thrown themselves into his arms, their little faces rubbing against his suit jacket, leaving messy wrinkles."We're calling you, silly!" Amy said, tilting her face up to him, her eyes sparkling like stars.Alexander's hands hovered awkwardly in the air. The word Daddy struck him like a bolt of lightning, leaving his chest numb with emotion. Slowly, he crouched down, his arms closing around the children, his fingertips trembling.Leaning against the wa
Alexander let out a satisfied, mischievous chuckle. He almost wanted to turn on the light just to see how adorably shy she looked right now."Baby, you're already wet down here," he murmured after a while, gently reminding her.Phoebe felt it too—the shame hit her so hard she wanted to crawl under the covers and disappear. Panicking, she tried to pull his hand away. "Y-You... get out!""Don't be shy, sweetheart. It's a normal reaction," he coaxed softly."I don't care if it's normal! You're not allowed to touch anymore," she snapped, mortified."But you want it too, don't you?"Even if she did, she would never admit it. Biting her lip, she shook her head firmly. "No. I don't."But Alexander wasn't one to let her have the last word. He decided to give her exactly what she insisted she didn't want.The moment Phoebe realized what he was doing, she gasped sharply. Did he even know how reckless he was being?"Stop. Don't do that," she whispered, but her words quickly melted into a choked
At 2:17 a.m., Alexander jolted awake for the third time.The guest room was steeped in the scent of mothballs, and the creases Phoebe had left on the bedspread that afternoon were still visible. Agitated, he yanked at his collar. His phone lit up in the darkness, only to go dark again—the "power off" alert thudding against his chest like a silent punch.Moonlight poured over the balcony like an interrogation lamp. When he stepped barefoot onto the window ledge, the night wind from the thirty-fourth floor lifted the hem of his robe. Here he was—the man who once made Wall Street tremble—now sweating nervously just to sneak into his wife's bedroom."Locked?" The doorknob didn't budge. He nearly laughed. She thought a simple lock could stop someone who could hack into the Pentagon?The curtain in the children's room wasn't drawn properly. Moonlight spilled inside, casting a silver glow over Phoebe's exposed shoulder. Alexander's Adam's apple bobbed—she was wearing that damned silk nightgo
Phoebe stepped out of the kitchen and saw only the two kids playing on the couch. There was no sign of Alexander or Ryan.Puzzled, she walked over. Before she could even ask, the kids pointed toward the study."Mom, Grandpa called Uncle in for a talk," they said."A talk?" Phoebe glanced at the tightly closed door, her heart tightening a little.With Anila helping her in the kitchen, dinner was ready in just forty minutes.When Phoebe came out again, Ryan and Alexander were already sitting together on the couch, chatting away.Phoebe looked over in surprise—they actually seemed to be getting along. Whatever Alexander had said, it had Ryan laughing happily.For the first time, the whole family sat down together for a meal. The mood was light and joyful. With the two mischievous kids adding their antics, the table was filled with laughter.After dinner, Alexander volunteered to clean up. Phoebe didn't stop him but followed along to lend a hand.The faucet gushed noisily in the kitchen.
After landing, Phoebe and Alexander stopped by the office for a quick check-in before heading to her parents' house.As the car rolled into the familiar neighborhood, Phoebe tightened her grip on the hem of her dress for the third time. "Are you sure we shouldn't call first?"Alexander, lazily twirling a strand of her hair between his fingers, let out a low chuckle. "A surprise visit's the only way to see how they really treat you."In the backseat, the Kyoto lacquerware and Shizuoka tea sets clinked softly with each turn."My mom might actually hit you," Phoebe muttered, keeping her face stern even as her nails unconsciously scratched fine lines into the leather seat."Perfect," he leaned closer, his breath warm against the tense line of her neck, "I'll show you just how much I can take."Hidden away in the trunk was also a property transfer agreement—the land her father had always coveted, now signed over under her mother's name.Phoebe turned to stare out the window, but couldn't q
At one o'clock in the afternoon, when the cruise ship docked, Phoebe's legs were still trembling. Alexander's strong arm wrapped tightly around her waist, only making her struggle harder."Don't touch me!" Phoebe hissed through clenched teeth, her fingertips digging into the fabric of his suit sleeve.Alexander chuckled lowly and only tightened his grip. "What if you fall?" he murmured against her ear, his breath hot. "Who was it that cried last night, begging me not to stop?"Phoebe's ears instantly burned red. The curious gazes from nearby tourists made her skin crawl, and the man had the nerve to raise his voice deliberately:"Want me to carry you?""You—" She jerked her head up, only to meet his teasing grey-blue eyes. The flicker of mischief inside them made her instantly recall how those very eyes had darkened in the throes of passion the night before.In the end, she was swept into his arms. Alexander pressed her burning face against his chest."Be good. Take a nap," he said ge
In the early morning light, Alexander's bronzed chest shimmered under the golden glow. His fingers combed through Phoebe's slightly tousled hair, his Adam's apple brushing her forehead as he rumbled, "Awake?"A soft, sleepy hum was all she managed before a hot kiss pressed onto her forehead. He tightened his arms around her, the rough stubble on his jaw grazing the flushed tip of her ear."Stay a few more days?" he murmured, his voice husky and teasing, like a sea breeze whispering against her skin.Phoebe gently pushed against his chest with her fingertips. "I have a contract to sign this afternoon.""Forget it," he muttered, his breath scorching against her trembling lashes. "That little bit of money...""I miss the kids," she chuckled softly, burying her face against his collarbone. Her fingers traced the lines of his ribs. "I haven't seen my little troublemakers in a whole week."A low laugh rumbled from Alexander's chest. In one swift motion, he rolled her beneath him, trapping h
The sea breeze brushed gently past them as Alexander's long fingers traced Phoebe's slightly swollen lips, his gaze full of boundless tenderness."Having you by my side... it's the best thing in the world," he whispered, resting his chin lightly against the top of her head. "Don't be mad anymore, hmm?"Phoebe leaned into his chest and murmured softly, "Okay." Truthfully, her heart had already begun to soften the moment they were reunited."It's not easy making you happy," he chuckled lowly, twirling a strand of her hair around his finger. "I'll have to be extra careful from now on—treat you like royalty and never dare upset my little goddess again." Only heaven knew how tortured he'd been these past few days."You'd better remember what you just said." She was about to issue a stern warning when he pressed a finger gently to her lips."I swear," he said, lifting two fingers solemnly, his eyes burning with sincerity. "There won't be a next time."Phoebe smiled despite herself, and the