It would have been fine if she hadn't mentioned Hermosa, but as soon as she did, it played right into Alexander's hands.Her words earlier made his heart lurch.Could she really be planning something extreme?"Melissa." Alexander wanted to rush after her, but he found himself wrapped in just a bath towel, which made it incredibly inconvenient.He cursed under his breath, clenched his fists, and struck the hard wall with a heavy punch.Phoebe, still in a daze, was startled by the loud noise, and her mind became a blur.She looked up, seeing blood on the white wall. Her eyes widened, and her heart skipped a beat. In a hoarse voice, she whispered, "You... you're bleeding."Her trembling fingers reached out to touch his hand, but before she could, he quickly withdrew it.The sudden motion startled Phoebe. Seeing her freeze, he stepped forward and embraced her. "Did I scare you?""No." Phoebe shook her head, though her body was still trembling slightly."Stay here and wait for me. I'm goin
"Sir, have you found her?" Rod asked."Not yet.""Should we call the police?""I've already sent someone to look for her," Alexander replied, his voice heavy with tension.Had he made a mistake? Every time he thought of Melissa's words, his heart clenched. What if something happened to her? How would he explain this to Hermosa? What had he done?"I hope she's okay. She seemed so heartbroken," Rod said with concern."I'll keep looking. If you hear anything, let me know immediately.""Of course, sir. Be careful.""Mm."The night grew darker, with an oppressive atmosphere suggesting rain was imminent. Alexander walked tiredly to the door of his room, his hand reaching for the key card when the door suddenly swung open. Phoebe stood in the doorway, her face filled with worry, illuminated by the soft glow of the lights. "Have you found her?"Before she could finish, Alexander pulled her into his arms suddenly. He burie
After settling Phoebe in, Alexander and Phoebe returned to their room. Alexander went straight to the bathroom to take a shower, while Phoebe stood there, lost in thought, not even noticing when he had finished.When he came out of the bathroom, he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, resting his head on her shoulder."What are you thinking about?""You're done already?" Phoebe snapped back to reality, feeling his arms tighten around her."Yes. What were you so lost in thought about?""..."She had been thinking about what Melissa had said earlier. It almost felt like a dream.Perhaps sensing what was on her mind, Alexander chuckled softly. "Heh, still thinking about what Melissa said?""Yes." Since he guessed it, Phoebe nodded honestly, though her voice was cautious, "Do you think she really accepts us?""What do you think?" He playfully tapped her nose."I'm scared," she whispered, looking up into
After Alexander left, Phoebe collapsed onto the bed, utterly drained.His long story replayed in her mind, leaving her in a deep, unsettling silence.Her heart was in turmoil, more confused than it had ever been before.So, it wasn't Melissa he loved—it was Melissa's sister.And that woman, the one he loved so deeply, was no longer alive.No wonder he'd been so furious when she accidentally broke the photo frame on his desk that day. It wasn't just a picture; it was a memory of the sister who looked exactly like Melissa.Knowing he didn't love Melissa gave her some relief. But hearing him admit, in his own words, that his heart belonged to Melissa's sister—that pierced her deeply.How she envied that woman for being the recipient of his immense love.Phoebe closed her eyes, exhaustion overtaking her. She hadn't slept all night, and Alexander's story had consumed what little strength she had left. Every moment of lis
In a cozy western-style restaurant, three figures sat together for dinner.Under the soft glow of golden lights, the elegant ambiance radiated warmth."Alex, it's been so long since we had dinner together,"Melissa said with a sweet smile."I'll make time for this more often from now on,"Alexander replied, his tone carrying a hint of indulgence."Really? That's wonderful! Thank you. Everything tastes better when I'm with you."Melissa's stunning face lit up with joy, her happiness evident."Then eat more,"Alexander said affectionately. Her sudden change in attitude had relieved him, lessening some of the stress he'd been carrying. Managing two women was far from easy."Okay."Melissa nodded, her pure and radiant expression brimming with delight.Watching their interaction, Phoebe suddenly felt a pang of discomfort. She lowered her head, staring at the food on her plate. It looked delicious, but she found it
"..."Phoebe averted her gaze, refusing to answer."Speak!""I don't want to talk!" she snapped back, her defiance surprising even herself. Why waste her breath explaining when he wouldn't believe her anyway?"What's with your attitude toward Melissa?" he pressed, his tone laced with anger. Her behavior toward Melissa had infuriated him.His question lit a fire in her. "I said I don't want to talk. Didn't you hear me?" It was the first time she had raised her voice like this in front of him.What had she done wrong? Faced with someone like Melissa, her attitude wasn't unjustified."Phoebe, don't push me. You'd better give me an explanation," he growled. His tone was dangerously low, his anger simmering. If she had softened her stance, perhaps he wouldn't be so mad, but her stubbornness only fueled his frustration.His imposing demeanor startled Phoebe. Clenching her lips, she summoned her courage and said, "If I tell you Melissa came to me earlier today and said some terrible things,
Outside the room, Melissa asked with a sweet smile, "Alex, is Phoebe awake?""She is.""I want to ask her to go shopping with me!"Alexander remained silent. Phoebe was now filled with hostility toward Melissa; there was no way she would agree to go shopping with her. "Melissa, why don't you ask Rod to accompany you?""Oh, okay. I was hoping to spend some time with Phoebe," Melissa said, a hint of disappointment flashing across her face. Then, with a worried expression, she asked, "Is she feeling unwell?""Yeah," he replied, using it as an excuse."Then she needs to rest well. Alex, make sure you take good care of her and help her recover," Melissa said with a look of sincere concern on her harmless-looking face. She appeared so considerate."I noticed she's been staying in her room all the time and seems unhappy. Is it because of me?" Her eyes shimmered with unease."Don't overthink it. It's not because of you.""But..." Melissa started but hesitated as if she didn't know what to say
In the towering skyscraper, an imposing international conference hall was hosting a global video conference.Alexander, dressed in a sleek black suit, exuded understated luxury and elegance, every inch a symbol of wealth and power."Sir, the project here is progressing smoothly, but there's been a bit of a complication.""Complication?" His cold voice cut through the room, interrupting the speaker. With a sharp motion, he tossed the documents in his hand onto the conference table, his hawk-like eyes narrowing on the subordinate delivering the report."Well, it's like this…" The subordinate cleared his throat nervously.Suddenly, a phone rang, its discordant sound breaking the tense atmosphere in the conference room.The subordinate hesitated, unsure whether to continue. To everyone's surprise, Alexander stood up and walked out of the room. His tall, commanding figure leaving the room left his subordinates exchanging bewildered glances.He took a call during a meeting?The company had
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