Alexander kissed Phoebe passionately, as if pouring all the love surging within him into that single, lingering kiss.When he finally pulled away, his breath still ragged, it felt like he could hardly part with her.Their lips reluctantly separated, both gasping for air.Phoebe's cheeks flushed a deep red, reminiscent of a ripe peach dangling from a spring branch, her skin glowing with a tempting sweetness that made one long to steal another taste.Embarrassed, she cast her eyes downward, her gaze catching sight of the curious onlookers circling them. Some were filled with envy, others merely curious, but every glance felt like a needle prick against her skin.A thin layer of tears welled in her eyes, her face growing even redder with shame as if it might burst into flames. She wished the ground would swallow her whole.After gathering himself, Alexander intended to spend a leisurely day shopping with Phoebe, hoping to pick out something she would love to win her smile.However, shop
They were watching a romantic movie filled with enough steamy scenes to make anyone blush. Sweet moments intertwined with intense, passionate encounters that bordered on bold, pushing the limits of propriety.Thankfully, most of the audience consisted of couples, either dating or married, so no one seemed surprised by the provocative content.Except for Phoebe. Every time a sensual scene appeared on screen, her immediate reflex was to lower her head, unable to meet the imagery head-on.Although the film wasn't overly explicit, her naturally shy disposition made such moments unbearably awkward.Even a simple kiss had her cheeks heating with embarrassment; now, with far more intimate scenes unfolding, she could barely breathe.Despite her own experiences with physical intimacy in real life, Phoebe's easily flustered nature led her to escape from the on-screen passion—either by sipping her drink in deliberate distraction or pretending to focus on anything else."What's the matter?" Alexa
One hand might have been trapped in her grip, but his other continued its sinful exploration, trailing along her waistline.Heat radiated wherever his fingers touched, a firestorm of sensation that left her trembling with anticipation and dread.Even without seeing his face, she could vividly picture his wicked grin, the smug amusement dancing in his eyes. His sheer audacity made her body burn with both anger and a strange, forbidden thrill.Alexander in this state was unrestrained, a force of untamed dominance cloaked in charm. He was dangerous, relentless, and devastatingly alluring.His touch was a thief of reason, and she was helpless against the temptation that threatened to consume her.Phoebe clenched her teeth, cheeks aflame as she clung to his hand with all her might. Tears welled in her eyes, her whispered protest trembling with desperation. "Stop…" Her voice cracked with frustration, heart thudding painfully against her ribcage.But he didn't stop."Enjoy it, sweetie."His
When Phoebe returned home, she didn't even have time to step into the bathroom for a shower before Alexander impatiently pinned her against the door.His scorching kisses came down like a storm, fierce and relentless, as if he intended to claim her very soul.Lost in the intoxicating web he wove, Phoebe couldn't help but respond. Her lips parted, meeting his fervor with her own.Unlike Alexander's wild and domineering passion, her kiss was soft, like a delicate cloud of cotton candy—gentle, sweet, and tenderly dissolving with a lingering warmth.Though they had shared countless moments of intimacy before, her kiss still carried a touch of innocence. Yet her heart was fully in it.Despite her lack of skill, she kissed him earnestly, tentatively exploring his warmth and savoring every sensation.This wasn't the first time she had kissed him back, but it was, without a doubt, the sweetest. Because in this kiss, she could truly feel his heart—feel the emotions that were uniquely his.Toni
Fate's wheel turned without mercy, its whims cruel and unpredictable. The unexpected twists it brought were beyond any mortal's control.Damn it!Alexander cursed inwardly. How could he tell Phoebe the truth?The burden of delivering that truth himself felt unbearable.Even imagining her reaction—the way her eyes, so full of love and tenderness, would shatter with despair—was enough to pierce his heart with unbearable pain.He could already feel the agony of that moment as if it had already arrived.The thought of wounding her made his chest ache as if pierced by a thousand needles.In the days they had spent together, his attachment had grown like vines wrapping tighter and tighter, making it impossible to break free.He didn't want to think anymore. The suffocating weight of it all crashed over him like a stormy tide.All he wanted was to pull her closer—so close that their very souls would meld, her
In the blink of an eye, their clothes were discarded, and they stood exposed before each other, vulnerable.Driven by pure desire, Alexander kissed her again and again, his lips trailing down her skin, from her forehead to her neck, and every delicate inch of her, as if marking her, engraving her into his soul.In the heat of the moment, he didn't even wait to take her to the bed. He held her tightly, kissing her furiously, as if trying to drown out the turmoil and confusion inside him."We… haven't showered yet," Phoebe whispered, turning her face away, her arms pushing against his chest, shyly avoiding his gaze.But her eyes were already tinged with a soft blush. Tonight truly felt like a romantic night. She was intoxicated by it. She wished it could stay like this forever."Forget it" he replied, his voice husky, and then he kissed her lips again."No," she protested weakly, trying to stop him."Then we'll shower together,"
Alexander felt his heart clench.He gently lifted her into his arms, cradling her against his chest.Disturbed by the movement, Phoebe's eyes fluttered open for a moment before she closed them again. Instinctively, her head nestled deeper into his embrace. Her small hands grasped at his shirt, holding on as if afraid he might disappear, her fingers curling tightly into the fabric like a child clinging to her only source of comfort.A ripple of emotion stirred deep within Alexander's heart.He knew he shouldn't give her too much hope. He knew he couldn't promise her a future. But selfishly, he wanted to keep her—if only for a fleeting moment.He knew he would eventually abandon her, that he would be ruthless when the time came. Yet, before he walked away, he wanted to shower her with the sweetest tenderness.He understood his actions would only deepen her pain. But in that moment, he didn't care.Guilt was absent from his mind.
When breakfast time came, it was business as usual.As long as they weren't eating out, she was always the one to cook. It had become his request, but even if he never voiced it, she willingly took it on, finding joy in cooking for the man she loved.Even if she had to cook for him her whole life, it would be her happiness.Alexander lounged lazily on the sofa, casually unfolding his newspaper, though every now and then, his gaze would drift over the top, briefly resting on the kitchen.There she was—Phoebe in a pink apron, her long, dark hair tied up high into a playful ponytail, fully immersed in preparing the meal. The intensity with which she focused made it hard for him to look away.Yet, a bitter feeling quietly stirred in Alexander's chest, a sensation that seemed to gently pull at his heart, causing a slight pang of pain.He knew all too well that these peaceful days were nearing their end, and an indescribable unease was slowl
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