Inside the car, the atmosphere was suffocating.Phoebe sat sideways in the passenger seat, her vacant eyes staring out the window. Yet, her mind was far from the passing scenery. Alexander's cold gaze and piercing words haunted her, swirling through her thoughts like ghosts refusing to fade.Alexander gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning slightly white from the pressure. Though his eyes remained fixed on the road ahead, his mind was elsewhere. Phoebe's earlier words were like a sharp thorn lodged deep in his heart—every time he recalled them, a stabbing pain followed.A heavy silence engulfed them. No words were exchanged, no glances met—only the low rumble of the engine and the whooshing wind outside filled the void.Before long, they arrived at the hotel where the banquet was being held.Alexander glanced sideways and uttered two cold words: "Get out."Phoebe slowly turned her head, her eyes filled with grie
As they stepped into the grand banquet hall, a sea of elegantly dressed guests filled the space—powerful elites from various industries, all mingling and exchanging pleasantries.The moment Phoebe entered, she felt countless gazes land on her. Instinctively, she shrank back slightly, tightening her grip around Alexander's arm.Alexander's expression remained cold and unreadable as his sharp eyes swept across the room, catching the way certain men eyed Phoebe with curiosity. Without a word, he subtly withdrew his arm from hers, only to move behind her and slide an arm around her waist—a gesture both possessive and intimate.Phoebe let him lead her through the crowd, their presence drawing attention wherever they passed.She had always found these social events tedious, despising the superficial interactions and empty flattery. But tonight, she was surprised to realize that she no longer minded. With Alexander by her side, his promise still ling
Phoebe stood frozen in place, her eyes welling up with tears that threatened to spill over. In that moment, she looked like a helpless little puppy cruelly abandoned by its owner—full of grievance and sadness, with no one to confide in.For so many years, Gavin had been a great help to her, someone she regarded as family. Did she really not even have the right to greet him? Alexander was being so petty. Why couldn't he ever say something that would put her at ease? Why did he always jump to conclusions and misunderstand her so easily?Just then, Gavin approached her, raising an eyebrow as he spoke. "He left?""Yeah… he left me behind again."Phoebe's voice was soft, tinged with disappointment."He was jealous, wasn't he?"A playful glint flashed in Gavin's eyes as he recalled the sharp, icy glare Alexander had given him earlier. "I almost thought he was going to charge at me and start a fight.""I wish he had,"Phoebe mu
Ten minutes passed quickly before a stunning woman, dressed seductively, hurried over. Spotting Alexander from afar, she quickened her pace, moving as if the wind carried her forward.Just as she was about to introduce herself, Alexander didn’t spare her a single glance. Instead, he flicked his burning cigarette to the ground and crushed it underfoot with a cold expression. Then, he said curtly, "Follow me."Alexander strode ahead with firm, purposeful steps. The woman, struggling in her ten-centimeter heels, had to jog to keep up, calling out in a sweet, coquettish voice, "Alex, wait for me!"But Alexander acted as though he hadn’t heard her. His pace remained steady and unyielding.The moment he reentered the banquet hall, his gaze swept across the crowd like a sharp hawk, searching keenly. Soon, his eyes locked onto the center of the dance floor—where Gavin held Phoebe in his arms, dancing intimately to the elegant melody.Alex
As soon as they left the hotel, Alexander caught up with Phoebe in a few strides. He reached out, gripping her arm firmly, and spun her around to face him. "Damn it, why are you running?""Let go of me, you jerk!"Phoebe’s eyes were red-rimmed, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face. She sobbed as she pounded her fists against his chest with all her strength."What’s all this crying for?"Alexander’s gaze was a mix of heartache and helplessness as he held the distraught Phoebe in his arms. He couldn’t fathom what he’d done to upset her so deeply."None of your business!"Phoebe’s voice was hoarse from crying. "Aren’t you busy with another woman? Why are you even bothering with me?!"Hearing the unmistakable jealousy in her words, Alexander’s irritation suddenly lifted, as though sunlight had broken through the clouds. The corner of his mouth quirked into a faint, almost imperceptible smi
Alexander poured out all the pent-up emotions and desire he had been holding back for so long, only releasing Phoebe when he finally felt a sliver of satisfaction.He lifted his head slightly, his gaze lingering with a hint of hunger as he warned in a low voice, "You'd better behave. Or else, you know exactly what I'll do."Truthfully, if it weren't for the fact that guests would soon be leaving the banquet and coming to retrieve their cars, he wouldn't have hesitated to take her right then and there in the cramped backseat. After years of deprivation, the craving for her was like a tidal wave—how could a few short hours possibly quench it?"You—" Phoebe was both furious and flustered. Anger and humiliation tangled inside her, but no matter how fiercely her temper burned, she didn't dare provoke him further.She turned her face away, refusing to look at him as he fastened her seatbelt again.The memory of what had just happened—Al
His words were so blunt, so daring, that Phoebe felt a rush of heat surge from the soles of her feet straight to her head. Embarrassment spread like wildfire up her neck, turning even the tips of her ears crimson."So, do you want to?" Alexander tilted his head slightly, a wicked grin curling at his lips."Of course not!" Phoebe blurted out almost instantly.But the moment the words left her mouth, doubt flickered in her heart. Why did it feel like… she was secretly looking forward to it?"You do," Alexander said confidently, his eyes gleaming. "I can tell."Maybe he'd struck a nerve, because Phoebe snapped, her voice rising with frustration, "I don't! Now let me go—let me leave!" She struggled against him, but his grip was like iron, holding her firmly in place, completely immovable."Not a chance." His gaze turned intense, burning with urgency. His voice dropped, low and rough, thick with domineering authority.Phoebe's heart skipped a beat—this time not from desire, but fear. In he
Phoebe fought through the discomfort wracking her body, her voice trembling with urgency and pleading. "Let me answer the phone… please?""No."To Alexander, the fact that she could be distracted now felt like the ultimate insult. Rage flared instantly, and his actions grew rougher, more intense.Phoebe was panicking. All she could think about were her children. What if something had happened at home? What if one of them was sick, or crying uncontrollably? A mother couldn't ignore those thoughts—no matter the situation."Let go of me. Let me go!" Phoebe's eyes widened in fear as she began hitting Alexander with all her might. But compared to his strength, her resistance was like a feather against a stone.When her slaps proved useless, she bit down—hard—on Alexander's shoulder, sinking her teeth in deep enough to nearly break skin. At the same time, her nails clawed into his flesh, her rage and desperation pouring out through every move.But Alexander was already lost in a storm of po
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