Chapter 1 Prologue - The New CEO

"Phoebe, pack your things and report to the CEO's office now!" the HR manager, Alvis, commanded.

Phoebe, who had been carefully organizing documents at her desk, immediately stopped what she was doing and responded, "Got it, sir!"

"I mean NOW! Don't keep him waiting!" Alvis urged. Phoebe didn't dare hesitate any longer and hurriedly stood up to gather her belongings.

Ten minutes later, she was on the top floor, her arms full of items.

The company had been doing well, but for some reason, it was mysteriously acquired by an unknown corporation last week, and with that, a new boss had taken over.

The news had shocked the entire staff, including Phoebe. But what puzzled her even more was how she had inexplicably become the new CEO's secretary.

Was she lucky or unlucky?

On the one hand, her salary had doubled, but on the other, she had suddenly become the target of envy and hostility from the female employees.

As she stepped out of the elevator and arrived at the CEO's office door, she knocked lightly and politely said, "Sir, I'm your new secretary, here to report for duty!"

"..."

No response.

Thinking the new CEO hadn't heard her, Phoebe raised her voice slightly and repeated, "Sir, I'm your new secretary, here to report!"

Still, there was no sound. Phoebe grew nervous. Had she knocked wrong, or was it the way she spoke?

As her mind raced with various thoughts, a deep, magnetic voice finally broke the silence.

"Come in."

Two words, simple and cold, yet with a husky edge.

Phoebe's heart skipped a beat. That voice-it felt strangely familiar.

A face flashed in her mind, and her heart ached with a dull pain.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she told herself not to think about it.

That man was long gone from her life. For the past five years, she had lived peacefully, happy with her children. Why was she even thinking about him?

Pushing away the thoughts, Phoebe quietly opened the door and walked in.

"Hello, sir, I'm Phoebe Garcia, your new secretary!" she introduced herself politely, staring at the figure with his back to her.

But the moment he turned around, and their eyes met-those cold, piercing eyes-Phoebe froze in place.

The items in her hands scattered across the floor as her face filled with shock and terror.

Instinctively, she stepped back, retreating toward the door. As her legs wobbled from the shock, she nearly fell but caught herself against the wall.

Just as she steadied herself and was about to make a run for it, a strong arm suddenly grabbed her wrist and slammed her against the wall.

"Phoebe Garcia? Where do you think you're going?" His voice was low, filled with hatred, each word spoken through gritted teeth.

"Bastard! Let go of me!" Phoebe struggled to break free, biting down on her lip in frustration.

Fate had a cruel sense of humor-she had wondered why something so good had fallen into her lap. Now she knew-it was this bastard pulling the strings! She had worked so hard to stay out of his life, to disappear entirely. Why couldn't he just leave her alone?

"Let go!" she demanded, her voice tight with anger, pushing him as hard as she could. But the strength difference between a man and a woman was too great-her efforts were futile.

"Phoebe, do you really think I'll let you go this time?" His dark, obsidian-like eyes grew even more intense as he tightened his grip on her wrist, deliberately causing her pain.

This time, he planned to make her pay for everything she had done.

Phoebe cried out in pain, his grip so strong it felt like he was going to crush her bones. Did he enjoy tormenting her?

Desperate, Phoebe did the only thing she could-she leaned in and bit his arm.

Alexander hadn't expected her to bite him, and in his moment of pain, he released her. Phoebe, finally free, shoved him away and bolted for the door.

"Damn it!" Alexander cursed under his breath. There was no way he would let her escape again. He quickly followed after her.

Just as Phoebe reached the elevator, Alexander caught up and slammed her against the wall again, his large frame towering over her small body. He bent down and fiercely captured her lips in a brutal kiss.

Five years, and she was still as sweet as ever!

The moment he saw her again, he had fought to suppress the overwhelming desire that surged within him. But no matter how hard he tried, his heart wouldn't stop racing for her.

He had to admit, over the past five years, she had transformed. Gone was the innocent girl-now she exuded a mature femininity that made her even more irresistible.

Damn this woman! Even with her poisonous heart, he couldn't control his feelings for her. Despite knowing all the unforgivable things she had done, despite his plans to punish her, he still found himself unable to resist her.

Like now-he should be reprimanding her, but instead, all he could think about was kissing her.

He had missed these lips for five long years.

In all that time, he hadn't touched another woman.

Now, after so long, finally tasting her sweetness again, he couldn't control himself. He kissed her harder, his tongue forcing its way into her mouth, tangling with hers.

His kiss was angry, possessive, and dominant, forcing her to submit. The intensity of it was too much for her to bear. Finally, tears of frustration slid down Phoebe's cheeks as she weakly pounded her fists against his chest.

She didn't understand this man at all. Just moments ago, he had looked at her with hatred and disgust, but now-why was he kissing her?

What did he want? Would he only be satisfied once she was completely broken?

Her heart hurt, the pain unbearable, her tears flowing uncontrollably.

The kiss seemed to last forever, until Phoebe, who had initially resisted, found herself succumbing to the feelings she had fought so hard to deny. She hated herself for it, but there was nothing she could do. No matter how much she tried to forget him, her heart wouldn't let go.

Five years, ten years-she knew she would never forget this man who had caused her so much pain.

At last, Alexander, satisfied with the kiss, pulled back slightly.

He remained close, his arms trapping her securely. Gazing down at her swollen, reddened lips, he reached out with a long finger, gently brushing against them.

His dark, unreadable eyes gave no indication of what he was thinking or what he intended to do next. He simply stroked her lips softly, over and over.

Phoebe, her voice raw with frustration, screamed, "What do you want from me?"

He smirked, raising an eyebrow. "What do I want? You'll find out soon enough." With that, he hoisted her up and carried her back into the office.

The door slammed shut behind them as he swept everything off his desk and laid her on top of it, his body pressing down on hers, trapping her completely.

Every cell in his body screamed that he wanted her-needed her.

This time, he wouldn't let her get away. Not again.

If he had suffered for five years, then this woman would had suffered too.

She wouldn't escape his grasp again.

Never.