Forbidden Passion

Phoebe sat in the passenger seat, watching the car leave the underground parking lot, her mind racing. She turned to stare out the window, lost in thought. Lately, Theodore had been more affectionate, and she couldn't figure out what he wanted.

Just a moment ago, he bought Vanessa a three-million-dollar diamond ring, then pinned Phoebe against the seat and kissed her. What a jerk.

She really wanted to ask Theodore what his deal was.

However, she was scared of embarrassing herself.

For the past three years, trying to understand his feelings only left her feeling more humiliated.

The car pulled into the Golden Apartment and parked in the underground garage.

Phoebe gathered her thoughts, got out, and grabbed her bag and a fruit basket from the back seat. As she walked to the front, Theodore took the items from her.

He walked ahead, and Phoebe watched his back, imagining they were newlyweds coming home.

When the elevator reached the first floor, a neighbor got in. Recognizing Phoebe, the neighbor said, "Ms. Ziegler, visiting your mom? Is this your husband? He's quite handsome!" Theodore rarely came to the Golden Apartment, so the neighbors hadn't seen him before.

Neighbor Ashley Moore chatted with Phoebe while eyeing Theodore. Seeing his cool demeanor, Ashley was envious.

Phoebe's husband was either rich or powerful, while her own daughter had married a mechanic. It drove her mad with jealousy!

Phoebe smiled and greeted Ashley. Ashley then started nagging that Phoebe was too thin and needed to eat more and that young people shouldn't always be dieting.

Theodore initially kept his aloof persona, just nodding slightly at Ashley. But when he heard her say Phoebe was too thin, he added, "I think so. I'll make sure she eats more."

Ashley was momentarily stunned. When the elevator doors opened, she said, "You're really good to your wife. No wonder Evelyn speaks so highly of you."

Phoebe quickly waved goodbye to Ashley. Once the elevator doors closed again, she glanced uncomfortably at Theodore and said, "The neighbors here are very friendly. They often dance together." With no one else around, Theodore dropped his aloof act. He leaned lazily against the elevator door and said, "I think she's right. You're too thin."

Phoebe felt his gaze sweep over her, making her feel like he was physically scanning her. She pressed her lips together, unsure of how to respond.

In reality, she wasn't that thin. Compared to Hollywood actresses, she was far from being skin and bones.

Theodore smiled, his voice low and inexplicably sexy, "When I hold you, I can feel your bones. You need to eat more."

Phoebe was speechless.

Even as they entered the apartment, Phoebe's cheeks were still flushed. Donovan opened the door, wearing an apron and looking like he was about to show off his cooking skills. Seeing Phoebe's red face, he asked, "Phoebe, why is your face so red? Are you catching a cold?"

"No." Phoebe glanced at Theodore, smirking at her from the corner of her eye, and said, "The car had the heater on. It must be the warm air."

Donovan bought it. He took the items from Theodore and invited them in. "Theodore, come on in. Mom's in the kitchen cooking."

Phoebe changed into slippers and headed to the kitchen to find Evelyn.

The smell of food filled the air. Phoebe walked in and greeted Evelyn, who was all smiles. "You're here! Where's Theodore?"

Theodore was at the door. He called her Mom, which made Evelyn beam. "Stay out of the kitchen. It's greasy and smoky. Sit outside and watch TV. Dinner will be ready soon." Phoebe knew they'd just be in the way, so she washed some cherries and went back out.

Donovan had turned on the TV to a news channel and invited them to sit while he helped in the kitchen.

Phoebe ate cherries while watching the news. Theodore watched her for a bit before leaning in and saying, "Feed me one."

Phoebe was taken aback. "Don't you have hands?"

Theodore opened his mouth and urged, "Hurry up."

Phoebe sighed, picked a cherry, and brought it to his mouth. She had already removed the stems, so when her fingers touched his lips, a jolt of electricity ran through her. Theodore didn't make it easy, sucking on her fingers along with the cherry. Phoebe quickly pulled her hand back, her cheeks turning bright red.

Theodore leaned back, chewing the cherry slowly. Seeing her neck turn red, too, he said, "So sweet!"

It was unclear if he meant the cherry or something else.

Phoebe was speechless.

How could eating a cherry turn into something so suggestive? His gaze felt like it was stripping her bare. Luckily, Donovan came out with a dish and said, "Phoebe, wash your hands with Theodore. Dinner's ready."

"Oh," Phoebe said, getting up and hurried to the bathroom. The cold water finally washed away the tingling sensation.

Dinner was a cheerful affair. Theodore was more talkative than usual, complimenting several dishes, which made Evelyn very happy.

Evelyn had worried Theodore might hold a grudge against the Ziegler family for the car accident in Starfall City. But seeing his attitude now, she was relieved. After dinner, it was getting late. Evelyn casually suggested, "It's late. Why don't you stay here tonight? I just changed the bedding in Phoebe's room. It's all new." Phoebe was about to refuse when Theodore said, "Sure, Phoebe and I will stay here tonight."

Everyone was stunned. Phoebe was shocked. Had Theodore lost his mind? He usually left right after dinner. Why stay tonight?

Evelyn was the first to react. "Alright, the new toiletries are in Phoebe's bathroom. Wash up and go to bed early."

Evelyn shooed them to the room. Excitedly, she clapped her hands and said to Donovan, "Don't you think Theodore was much more approachable today?" Donovan rolled his eyes. "I'm tired. I'm going to bed."

Evelyn was annoyed. "It's too early to sleep! Why did you go to bed this early when you're playing video games?"

Donovan ignored her and walked to the last room at the end of the hallway, closing the door behind him. Evelyn, meanwhile, happily hugged the bag Theodore had given her and went to her room.