Forbidden Passion

Phoebe's room was the biggest, complete with its own bathroom. Evelyn had set it aside for her during renovations, thinking it would be handy if Theodore ever stayed over. Lately, Theodore hardly visited the Ziegler family and never stayed in Phoebe's room.

The room had a girly vibe-pink wardrobes, cream walls, and a grand canopy bed, giving off a youthful charm.

It was Theodore's first time in Phoebe's room, and the overwhelming pink made him pause. He turned to Phoebe and asked, "Do you like this style?"

The Imperial Apartment had a minimalist, cold look. It was luxurious but felt lifeless.

Phoebe, looking annoyed, said, "My mom likes it."

Theodore looked skeptical. Phoebe hung her coat on a stand and remarked, "It's getting late. I'm going to freshen up. Feel free to make yourself comfortable." Theodore, holding his coat, reached out and pulled her back. "Don't rush. Let's freshen up together later."

Phoebe glared at him. "Donovan is right next door. Don't mess around."

Theodore wrapped his arm around her waist, his breath hot on her face. He smiled. "We'll be quiet. He won't hear us."

Phoebe was speechless.

She struggled in his arms, causing Theodore's coat to fall and get stepped on. Eventually, they both collapsed onto the bed.

Theodore propped himself up on his hands, not putting his full weight on her, but the position was too intimate like any movement could spark desire. Phoebe froze, not daring to move. She glared at Theodore and whispered, "Get off me. You're making me uncomfortable."

Theodore looked down at her, taking in her flushed cheeks and nervous eyes.

Phoebe's commanding words sounded like she was playing coy.

He said, "If I don't hold you down, you'll run away. Phoebe, when you stop running, I won't force you anymore."

Phoebe pushed at his arm but couldn't budge him. She didn't know how Theodore had gotten so strong.

She said coldly, "I'm not stupid. If you bully me, I'll run."

Theodore's gaze deepened. He looked into her eyes seriously and said, "If I stop bullying you, will you stop thinking about running away?" Phoebe was taken aback. "I..."

Before she could finish, there was a knock on the door, and Evelyn's voice came from outside, "Phoebe, Theodore, are you asleep?"

Theodore frowned and disengaged from Phoebe, sitting to the side.

Phoebe quickly sat up, her cheeks still hot. She didn't dare look at Theodore and hurriedly replied, "Not yet. What's up?"

"Then I'm coming in." With that, Evelyn opened the door and entered.

She was holding a bowl of dark medicine and walked straight into the room. Seeing Phoebe's flushed face, she knew she had interrupted something. Evelyn felt a pang of regret, but since she was already in, she said, "I got the medicine this afternoon and forgot to heat it for you."

Phoebe frowned. No wonder she smelled a bitter medicinal scent when she entered the room earlier. Evelyn really wouldn't let her miss a dose.

She didn't take the medicine, instead pushing Evelyn out of the bedroom. "Let's drink it outside. I don't want the bedroom to smell like medicine. It's unpleasant."

"If you know, then drink it up. The sooner you get better, the sooner you can have a baby, and everyone will be at ease," Evelyn whispered, following Phoebe to the living room. Phoebe took the medicine and downed it in one gulp.

"Why is this medicine so bitter this time?" Phoebe grimaced, almost wanting to spit out her tongue. She quickly popped a cherry into her mouth, but the taste was so strange she nearly gagged.

"Don't eat cold things right after taking medicine. It reduces its effectiveness," Evelyn frowned. "I had the herbalist change your prescription. The previous one wasn't working. By the way, when you have time, come with me to see the doctor." Phoebe pursed her lips. "I'm busy with work."

"Is work more important than having a child?" Evelyn scolded. "You're still young now. It's easier to treat while the condition isn't severe. If you wait until you're thirty, it'll be harder to treat."

"No matter how much medicine I take now, it won't help," Phoebe said.

Evelyn glared at her. "Stop saying that. If the medicine doesn't work, then we'll do IVF. You can't keep stalling."

Phoebe impatiently rubbed her temples. "Mom, can you stop bringing up the baby every time you see me?"

"I can't. Benjamin's almost a year old. Even if the Reynolds family isn't pressuring you, they want a grandchild. The last time Theodore had a car accident, Vanessa flew to Starfall City to help. However, you returned home, missing a great opportunity. If they rekindle their old romance, you'll lose your status as Mrs. Reynolds," Evelyn said. Phoebe always knew Evelyn was pushing her to have a baby to tie Theodore down, but that wasn't the kind of marriage she wanted.

She didn't want to argue with Evelyn about this, so she just said, "I understand."

"What do you understand? If you understood, you wouldn't have let Vanessa take such a good opportunity. Phoebe, if you miss out on Theodore, you'll never find someone better," Evelyn said earnestly. Phoebe closed her eyes, not wanting to talk.

She really wanted to ask Evelyn what good Theodore's excellence would be if he didn't love her. But she held back, wanting to end the conversation quickly.

Phoebe stood up. "I'm going back to my room. You should rest early, too."

Evelyn watched Phoebe's figure disappear down the hallway. She picked up the empty medicine bowl, a calculating look in her eyes. Since Phoebe wouldn't take the initiative, she would have to give her a push. When Phoebe returned to the room, Theodore had already finished freshening up. He was wearing a dark gray loungewear set, which Evelyn had clearly thoughtfully prepared.

He was leaning against the headboard, playing Minesweeper. His luck was so bad that he hit a mine with every step!

Phoebe listened to the explosions, opened the wardrobe, took out her pajamas, and went to the bathroom to shower. Upon her return with dry hair, Theodore was still engrossed in the game.

She couldn't stand it anymore, lifted the blanket, lay down, and grabbed his phone, saying, "Let me teach you the right way to play Minesweeper."

Theodore didn't get angry, turning to look at her.

Phoebe started a new game, expertly teaching Theodore how to play Minesweeper. "Watch this. We start by clicking anywhere, and then..."

Before Phoebe could finish, there was an explosion, and the phone screen was filled with mines. Her face immediately darkened while Theodore laughed so hard he was pounding the bed.