Forbidden Passion

Phoebe didn't get why Theodore would visit a church so late at night.

The church sat on a hillside, usually peaceful and serene. But in winter, the bare branches made it look bleak.

Contrary to Phoebe's expectations, the place was packed, busier than a tourist spot.

The church was a grand, majestic attraction, looking solemn and dignified at night.

Phoebe didn't believe in religion, but since she was there, she followed Theodore inside the church, feeling a hint of respect.

Tourists were everywhere, and she occasionally saw familiar faces. They'd just nod and move on.

The dim lights added mystery to the deities in the church, who looked down compassionately.

As Phoebe emerged from the hall after her prayers, she turned to find Theodore still inside, deep in prayer, his features reflecting a rare vulnerability. Her eyes widened in disbelief.

Theodore, known for his strong belief in self-determination and control, was now kneeling and earnestly seeking solace in prayer.

"Want a fortune-telling?" a cold, ethereal voice asked from behind. Phoebe turned to see a woman standing there.

The woman had a black veil over her face, her eyes eerie and mysterious.

Phoebe shook her head. "No, thanks."

Gonzalo had always told her that the more you tried to know your fate, the more it slipped away. So she never did fortune-telling.

"I'm here to help you. Don't be afraid," the woman said, her eyes cold. "I see a child behind you, always following you. Is that your child?"

Phoebe was startled. She quickly looked behind her but saw only bare branches and fallen leaves. She broke out in a cold sweat and looked back at the woman. "Don't talk nonsense." She thought, 'This is really creepy at night.'

The woman remained calm. "You've been trying to get pregnant for the past year, right? If it keeps following you, you won't conceive. I can help send it away."

Phoebe broke out in a cold sweat. She had always been skeptical of the supernatural, but in that moment, her convictions wavered. The woman seemed to possess knowledge about her recent miscarriage and the medical treatments she had undergone.

Phoebe bit her lip. "You can really see him? Can I see him?"

Most people would be terrified knowing an invisible child was following them, but not Phoebe. She felt guilty towards that child.

If she could see him, Phoebe wanted to apologize. She hadn't protected him, hadn't let him see the world.

"Alright, follow me." The woman turned and walked towards the secluded backyard. Phoebe hesitated, then quickly followed.

Theodore came out of the church but couldn't find Phoebe anywhere. He looked around but didn't see her.

He quickly called her, and her familiar ringtone echoed from a distance. Following the sound, he spotted her sitting on the steps at the entrance.

Theodore rushed over, anger rising. "Where did you go? It's pitch dark. What if you got kidnapped?"

Phoebe looked up at him, her eyes initially blank. Then, she suddenly stood up and threw herself into his arms.

The impact was so strong that Theodore felt a sharp pain in his chest. He staggered back a few steps, almost falling. Luckily, he steadied himself. Holding Phoebe's soft, fragrant body, Theodore felt a pang of annoyance, only to be softened by the sound of her soft whimper, reminiscent of a kitten's mewl. Phoebe whispered, "Theodore, I sent him away."

Theodore was confused. "Who did you send away?"

The warmth of his chest and the strength of his arms made Phoebe relax completely. She burst into tears but refused to say more.

Tonight had been strange for Phoebe. She thought the woman was a fraud until she saw the child in the water-a child who looked like both her and Theodore. She sent him away, hoping he'd have a better life next time, without a careless mother like her.

Phoebe cried so hard she went limp, and Theodore could barely hold her up. People around them kept glancing over, and for the first time, Theodore felt self-conscious. He helped Phoebe stand, turned his back to her, and said, "Hop on, I'll carry you back."

Dazed, Phoebe climbed onto Theodore's broad back. He wrapped his arm around her knees, lifting her up, and slowly walked down the hill to the hotel. Phoebe buried her face in Theodore's neck, her hot tears burning his skin and heart.

"Phoebe, anyone you can send away has no connection to you. You don't need to be sad. I'm still here with you," Theodore promised, unable to bear her sorrow. Phoebe sniffled. "Will you always be with me?"

Theodore lifted her higher. "Yes, I'll always be with you."

Phoebe closed her eyes, content with Theodore's words. No matter what the future held, she wouldn't resent him.

Back at the hotel, Phoebe went to shower. Standing in front of the mirror, she looked at herself, wearing a silver ring on her chest.

She gently touched it, holding the ring in her palm.

After a while, she seemed to make up her mind. She put on a bathrobe and walked out, approaching the bedside.

Theodore was leaning against the headboard, playing a game. Hearing her footsteps, he looked up, his eyes freezing. "Phoebe!" he exclaimed.

Phoebe untied her bathrobe belt, took his phone, and tied the belt around his wrist, securing it with a knot.

Theodore's mouth went dry. He looked at her with anticipation and nervousness. "Phoebe, you..."

Before he could finish, Phoebe kissed him. A rush of warmth flooded through Theodore, his mind engulfed in a burst of euphoria, like fireworks igniting in his thoughts.

Phoebe had always been quiet. They'd been married for nearly four years, and she had never been proactive. But tonight, she was not only proactive but also particularly passionate.

Just moments ago, Phoebe had been crying on his back, but now she had turned into a coquettish kitten, making him want to love, cherish, and pamper her.

Phoebe trembled in his arms, yet she eagerly sought Theodore's kisses, as if trying to draw energy from them.