Forbidden Passion

Theodore couldn't shake the memory of the last time Phoebe smashed that medicine packet. The wild look in her eyes was burned into his brain. He knew she didn't want to be just some baby-making machine. Lately, things had been getting better between them, and whether they had a kid or not didn't seem like a big deal.

However, Theodore's desire for a child wasn't solely because he was crazy about kids; he saw it as a way to strengthen their bond. Having a child would create a tie that could help prevent their relationship from unraveling easily. Evelynwalked in and remarked, "Phoebe gave me a prescription last night. She said she met some miracle doctor while doing charity work who recommended it for her health." Theodore's face softened a bit. "She wants to take it herself? You didn't push her?"

"With Phoebe's attitude, do you think I could force her?" Evelyn shot back. "You've been together for almost four years now. Don't you know her by now?" Theodore pressed his lips together.

Evelyn put the medicine in the fridge and, seeing Theodore still hanging around, glanced at the clock. "It's almost noon. Aren't you going to work?" "Yeah, I got up late today. Phoebe's still sleeping. Don't wake her," Theodore said.

Evelyn gave him a knowing look. "You two are still young. You should take it easy, especially with Phoebe's health."

Feeling a bit awkward, Evelyn cleared her throat. "The doctor said Phoebe's weak and shouldn't have too much... you know. It's not good for her."

Theodore touched his nose and wisely changed the subject. "Did you drive here? I'm heading to the office. I can have Jack give you a ride back."

Evelyn was speechless. She had planned to wait for Phoebe to wake up so they could chat. However, upon Theodore's suggestion, she nodded and followed him out.

In the elevator, Evelyn said, "Theodore, Phoebe's stubborn and keeps things to herself. If she makes you mad, try to understand."

Theodore nodded. "I know."

"Don't hold a grudge against her for making you marry her back then. It was my idea. She argued with me for years because of it, and there's still a rift between us," Evelyn added. Theodore's face froze. "Evelyn, did Phoebe never plan to use the kid to marry me?"

Evelyn, worried Theodore would hold a grudge, quickly said, "Yes, she wanted to raise the kid on her own without relying on anyone. But I was a single mom, and I know how much a single-parent family can affect a kid. That's why I came to you."

Theodore's hand clenched into a fist, his gentle expression turning cold. "I get it."

Evelyn was taken aback. "Theodore, what do you get?"

Theodore shut his eyes, feeling a wave of distress wash over him. He had always been aware that Phoebe had married him not out of love, but because of the child. However, the pain he now felt was more profound than ever. As it turned out, marrying him had never been a consideration on Phoebe's part. Even during her pregnancy with his child, she had intended to raise the baby alone.

"It's nothing. I'll have Jack take you home." When Theodore opened his eyes again, his emotions were back in check. "Let's go."

After seeing Evelyn off, Theodore pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his coat pocket. He squinted as he lit one.

Surrounded by smoke, Theodore's gaze deepened. After a long while, he stubbed out the cigarette and tossed it in the trash before heading out.

Phoebe slept in till the afternoon. The bedroom curtains were drawn, letting in just a sliver of sunlight.

She rubbed her eyes and stayed in bed until her stomach growled, forcing her to sit up reluctantly.

Feeling a chill on her back, she realized she was naked under the covers. She quickly grabbed the pajamas by her pillow and put them on.

Phoebe got out of bed and sat on the edge for a bit before dragging her weak body out of the bedroom.

The living room was dead quiet. She glanced at the clock on the wall. It was three in the afternoon. She had slept long enough.

Phoebe headed into the kitchen and caught a whiff of a strong medicinal scent. She opened the fridge and saw the medicine inside.

The dark, murky medicine almost gave Phoebe a psychological shadow. But to take care of her body, she still took out a packet and popped it in the microwave to heat up while calling Evelyn. Evelyn was chatting with her friends. Seeing the caller ID, she excused herself and stepped outside to take the call.

She asked, "You awake?"

"Yeah, when did you come over? Why didn't you wake me?" Phoebe had slept so deeply she had no idea when Theodore left or when Evelyn arrived.

Evelyn said, "Theodore didn't want me to disturb you. He had Jack take me home right after I dropped off the stuff. He really cares about you." Phoebe's cheeks turned red. If he really cared, he wouldn't have been so relentless last night.

Phoebe replied, "I know. I'll hang up now."

Evelyn said, "Make sure to take your medicine on time. Don't skip doses. When you finish this batch, I'll get you more."

"I know." Phoebe hung up and took the medicine out of the microwave. She held her breath and drank it in one gulp.

The medicine was super bitter with a weird taste. Phoebe held her breath for a long time to suppress the urge to puke.

Phoebe consoled herself that good medicine tasted bitter.

At Horizon Wellness Hospital's rehab area, Vanessa was sweating buckets as she did her exercises under the therapist's guidance. The cast on her leg had been removed, and she was slowly walking forward, holding onto the railing. The physical pain made Vanessa acutely aware that she was still alive, painfully alive, and all this pain was inflicted by Phoebe.

Ruby stood by, watching coldly. Ever since their fallout a few days ago, Ruby's goodwill towards Vanessa had plummeted.

She never expected Vanessa to use the same tactics against her that she had used against Phoebe. But now, she had no choice but to listen to Vanessa.

Vanessa had leverage over her, and any one of those things could make Donovan hate her. She couldn't take that risk!

The sound of a wheelchair rolling over the tiles came from behind. Ruby turned around and saw a face that looked strikingly similar to Theodore's.

Bishop glanced at Ruby and wheeled himself into the rehab room.

Vanessa heard the commotion behind her. She stopped her exercises, wiped the sweat from her face with a towel, and turned to Bishop. The person she had been waiting for had arrived.

Bishop acted like she didn't exist. With the therapist's help, he stood up from the wheelchair, held onto the railing, and slowly walked forward.

Vanessa greeted him, "Hey."

Bishop gave her a lukewarm glance and kept walking with the therapist's encouragement. Before long, his hospital gown was soaked with sweat.

Vanessa handed him a towel and said, "Mr. Reynolds, we're the same kind of people. Don't you want to talk to me?"