Forbidden Passion

After dinner, Cindy drove Phoebe back to Golden Apartment. On the way, Phoebe got a call from Noah, and he sounded super down. "Phoebe, I'm sorry, I'm really useless."

Phoebe was caught off guard, then chuckled, "What's up? Is it about what happened this afternoon? That wasn't on you, it was just a freak thing." "But you almost got hurt because of me. Now, every time I close my eyes, I see that scene. I'm so sorry," Noah said, his voice shaking with fear.

Noah had always thought if he was strong enough, he could keep Phoebe safe. But today, watching a crazed fan rush at Phoebe with a knife while he was held back by bodyguards, he realized how powerless he was. Phoebe sighed softly, "Noah, don't beat yourself up. There are all kinds of people in this world, some good, some bad. It's not your fault. Just try to chill and be more careful next time. It's all good." Noah closed his eyes and said in a choked voice, "You were the one who almost got stabbed, and you've been dealing with the fallout. Why aren't you mad, Phoebe? Just yell at me."

"Do you think it's easy for me to yell at you?" Phoebe said, exasperated. "Alright, I'm really tired. I'll have Alfonso come over to keep you company. Don't overthink it, okay?"

Noah gripped his phone tightly. He knew he shouldn't bother Phoebe right now, but he couldn't help but ask, "Phoebe, are you moved that Theodore saved you?"

Phoebe was taken aback, and Theodore's determined eyes flashed in her mind. She turned to look out the window and said softly, "I really appreciate him saving me, but it doesn't change anything." Noah got what Phoebe meant.

Theodore had shielded Phoebe from the knife, and Phoebe was touched, but it wouldn't change her mind. That was enough.

"Alright, I get it. Get some rest."

"Okay, I'm hanging up now."

Phoebe hung up and wearily rubbed her temples.

Cindy had overheard the convo and knew who was on the other end. Seeing Phoebe looking troubled, she said, "Noah giving you a hard time again?"

Phoebe leaned back in her seat and rolled down the window. The hot night breeze blew in, making her feel even more restless.

Phoebe said, "A lot went down today, and Noah's hurt. It's normal for him to be emotional."

"Are you sure he's emotional because of the injury and not because he's jealous of Theodore for shielding you?" Cindy saw right through it.

When Phoebe started Superstar Entertainment domestically, it was during Noah's career rise. He was willing to break his contract to sign with Phoebe's company, not just to repay her for discovering him. Phoebe said, "If I had known he liked me, I wouldn't have agreed to sign him in the first place."

"You didn't know that?" Cindy remarked.

Phoebe gave her a helpless look, "If I had known, would I be regretting it now?"

"True, you didn't even realize you were flirting with him," Cindy teased.

Phoebe was speechless.

"When did I ever flirt with him?" she finally retorted.

"Sure, you won't admit it now, but I heard that when Noah was on that talent show, you went to cheer him on a bunch of times. There are still short videos of you two together floating around on some apps. Just a few days ago, you two popped up together again, inspiring so many people. The highest view count is over a hundred thousand. If I didn't know you, I'd totally think you two were a thing," Cindy added with a knowing smile. Phoebe was speechless.

Seeing Phoebe's disbelief, Cindy took advantage of a red light to find a short video on her phone and played it for her.

With some sappy music in the background, the narration began, "When they first met, he was a newbie in the entertainment industry, stumbling through a talent show for his dreams. She was the company's artist director, giving him all kinds of attention and care. That day, he stood on the stage for the first time, nervous and uneasy. One look from her made him firm in his goal."

Phoebe shivered and got goosebumps. She turned off the video and put the phone back on the console.

"Do you watch this all the time?" Phoebe asked.

"You have no idea how boring it gets on set. I can only watch this kind of gossip. Finish watching it; it gets even better," Cindy encouraged.

Phoebe said, "No, thanks. What are these fans thinking? I'm three years older than Noah, right?"

"You didn't see the comments. They think you're perfect for Noah, that you helped him debut three years ago and now you're helping him become a top star. There's no woman better for Noah than you," Cindy teased.

The car drove into Golden Apartment and parked in a spot under the building. Seeing Phoebe's expression, Cindy chuckled.

"Alright, it's all just for fun. If you ever go public, fans would go nuts." Cindy unbuckled her seatbelt. "Let's get out."

Phoebe lazily unbuckled her seatbelt and got out of the car. She leaned against the car and said, "They can chill; that day will never come."

Cindy chuckled, took the suitcase out of the trunk, and Phoebe took it. They both took the elevator upstairs.

When they got home, Hubert, Boris, and Noomi were still awake, sitting in the living room watching cartoons. Hearing the noise at the door, Noomi quickly slid off the sofa, not even bothering to put on her slippers, and ran to the door. "Mommy."

"Mommy."

"Mommy."

Three voices called out one after another. Hubert, Boris, and Noomi stood in a row at the door, blocking Phoebe and Cindy's way. Phoebe put the suitcase against the wall and bent down to kiss them on the cheeks. Phoebe asked, "Did you behave at home this afternoon? Did you give Pamela and Grandma a hard time?"

Hubert replied, "We were very good, not naughty at all."

With her sharp eyes, Noomi spotted Cindy hiding behind Phoebe and jumped up excitedly. "Cindy, I see you."

Cindy made a funny face, "I'm here to catch you. Whoever runs slow will be taken to my house."

Hubert, Boris, and Noomi screamed and quickly scattered. Cindy didn't dare chase them, afraid they might get hurt. She changed her shoes and went inside.

Evelyn stood up, smiling at her, "Cindy, it's been a while since Hubert, Boris, and Noomi saw you, yet they aren't shy at all."

"Evelyn, they remember me," Cindy said proudly. "I was the first to hold them after the doctors and nurses."

They were so small back then, and now they've grown so much. Cindy doubted she could hold all three at once now.