Forbidden Passion

Sandra felt a lump in her throat, her chest tightening up. She dropped her gaze, trying to squash the frustration bubbling inside her. "Miss Fitzroy, your assumptions really bum me out," she muttered.

Vanessa used to play the sweet and innocent card when she was up against Phoebe, but now that Sandra was in the picture, Vanessa's fiery temper was on full display. "Is that so?" Vanessa shot back, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Sandra's eyes flashed, ready to fire back, when a cold, emotionless voice cut through the tension, "Enough, if you wanna argue, take it outside."

Both Vanessa and Sandra turned to see Theodore, pale and weak, leaning against the hospital bed. They both shut up, mentally tearing each other apart.

Taylor's face showed more concern. She looked at Theodore with pity in her eyes, "Theodore, is your wound acting up again? Vanessa, can you call the doctor?"

"Sure." Vanessa raised an eyebrow at Sandra, her look screaming "I'm better than you." Even though Sandra was Theodore's girlfriend, Taylor still thought Vanessa was the better match. Sandra gritted her teeth and stood up, "Taylor, I'll go too."

"Thanks." Taylor nodded gently.

Once Vanessa and Sandra were out of the room, Taylor turned to Theodore. His eyes were half-closed, lips pale, clearly in a lot of pain.

Seeing him like this, Taylor felt both angry and heartbroken. "It's been over two years. She left you just like that, but you still can't let her go?"

Theodore's eyelids twitched slightly.

Taylor looked at him, saying, "What a love-struck fool! You took a knife for her, been in the hospital for a day, and she hasn't even shown up. How can she be so heartless?" "Mom!" Theodore opened his eyes, "I never did this to make her feel guilty."

Taylor sneered, "You protect her like this; what about Sandra's feelings?"

Theodore closed his eyes, exhausted, "If you have nothing else to say, please leave."

Taylor choked up, about to lose it right there.

But seeing Theodore's pale face, she couldn't. He was her son, and seeing him in such pain tore her apart.

Taylor grabbed her bag and stood up, "Take care of yourself. I'm gonna check on your grandmother."

She pushed the door open and walked out. Vanessa and Sandra were standing there, both looking at her. Taylor took a deep breath, trying to keep her emotions in check. "Sandra, I need you to take care of Theodore for the next few days. Vanessa, come with me to see Sarah." Taylor wasn't about to neglect anyone.

Vanessa's eyes dimmed a bit. She saw Sandra giving her a triumphant look out of the corner of her eye. Vanessa clenched her fist lightly and said, "Okay."

Vanessa followed Taylor into the elevator. Taylor said, "I heard Phoebe started an entertainment company. Do you know where it is?"

Vanessa was caught off guard, "Why are you looking for her?"

Taylor gave her a cold look, making Vanessa's heart race. She quickly said, "I heard her company is in the Empire State Building, called Superstar Entertainment." "Thanks, Vanessa." Taylor saw the elevator door open and said, "I have some things to take care of, so I won't go with you to see Sarah. You go ahead." Vanessa didn't really want to visit Sarah; she wanted to follow Taylor to see what was up, to see what Taylor would do when she met Phoebe.

But Taylor clearly didn't want her tagging along, so Vanessa had to let it go, feeling a bit bummed. She stepped out of the elevator and watched Taylor leave.

Phoebe had just wrapped up a meeting when Lori rushed over, whispering, "Ms. Ziegler, there's a Mrs. Reynolds waiting to see you in the guest room." Phoebe's brow furrowed, almost dropping the stuff in her hands.

Why would Taylor show up?

Lori quickly grabbed the items from Phoebe, eyeing her curiously. It was the first time she'd seen Phoebe so rattled. Who was this Taylor?

Phoebe cleared her throat, straightened up, and headed towards the meeting room, "I'll be right back."

Lori nodded, watching Phoebe walk away awkwardly, half-expecting her to trip over herself.

Standing outside the meeting room, Phoebe could make out the elegant silhouette of a lady inside. She took a deep breath, adjusted her outfit, and pushed the door open. Taylor was sitting on a fancy leather sofa, a steaming cup of coffee in front of her. Hearing the door, she turned her head.

Phoebe locked eyes with Taylor. After a moment of mental prep, Phoebe finally spoke, "Taylor, long time no see."

Taylor lifted her chin slightly, "Sit down."

Phoebe sat across from Taylor, her face calm and collected, like Taylor was just another client.

Phoebe asked, "How long have you been here?"

Taylor looked Phoebe up and down. Phoebe was rocking a light green suit, the trendy wide-cut style, with a small vest underneath, looking sharp and stylish.

"I've been here for a bit," Taylor said, "I heard you came back from Caneda, so I came to see you. You're still so thin."

Phoebe smiled, "I've put on a bit of weight. How about you, are you well?"

Taylor shook her head, "Sarah's been sick and in the hospital lately. She's old now, always thinking about the past. She cries whenever she mentions you, saying how could you be so heartless, coming back without visiting her, after all the love she gave you."

Phoebe was speechless.

Phoebe wasn't sure if things were exactly as Taylor said, but back when she was with the Reynolds family, Sarah did care for her a lot.

Phoebe lowered her gaze, looking at the floor, "Which hospital is Sarah in? I'll visit her when I can."

Taylor's face showed a bit of relief, "Eternal Love Hospital, room 808."

Eternal Love Hospital was where Phoebe had her prenatal checkups. She remembered seeing Theodore there yesterday; it wasn't a coincidence.

Theodore was there to visit Sarah.

Phoebe and Taylor chatted a bit more, neither mentioning Theodore's injury. Taylor didn't stay long, getting up to leave. Phoebe walked her to the elevator and pressed the button.

The elevator arrived quickly. Taylor stepped in with her bag, waving at Phoebe, "Alright, no need to see me off. Make sure to visit Sarah when you have time."

"Okay," Phoebe replied.

Phoebe stood outside the elevator, watching the doors close slowly. She couldn't shake the feeling that Taylor's expression was a bit complicated, though she wasn't sure if it was just her imagination. Phoebe didn't like to procrastinate. Since she had promised Taylor to visit Sarah, she wouldn't delay.

After work, Phoebe drove to Eternal Love Hospital.