Forbidden Passion

Chapter 27 Woo her properly

"Phoebe, Phoebe, are you awake? Phoebe?" Annoyingly shrill, the voice pierced through her slumber, causing Phoebe's brow to furrow. "Mom, I don't want to go..." She was still trapped in her dream.

Mrs. Ziegler, seeing her clearly awake yet feigning sleep, snapped and smacked her arm. "Open your eyes when you're awake. What's the act for?" The stinging pain prompted Phoebe to fully awaken. Gone were the lush mountains and the fields rich with the scent of earth.

Instead, a stark white ceiling blinded her, and the strong smell of disinfectant filled her nostrils.

Memories rewound: the fight between Theodore and Edward, her rushing to shield Edward from Theodore's blow...

She closed her eyes and felt a dull ache in her chest.

Mrs. Ziegler's prattling continued, "Phoebe, I don't mean to nag, but you're Theodore's wife now. Why are you getting involved with Edward again?"

cut in, "When did I get involved

get hurt if

dive to take the punch meant for Edward-a guilt-driven

aggressive. "Phoebe, how many times did I tell you to stay away from

Ziegler, and her head was buzzing. "Mom, please, can you just give

compassion. "I made you some chicken soup. Let me help you sit up

up by Mrs. Ziegler, who arranged a couple of pillows behind her before bringing over a bowl

Ziegler swatted her hand away. "Look

Phoebe sat obediently, sipping the chicken soup, and asked, "What's the date today? I feel like I've been asleep for

you and that Fitzroy girl end up falling from the second-floor balcony? Lucky for you it was the pool below, otherwise you'd be dead or

she might as well

did Vanessa say?"