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?"

Phoebe cut in, "When did I get involved

get hurt if it

into silence, Phoebe recalled her impulsive dive to take the punch meant for Edward-a guilt-driven act, unable

look at this mess!" Mrs. Ziegler's voice became immediately aggressive. "Phoebe, how many times did I

bombarded like this by Mrs. Ziegler, and her head was buzzing. "Mom, please, can you just give me some peace for a

felt a pang of compassion. "I made you some chicken soup. Let me help you sit up and

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

reached to take the bowl, but Mrs. Ziegler swatted her hand away. "Look how weak

sipping the chicken soup, and asked, "What's the date today? I feel

"Phoebe, tell me the truth, how did you and that Fitzroy girl end up falling from the

as well have made up for

did Vanessa say?"