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?"

listen further, Phoebe cut in, "When did I

you get hurt if it wasn't for Edward?" Mrs. Ziegler asked

recalled her impulsive dive to take the punch meant for Edward-a guilt-driven act, unable to simply watch him

Mrs. Ziegler's voice became immediately aggressive. "Phoebe, how many times did I tell you to stay away from Edward? You just don't listen.

bombarded like this by Mrs. Ziegler, and her head was buzzing. "Mom, please,

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

Ziegler, who arranged a couple of pillows behind her before bringing over a bowl of chicken

to take the bowl, but Mrs. Ziegler swatted her hand away. "Look how weak you are. I'll

asked, "What's the date today? I feel like I've been

days. Does that seem like a long time to you?" Mrs. Ziegler replied irritably. "Phoebe, tell me the truth, how did you and that Fitzroy girl end up falling from the second-floor balcony? Lucky for you it was the pool

might as well have made up for a

did Vanessa say?"