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 get involved

how else did you get hurt if it wasn't for Edward?" Mrs. Ziegler

take the punch meant for Edward-a guilt-driven

did I tell you to stay away from Edward? You just don't listen. Now see

and her head was buzzing. "Mom, please, can you just give me some peace for

felt a pang of compassion. "I made you some chicken soup. Let

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

Mrs. Ziegler swatted her hand

asked, "What's the date

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

might as well have made up

Vanessa say?" Phoebe