Forbidden Passion

Chapter 38 Want to go home

[He peeled an apple for me and even cut it into bite-sized pieces. Such tender care. A picture of a neatly arranged fruit plate.] [Why is he so good to me? He even draped his jacket over my shoulders. Teehee! An image of a tailored Hermès blazer.]

With each new post, Phoebe's heart sank deeper. She snuffed out the light of her phone screen and shoved the device back into her pocket, feeling an icy chill inside. So, Theodore had done so much for Vanessa while Phoebe was unconscious -things he never did for her. Her eyes welled up as she turned to gaze out the car window.

The dusk had settled, casting a mottled light inside. Theodore glanced in the rearview mirror, catching Phoebe's determined yet chilled profile.

Lady Reynolds was a woman of deep spiritual beliefs who made annual retreats to a secluded sanctuary, dedicating three months each year to personal reflection and peace. She typically returned in September, but this year, she came back a month early.

By the time they reached the Reynolds Mansion, darkness had enveloped everything, yet the estate was illuminated with brilliant lights.

Lady Reynolds sat on the living room sofa, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, her face crinkled with a joyful smile, exuding a dignified grace.

Theodore and Phoebe walked in, Lady Reynolds waved her over, "Phoebe, come here,

surge of warmth when Lady

to check on you. Look at you, all skin and bones! Theodore, haven't

hurried over with a smile, "Grandma, you know

glancing at her flat abdomen, "So thin. When are you

a great-grandchild, but Phoebe feared that she might never be

"Grandma, I'll try

charmed by his words, beamed with joy, and the room was

the family dinner was a clear sign of where Theodore's affections lay. When he spoke of making an effort, Phoebe understood it was not with her, but

her current health condition, no amount of effort on

sorrow struck

front of the elderly matriarch with a smile as