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.

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

approached and felt a surge of warmth when Lady Reynolds took her hand. "Grandma,

about your accident and wanted to check on you. Look at you, all skin and bones! Theodore, haven't you been

"Grandma, you know Phoebe's always had a slender

heart," Lady Reynolds continued, glancing at her flat abdomen, "So thin. When are you

She knew how much Lady Reynolds looked forward to a great-grandchild, but Phoebe feared that she might never

to soothe his grandmother, "Grandma, I'll try my best. Maybe soon you'll be able to

Reynolds, charmed by his words, beamed with joy,

where Theodore's affections lay. When he spoke of making an effort, Phoebe understood it was not with

condition, no amount of effort on his part would lead to a

of sorrow struck

Vanessa approached, crouching in front of the elderly matriarch with a smile as radiant as the blossoms of spring.