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.

and Phoebe walked in, Lady Reynolds waved her over,

felt a surge of warmth when Lady

at you, all

smile, "Grandma, you know Phoebe's always had

just breaks my heart," Lady Reynolds continued, glancing at her flat abdomen, "So

flamed with embarrassment, a tinge of shame stirring within her. She knew how much Lady Reynolds looked forward to a great-grandchild, but Phoebe feared that she might never be able to conceive.

grandmother, "Grandma, I'll try my

with joy, and the room was

Vanessa, who stood not far behind them. Her presence at the family dinner was a clear sign of where Theodore's affections

amount of effort

sorrow struck

Vanessa approached, crouching in front of the elderly matriarch with a smile as radiant as the blossoms of spring. "Grandma, do you remember