Forbidden Passion

Chapter 158 Her Lips Involuntarily Curled into a Smile

As Phoebe shifted her gaze back to him, her voice took on a cutting edge of sarcasm. "Since you're not bothered, why are you here interrupting my shopping spree?"

Theodore responded with a smile so radiant it seemed to compete with the brilliance of the summer sun itself. He playfully reached out, gently pulling at the bottom of her shirt. "I wanted to see if you're still mad at me." "Mad?" Phoebe scoffed mockingly. "I wouldn't dare. If you're looking for an argument, I might as well continue my shopping indoors."

Just as she made to leave, Theodore caught her arm and pulled her back gently. He'd been rough a few days ago and intended to make amends. Like a scene from a teen drama, he hugged her from behind, a tender and romantic gesture to try and calm her.

Phoebe's heart skipped a beat involuntarily as she tried to wriggle free, but Theodore didn't leave her an inch of space to escape.

He rested his chin in the crook of her shoulder, softening his voice, "Can't we make up?"

It was probably the closest he'd ever come to showing vulnerability. His voice, warm and deep, held a reluctant command. Phoebe's struggle ceased.

as though it was soaking in water-tender and aching.

high school sweetheart.

anymore, but she couldn't stop herself from complaining about all the injustice she

said, "I promise not

her shoulders, turning her to face him and looking down into her eyes, "I always keep my word; don't you know that by now?" Phoebe felt her resolve wavering but managed to hold back. She delicately extricated herself from his

prided herself on keeping her

the situation had shifted. Vanessa had repeatedly taken Phoebe's efforts for granted, and now, Phoebe found herself unable to continue planning Vanessa's future without feeling resentful-a stark contrast to her previous impartiality. Theodore was not perturbed by Phoebe's occasional outbursts; in fact, he found them rather charming.

"No, thank you. I'll buy my

I could interest you in a gourmet

won't be