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.

though it was soaking in water-tender and aching. To her dismay, her eyes

Go charm your high school sweetheart. She can do no wrong,

she couldn't stop herself from complaining about all the injustice she was facing at his

He 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

to return to her position under Vanessa-a role Phoebe had decisively chosen to leave behind. She had always prided herself on keeping her personal feelings separate from her professional life. No matter how unpleasant Vanessa's behavior was, Phoebe had never allowed

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. To him, they signified that she was

thank you.

interest you

that won't be