Forbidden Passion

Chapter 453 Can I Still Get Pregnant?

The old man's eyes filled with tears. He stayed quiet for a while, looking both sad and grateful. Phoebe sat next to him, feeling really upset.

They didn't stay long before heading to the next house with supplies. The two families lived close and usually helped each other out.

The second house was owned by a man named Liam Lawson, sporting salt-and-pepper hair, but exuding a vitality that belied his age. When they arrived, Liam seemed a bit annoyed. "I specifically said you didn't have to come. You guys show up every year, but we can't possibly consume all of this," he grumbled.

Kristoff, who visited every year, introduced them. "Liam, this is Mr. Reynolds from our company, and this is Ms. Ziegler. They came to see you this year."

Liam gave them a critical look. "Don't come next year. The road up here is tough. You're just making it hard on yourselves."

Kristoff smiled and whispered to Theodore, "Mr. Reynolds, that's just how Liam is."

Theodore nodded, took the supplies off his back, and carried them inside Liam's house. The walls, painted in a muted gray-white, displayed a myriad of aged photographs.

As Theodore paused to study the pictures, Liam caught his gaze. "These photos are old and worn out. Please, have a seat."

Phoebe looked at the photo wall. Most were of a family of three, and some of Liam and his wife, all taken in front of their house.

The laminated photos were better preserved, but some were so old they were hard to see.

There was also a banner on the wall that said "Benevolent Doctor," clearly awarded by the government.

When Phoebe came in, she saw many herbs drying on the wall, showing that Liam was a doctor.

wind messed it up a few days ago, and I want to watch the news." Kristoff nodded. "I'll take

the TV. Kristoff checked the set-top

went into the kitchen to start

the fire. Climbing up here isn't

Phoebe's face glow red. She said, "We

cracked a few eggs in, added some homemade seasonings from an icebox outside. Phoebe realized Liam was boiling eggs for them, a local custom for

stood by the pot and said to Phoebe, "I'll check your pulse later. You look strong but are weak inside. Your health isn't great." Phoebe was

and brought

to

for women, for beauty and health. Ms.

Phoebe, her face flushed. He teased, "If it's not enough, I have more. You should eat more." Phoebe glared at Theodore

taste different from the

when I have time. If you like

wife used to love this. I learned to make it for her. Now that she's gone, I still make it every year. When I miss her, I make some, enjoy it, and it brings me comfort-keeps her memory close." Phoebe's eyes welled up. She suddenly felt

his head. "When we were young, we didn't know how to cherish each other. We often quarreled and almost divorced several times. It was only after she passed away, when

instinctively glanced at Theodore and found him looking at her. They

and the road there was difficult. Theodore

mountain path. Liam

Phoebe nodded. "Okay."

him back to the main room. The TV was still on,

and asked Phoebe to extend her

pulse. After a while, he asked her