Forbidden Passion

Chapter 523 Who Bullied Whom

In the hospital room, Sophia was hooked up to a respirator, looking pale as a ghost. Vanessa stood by her bed, tears streaming down her face. She heard footsteps behind her and almost lost her balance.

Theodore reached out to steady her, only letting go once she was okay.

The heart monitor beeped every now and then. Vanessa covered her face, sobbing, "I thought she'd be around longer, that she'd see me get married, have kids, teach them to write like she taught me. I thought we'd grow old together." Theodore just looked down, staying quiet.

Life could be so fragile, gone in the blink of an eye, leaving those left behind with endless regrets. Vanessa choked up, "If I had known, I wouldn't have been so stubborn. I wouldn't have gone to Nyxonia, and I wouldn't have stayed away for three years."

"Vanessa," Theodore said, "Yesterday's gone. No matter how much you blame yourself, it won't change anything. Cherish the time you have left with Sophia, and don't upset her anymore." Vanessa looked at him through her tears. "Theodore, can you help me take care of my mom?"

Theodore frowned, his usually distant look getting even colder. "The hospital has doctors and nurses. They'll take good care of Sophia."

Vanessa's eyes widened in shock. She hadn't expected Theodore to be so cold. She clenched her fists. "But they aren't you."

What she needed wasn't a doctor, but a rock to lean on.

"Vanessa, you seem to forget that I'm a CEO, not a doctor. I don't treat illnesses," Theodore said flatly. "And if you and James can't handle it, I'll hire a professional caregiver for Sophia." Vanessa's fingers stiffened. Was Theodore planning to just ignore them?

How could he be so heartless?

Vanessa called, "Theodore."

"It's getting late, and Sophia's still asleep. I won't disturb her," Theodore said, turning to leave the room.

gaze turned icy. She looked at his back with resentment and said, "Do you know how much Mom

hand paused on the doorknob. He turned to look at Vanessa, his voice

cold water had been dumped on her. Vanessa felt

couldn't use Sophia's illness to keep Theodore around

lip hard, letting out a

you, so you trample on my feelings. I can't bear to hurt you, but I hate the woman who stole your heart. If I can't have you, I won't let you have Phoebe either.' Outside, Phoebe was still staring at a picture of Patrick on her phone when a teasing voice suddenly sounded in her ear. "Is Patrick more handsome than me?

quickly turned off her screen and

should I stay in there for a holiday? Let's go

closed hospital room door and met Vanessa's resentful gaze through the small

asked, "What are you looking

and hurried to catch up with Theodore. "You sure it's cool

thought he'd at least wait

replied, "Yeah,

the elevator, and Theodore hit the button for their floor. "So, why were

trending

"Is he an idiot? How does a grown man

they wanna be the button he messed up. Some even posted pics of themselves doing the same. Might start a trend."

a laugh. "That's fashion, a trend your buddy

night, you brought me back from the bar. Who took Cindy home?" she

skipped a beat. "Really, Patrick? When did he and Cindy hook

like he changed socks. Theodore had already forgotten the name

him. "Patrick and Cindy are dating, and you kept