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.

at his back with resentment and said,

doorknob. He turned to look at Vanessa, his voice cold. "Vanessa, you can't keep calling in

dumped on her. Vanessa felt a chill all

Sophia's illness to keep Theodore

bit her lip hard, letting out a near-desperate

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? You keep staring

tingled. She quickly turned off her

raised an eyebrow, "If I didn't come out quickly, should I

door and met Vanessa's resentful gaze through the small window. She was

are you

to catch up with Theodore. "You sure it's cool to leave Sophia like

thought he'd at least wait until

"Yeah,

into the elevator, and Theodore hit the button for their floor. "So, why were you checking out

was trending 'cause he buttoned his shirt

he an idiot? How does a grown man mess up buttoning his shirt? That's

up. Some even posted pics of themselves

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

exasperated look, Phoebe suddenly remembered something. "Last night, you brought me back from the bar. Who

Patrick? When did he and Cindy hook up? Why didn't you tell

interest in other people's love lives, especially since Patrick switched partners like he changed socks. Theodore

you kept