Forbidden Passion

Chapter 593 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

The ICU lights were blindingly white, the sheets and covers were blindingly white, and even Phoebe's face, lying there in the hospital bed, looked like a ghost. Phoebe looked so delicate, like she might shatter if you touched her.

Theodore stood by the bed for what felt like forever, just staring at Phoebe without blinking. His heart was a mess of regret and pain, wishing he could rewind time. He shut his eyes. If he could go back, he'd protect Phoebe from the start, making sure she never got hurt.

The nurse stood at the door, watching Theodore. He'd been standing there for ten minutes, lost in thought, his back radiating sadness.

"Mr. Reynolds, visiting hours are over. Please come back tomorrow," the nurse said, doing her job.

Theodore's back twitched. The nurse noticed his sleeves fluttering even though there was no breeze. She realized he was trembling.

Theodore slowly bent down, one hand on the bed's edge, the other gripping the rail. His lips brushed against Phoebe's cold forehead.

He whispered, "Sleep tight, I'll be back tomorrow."

Phoebe's eyelashes fluttered.

Theodore's breath hitched. He stared at her eyes, hoping she'd open them and look at him, but it seemed like a trick of the light. Phoebe didn't move again. The nurse reminded him, "Mr. Reynolds, time's up."

Theodore clenched his fists, using all his strength to keep his emotions in check. He stood up straight and walked out.

finally let go. Theodore took a deep breath, his face even

how's Phoebe? Is she getting better? Has she woken up?" Theodore rubbed his temples

clothes from the day he brought Phoebe to the hospital. Luckily, it was winter.

woken up.

at the disheveled Theodore. She sat next to him and pushed a thermos

yourself sick. If you get sick, you won't be able to see

"Eat up. Riley made this soup early this

ate without

hurt. Being in the ICU lowers the risk of infection. Don't worry, she'll pull through." Theodore looked at the green light above the ICU door and said quietly, "I saw her eyelashes move. If the doctor hadn't kicked me out, I might've seen her open her eyes." "Really? Then Phoebe must be waking up

woke up not long after the doc patched her up. When she came to, Vanessa was acting all paranoid, not letting anyone near her. She curled up at the head of the bed, shaking. "Don't touch me, get away." James had just seen Sophia off, and now seeing Vanessa like this, he was a mess. "Vanessa, it's me, Dad. Don't you

James with suspicion and

me. I won't hurt you. You've been hurt, don't

to calm down, but when James tried to get closer, she freaked out,

doctors and nurses running. Vanessa's

really agitated right now. You should leave

room. He stood outside, listening to Vanessa's screams. People in the hallway were peeking out, trying to see what was going

slumped into a chair, feeling

recognize him. In one night, he lost everything, and

given Vanessa a sedative and

up as the doctor approached him. He looked at