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.

it felt like an invisible hand around his throat finally let go. Theodore took a deep breath, his face

Phoebe? Is she getting better? Has she woken up?" Theodore rubbed his temples and sat down on a

brought Phoebe to the hospital. Luckily, it was winter. He hadn't shaved, and he looked completely

"She hasn't woken up. I can't

the disheveled Theodore. She sat next to him and pushed

If you get sick, you won't be able to see Phoebe when she gets out, and that would be even worse." Theodore

him, opened the thermos. "Eat up. Riley made this soup

without

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

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

James with

hurt you. You've been hurt, don't move around." James tried to keep it

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

running. Vanessa's wild movements

really agitated right now. You

Vanessa's screams. People in the hallway were peeking out, trying to see

rubbed his temples and slumped into a

was gone, and Vanessa didn't even recognize him. In one night, he lost everything, and his

nurse had given Vanessa a sedative and re-bandaged her

as the doctor approached him. He looked at her, feeling