Forbidden Passion
Chapter 160 Are you Going to Bake it for Me

Phoebe handed the menu back to the server and stated, "That will be all for now."

Once the server had departed, she poured herself a cup of coffee, sipping it while gazing out the window, pointedly ignoring the man across from her who was caught in a sneezing fit.

Theodore, after a while, seemed to grow accustomed to the sharp scent that had initially triggered his sneezes, which now came only in occasional fits.

He dabbed at the tears that had gathered at the corners of his eyes from the sneezing and looked across at the seemingly unyielding woman, remarking with a hint of humor, "You're witnessing my first tears. Should I 'take care' of you for that?"

Phoebe set her cup down and refilled it, casting a sidelong glance at him, "It's not the first time."

"What's not the first time?" He inquired, his curiosity piqued.

She didn't continue, leaving the statement hanging in the air. It wasn't the first time he had cried in front of her. When had it happened before?

Oh, right.

It was after she had come back from the hospital, having just had a check-up following a miscarriage. He had destroyed the baby's room in a fit of rage, then pinned her to the cold floor.

Afterwards, he collapsed onto her shoulder, biting down hard as his warm tears flowed. He was both angry and heartbroken.

At that time, Phoebe had felt a profound sense of guilt towards him.

But now, there was no need to bring it up again.

It was a painful memory for both of them and to mention it would only disrupt the peace of the evening's dinner.

The server brought out their food promptly. The tray of food had an assortment of both spicy and non-spicy dishes.

The non-spicy dishes were facing Theodore, while the spicy dishes were facing Phoebe.

Theodore stared at the food, his expression somber. His reluctance to indulge in a spicy meal with her stemmed mainly from the dishes' overwhelming heat.

Phoebe took her fork and rolled it in her spicy carbonara, with the deft touch of a seasoned pasta lover. The heat emanated from the food as she placed it in her mouth-a truly fiery treat. As she enjoyed her food, she looked over at Theodore. "Aren't you going to eat?"

His gaze moved from her spice-reddened lips to her plate, then he dismissed the urge to try.

Quietly, he tried a piece of garlic bread, but the meal brought him no pleasure.

After they finished eating, the evening was still young and there was no hurry to return to the Imperial Apartment.

The thought of encountering Vanessa back home, who always managed to spoil the atmosphere, was the last thing Phoebe wanted.

As they descended the escalator, Phoebe noticed an artisan bakery. "Let's check it out," she suggested.

Theodore, noting the lightness in her step and the joy that radiated from her, couldn't help but smile and quicken his pace to follow.

Pushing open the glass door to the bakery, they were met by the enthusiastic owner, who eagerly showcased the shop's array of baked goods. Phoebe's eyes lit up with interest.

She turned back to Theodore and asked, "You didn't eat much tonight. Cake, cookies, or biscuits-what would you like?"

He shot her a glance, "Are you going to bake it for me?"

"In your dreams. Let's bake together instead," she retorted.

The owner brought over two aprons. Phoebe, catching a glimpse of Theodore standing beside her, handed him a pink apron, "Tie this on for me, will you?"

Taking it from her, Theodore instructed, "Bend down."

As Phoebe bent forward, she felt him drape the apron over her head and then grasp her shoulders, turning her so that her back faced him.

He tied the apron behind her, and she couldn't suppress a smile as he did so. Once he finished, she turned around, shaking a gray apron in front of him, "My turn to tie yours?" Theodore, though somewhat reluctant, did not resist. He leaned forward with a look of resignation, "Go ahead."

If it would please her, he was willing to go along with it.