Forbidden Passion
Chapter 393 Easing Relations

Phoebe showed Ollie around the house, but her arms got sore from holding him so long. Back in the living room, she set it on the sofa. Ollie curled up, its cat eyes darting around shyly.

Phoebe sat next to it, her heart melting at its timid look. "It seems too scared to move," she said.

Theodore handed her a glass of warm water. She drank most of it, then offered some to Ollie.

Ollie meowed softly, sounding affectionate.

"Is it hungry? I'll wash its food bowl," Phoebe said, rummaging through shopping bags to find it, then heading to the kitchen.

Theodore watched her go, then sat in her spot.

Ollie, who had been meowing affectionately, now eyed Theodore warily, showing his teeth.

Theodore crossed his legs and stared at the tiny cat. His strong presence made Ollie look away.

Theodore leaned in, scaring Ollie, whose fur stood on end. Theodore laughed. "I brought you here. If you compete for attention, you're out."

He reached out. "Don't scratch me, or you'll sleep outside tonight."

Ollie widened its eyes, gripping the sofa, but didn't scratch when Theodore's hand touched its head.

Theodore petted it and smiled. "Good job. Let's get along."

Ollie didn't dare resist, needing to survive.

Phoebe returned with the food bowl and saw Theodore holding a helpless-looking Ollie.

"Does it let you hold it?" she asked.

"Yes!" Theodore said proudly, scratching Ollie's chin. Ollie looked miserable but didn't struggle.

Phoebe took out two bags of cat food. "Ollie, this is your dinner. Which one do you want?"

Ollie lay listlessly on Theodore's lap. Phoebe said, "I'll choose for you. If you don't like it, I'll change it."

She poured some cat food into the bowl and placed it in a corner of the living room. "Theodore, bring it over. It needs to get used to eating in a fixed spot," Phoebe said. Theodore carried Ollie over, and their fingers touched briefly, making them both pause. Phoebe quickly took Ollie and set it on the floor.

Ollie sniffed the food and started eating slowly.

They watched for a while. Seeing Ollie enjoy the food, Phoebe felt relieved.

Theodore tapped her heel with his foot. "Now that Ollie's fed, isn't it time to feed me?"

"Okay," Phoebe said, standing up. "What do you want to eat? I'll make it."

They'd spent most of the day together, and with Ollie around, their relationship, though not fully mended, had improved a lot.

"I'll cook with you," Theodore said.

Phoebe looked surprised. She'd been conflicted all day. That morning in Brandon's office, she'd sincerely said she wanted a divorce. She felt there was no point in dragging things out and causing more pain.

However, Theodore seemed more determined than ever. She expected another argument, but things had been better since noon. He'd even taken her to buy a cactus.

"Where's the cactus?" Phoebe suddenly remembered, standing up too quickly and wobbling. Theodore's strong arms steadied her. "You okay?" he asked, concerned.

"I'm fine, just got up too fast," she replied.

"Good. I put the cactus in the study. Haven't watered it yet, but it's fine," Theodore said, looking at her.

Phoebe seemed to have lost more weight. When he held her waist, it felt fragile.

"Okay," she said, stepping back from his embrace. Despite everything, being in his arms made her heart race.

"Let's cook toghther," she said, heading to the kitchen. Theodore followed.

The kitchen was large, but with Theodore there, it felt cramped. They kept bumping into each other.

When Phoebe bumped into his chest again, her forehead hit his firm muscles, leaving her dazed. Theodore gently moved her hand from her forehead, which had turned red. "Does it hurt?" he asked. Phoebe shook her head. The close distance felt dangerous. "The food's going to burn. Move aside," she said. Theodore stepped aside, watching her stir-fry. He regretted not kissing her.

'Who needs food? I just wanted to kiss her!' he thought.

When the food was ready, Theodore brought the soup to the table and sat next to Phoebe.

His fresh mint scent was strong. Phoebe started eating to hide her nervousness.

After a few bites, her phone rang. It was Cindy.

Phoebe glanced at Theodore, picked up her phone, and walked to the living room. "I'll take this call."

She hadn't expected to return to the Imperial Apartment with Theodore tonight. She realized he really had her wrapped around his finger. "Cindy, I'm back at the Imperial Apartment," she said.

Cindy was silent for a moment. "Are you there to get your clothes? When are you coming to my place?"

Phoebe felt embarrassed. "No, I'm not coming over tonight. I'll leave my things at your place for now. Let's talk later."

After ending the call, Phoebe stood by the window for a while. When she turned to walk back to the living room, a little cat followed her.