Forbidden Passion
Chapter 427 Stealing My Wife While I Was Away

Edward saw Theodore kiss Phoebe's forehead in the rearview mirror, and jealousy hit him hard.

He floored the gas pedal, and the engine roared.

Theodore paused, glanced at the rearview mirror, and locked eyes with Edward for a second before looking away.

The car sped down the road, leaving the familiar mountain behind.

Half an hour later, they arrived at the hospital.

Doctors and nurses rushed Phoebe into the emergency room, and the red light above the door lit up.

Theodore leaned against the cold wall, remembering the last time he waited outside an operating room when Taylor fell down the stairs.

In just a few days, he felt that same despair and helplessness again.

He reached for his cigarettes but remembered smoking wasn't allowed, so he sighed and stared at the red light.

Time dragged on. Edward and Theodore waited in silence outside the emergency room.

Less than an hour later, the doctor came out.

Edward and Theodore quickly approached. The doctor removed his mask, glanced at both men, and focused on Theodore, knowing he was Phoebe's husband. "We did a full-body exam. Besides a severe cold, she has two dislocated ribs, likely from the airbag. No other injuries," the doctor said.

Theodore sighed in relief. "When will she wake up?" he asked.

"Once the anesthesia wears off," the doctor replied.

"Thank you," Theodore said, clenching his fist. A nurse soon wheeled out the unconscious Phoebe.

Her forehead wound was bandaged, revealing a small, pale face.

Theodore followed the gurney, heartbroken at her condition.

He thought, 'When did Phoebe become so worn out by my side? What have I done to her over the years?'

The nurse settled Phoebe in the ward, gave some instructions, and left.

Theodore sat by the bed, holding her hand and gently kissing it.

Only then did he feel some peace.

The image of Phoebe driving into the courtyard wall would haunt him for years.

Edward leaned against the door, staying outside.

Anything he did now would seem pointless.

Phoebe wanted freedom, and the best he could do was help her get it and stop Theodore from bullying her. Edward closed his eyes and thought, 'Phoebe, wait for me. I'll fight the world if I have to, to fulfill your wish.'

Edward left, leaving Ollie in the hospital's security room.

Theodore snapped out of it and called Lawton to handle the Ziegler residence. They had left in a hurry, leaving the gate open and the car needing repairs. After the call, he noticed a young nurse peeking in. He frowned. "What is it?"

"Mr. Reynolds, your friend left a cat in the security room. Please pick it up as soon as possible," she said nervously.

It took Theodore a moment to realize she meant Edward. He sneered inwardly, 'Edward and I could never be friends.'

"He's not a friend!" Theodore stood up and walked out.

The young nurse was stunned.

To drive the point home, Theodore added, "He's a rival in love. Don't let him in here. I'm worried he'll take my wife while I'm gone."

The nurse was speechless.

Theodore's concern wasn't unfounded. Who knew if Edward was trying to create a diversion? He could take Phoebe while Theodore was retrieving Ollie.

Still, the nurse, unaware of the complexities, thought Theodore was particularly affectionate. She assured him, "Mr. Reynolds, don't worry. I'll stay here and make sure no one takes your wife." Theodore smiled at her. "Thank you."

He went to the security room to pick up Ollie and saw the cat perched on a surveillance monitor, screeching. Anyone who approached got clawed. Several security guards tried to get Ollie down but were afraid of hurting the cat and getting into trouble. They were relieved to see Theodore. Theodore sighed, understanding why the nurse wanted him to pick up Ollie quickly. He walked in and said, "This is my cat. Sorry for the trouble." His presence silenced the guards. One said, "It seems frightened. It scratched one of us and then jumped onto the monitor. We couldn't get it down." Theodore saw a guard with scratch marks. He took out his wallet, pulled out some cash, and handed it over. "Use this for a rabies shot. I'll take the cat."

The guard hesitated but took the money.

Theodore looked at Ollie, who was meowing on the highest monitor. He reached out and shouted, "Come down!" Everyone expected Ollie to scratch Theodore, but the cat let out a pitiful meow, leaped down, and clung to his arm. Theodore cradled Ollie, nodded to the guards, and left gracefully.

The guards watched in astonishment. Theodore seemed cold, yet he had a cat.

Back in the ward, the young nurse was still there. When she saw Theodore holding Ollie, her eyes lit up. "Mr. Reynolds, is this your cat? It's so cute." "Don't touch it!" Theodore quickly stopped her, preventing a scratch. She turned pale.

"It's so fierce!" she said.

"It's wary of strangers and doesn't like being touched by unfamiliar people. Thanks for staying. No one came in, right?"

"No, your rival didn't come."

"Thank you!" Theodore was puzzled, thinking, 'It's unexpected that Edward hasn't tried to see Phoebe.'

The nurse blushed and waved her hand. "I'll go now. If you need anything, call us with the bedside bell."

After she left, Theodore sat with Ollie in his lap, watching the unconscious Phoebe.

Sunlight pierced through the clouds and fell on the bed. Phoebe's eyelids twitched, and she slowly opened her eyes.