Forbidden Passion
Chapter 452 You and Mr. Reynolds Are a Couple,Right?

Theodore glanced at Phoebe, seeing her all geared up with only her eyes showing. He poked her forehead.

"It's freezing out. Stay here and wait for me at the hotel," he said.

Phoebe felt the poke hit her heart too. She shook her head. "I'm not here for a vacation."

Theodore frowned. "Phoebe."

"Since I'm here, I'm just like everyone else. Mr. Reynolds, don't give me any special treatment," Phoebe interrupted, picking up a supply basket and slinging it over her back. Theodore sighed at her stubborn look. "You..."

Phoebe never showed weakness. Whatever others could do, she could too. Even though acting a bit spoiled could save her trouble, she never did.

At work or in marriage, Phoebe always stood tall and unyielding, making people think she didn't need anyone and could handle things on her own. Ironically, this trait attracted Theodore, making it hard for him to let go.

Phoebe's group was visiting three elderly households. During the war, their sons had joined the military and died.

These households were highly valued by Mayor, who provided subsidies every year. Even so, their lives were tough.

The snow was thick, and each step sank deep. Phoebe wore snow boots, but her feet were still nearly numb from the cold.

She followed behind, trying not to fall behind.

"Mr. Reynolds, the three households we're visiting are halfway up the mountain. The snow is thick, and the road is tough. Ms. Ziegler, can you keep going?" Kristoff, the team leader, called from the front. "Yeah," Phoebe said, breathless. Theodore turned to see she had taken off her scarf and hat. Her bright eyes stood out in the snowy landscape.

He stopped and waited for her, then took the heaviest supplies from her basket. "Walk in the middle, don't fall behind."

Phoebe felt the lightness on her shoulder and tried to take the supplies back. "Mr. Reynolds, I can do it."

Theodore stared at her. "Phoebe, I'm only human. My heart's on the left side. I can't promise to be completely impartial." Phoebe was stunned.

Kristoff turned and shouted, "Mr. Reynolds, we need to cross the river here. The bridge is icy, be careful."

Phoebe wanted to say something, but Theodore urged her, "Walk in front of me. I'll watch you. Hurry, we need to get back before dark."

Phoebe watched his breath turn into white mist, blurring his face. Her heart pounded.

She walked ahead of Theodore, stepping in Kristoff's footprints. After crossing the bridge, they began to climb the mountain.

Normally, even with a load, climbing wouldn't be too hard for Phoebe. But the snow made it tough, and her energy quickly drained.

The sweat on her cheeks froze as soon as it appeared. She panted as she climbed. "They live halfway up the mountain with no young people at home. In winter, they're trapped. Hasn't Mayor considered building communal housing in more accessible areas to relocate them?"

This question was clearly directed at Kristoff.

Kristoff replied, "Mayor has thought about it, but they don't want to move. They've lived here all their lives and are used to it."

"But with poor mountain roads, heavy snow traps them all winter. If they get sick, doctors can't reach them. That's just not going to cut it," Phoebe argued. Kristoff stated, "The old folks up there can be pretty set in their ways."

They both fell silent, reflecting on the situation. They could only deliver supplies, unable to do more. Sometimes life left you powerless.

After a short rest, they continued climbing.

Suddenly, Phoebe slipped and started sliding down. Theodore quickly grabbed her arm, and they both fell into the snow.

The supplies in Theodore's hand rolled down the slope.

Kristoff heard the commotion and turned to see Theodore holding Phoebe protectively. Theodore's hand was scratched by a rock, and blood was oozing out. He quickly walked back. "Mr. Reynolds, Ms. Ziegler, are you okay?"

Phoebe poked her head out from Theodore's embrace, her face red. She quickly said to Kristoff, "I'm fine. I just slipped. The supplies rolled down. I'll go get them." Phoebe was about to get up when Theodore held her down. "Stay here, don't move. I'll get them," he interjected.

He took off the basket and placed it on flat ground, then crouched and slid down the slope to retrieve the supplies.

Kristoff was stunned for a moment before responding swiftly, "Mr. Reynolds, I'll handle this."

Theodore didn't look back. "Keep an eye on Ms. Ziegler. I'll be right back."

Phoebe stood up from the snow and watched Theodore lower his body and slide down gracefully.

Kristoff turned to Phoebe and saw her looking at Theodore with admiration. He said, "Ms. Ziegler, you and Mr. Reynolds are a couple, right?"

Phoebe met Kristoff's gaze. "Why do you say that? Isn't the rumor that I'm his kept woman?"

Kristoff shook his head. "Mr. Reynolds looks at you like a lover, not a kept woman. And your interaction doesn't seem like a kept relationship." Phoebe found it amusing and asked, "What kind of interaction is a kept relationship?"

"I don't know how to describe it," Kristoff scratched his head. "But you and Mr. Reynolds seem more like a couple or husband and wife."

As they spoke, Theodore was already walking back with the supplies. He wore a black down jacket and hiking boots, which made him look taller and more imposing. Soon, he was in front of them.

Theodore put the basket back on, and the blood on his hand had already clotted. Phoebe couldn't resist stealing a second look. "Is your hand hurting?" she asked with concern.

Theodore glanced at his hand and said, "It's fine. Let's go."

The three of them continued climbing. When they finally reached the first house, Phoebe was almost out of breath.

The elderly person knew they were kind-hearted people from the city bringing warmth and welcomed them warmly into the house.

The house was old and worn, but with a fire burning, it was warm inside. The elderly person poured three cups of water and said, "Thank you for your hard work, bringing supplies up the mountain in such heavy snow." Theodore said, "It's our duty. You raised soldiers for the country. They protected the nation and its people. It's our duty to take care of you."