Forbidden Passion
Chapter 453 Can I Still Get Pregnant?

The old man's eyes filled with tears. He stayed quiet for a while, looking both sad and grateful. Phoebe sat next to him, feeling really upset.

They didn't stay long before heading to the next house with supplies. The two families lived close and usually helped each other out.

The second house was owned by a man named Liam Lawson, sporting salt-and-pepper hair, but exuding a vitality that belied his age. When they arrived, Liam seemed a bit annoyed. "I specifically said you didn't have to come. You guys show up every year, but we can't possibly consume all of this," he grumbled.

Kristoff, who visited every year, introduced them. "Liam, this is Mr. Reynolds from our company, and this is Ms. Ziegler. They came to see you this year."

Liam gave them a critical look. "Don't come next year. The road up here is tough. You're just making it hard on yourselves."

Kristoff smiled and whispered to Theodore, "Mr. Reynolds, that's just how Liam is."

Theodore nodded, took the supplies off his back, and carried them inside Liam's house. The walls, painted in a muted gray-white, displayed a myriad of aged photographs.

As Theodore paused to study the pictures, Liam caught his gaze. "These photos are old and worn out. Please, have a seat."

Phoebe looked at the photo wall. Most were of a family of three, and some of Liam and his wife, all taken in front of their house.

The laminated photos were better preserved, but some were so old they were hard to see.

There was also a banner on the wall that said "Benevolent Doctor," clearly awarded by the government.

When Phoebe came in, she saw many herbs drying on the wall, showing that Liam was a doctor.

Liam turned to Kristoff. "Do you know how to fix a TV? A strong wind messed it up a few days ago, and I want to watch the news." Kristoff nodded. "I'll take a look. Don't worry."

Liam led Kristoff to the TV. Kristoff checked the set-top box, and Theodore helped.

Liam went into the kitchen to start to cook. Phoebe followed. "Need any help?"

"It's cold. Sit by the fire. Climbing up here isn't easy," Liam said, letting Phoebe sit.

The firelight made Phoebe's face glow red. She said, "We only climb once a year. It's not hard."

Liam and Phoebe chatted. When the water boiled, he cracked a few eggs in, added some homemade seasonings from an icebox outside. Phoebe realized Liam was boiling eggs for them, a local custom for honored guests.

Liam stood by the pot and said to Phoebe, "I'll check your pulse later. You look strong but are weak inside. Your health isn't great." Phoebe was speechless.

Soon, the eggs were ready. Liam served three bowls and brought them out. Phoebe, warm from the fire, followed him.

Kristoff and Theodore had fixed the TV. Liam called them over to eat the eggs, and they didn't refuse, sitting down at the table.

Kristoff joked, "These are great for women, for beauty and health. Ms. Ziegler, you should eat more."

Theodore looked at Phoebe, her face flushed. He teased, "If it's not enough, I have more. You should eat more." Phoebe glared at Theodore and took a sip of the soup. It tasted sweet.

"Liam, did you make these seasonings yourself? They taste different from the ones in the market," Phoebe asked.

Liam nodded. "Yes, I make them myself when I have time. If you like them, you can take some with you later."

Liam's expression turned wistful. "My wife used to love this. I learned to make it for her. Now that she's gone, I still make it every year. When I miss her, I make some, enjoy it, and it brings me comfort-keeps her memory close." Phoebe's eyes welled up. She suddenly felt the bowl of eggs was filled with deep emotion and cherished every bite even more. "You and Mrs. Lawson must have been very much in love."

Liam shook his head. "When we were young, we didn't know how to cherish each other. We often quarreled and almost divorced several times. It was only after she passed away, when I was alone, that I slowly realized what I had lost. But it was too late to regret."

Hearing this, Phoebe instinctively glanced at Theodore and found him looking at her. They locked eyes for a few seconds before she looked away first.

They had to visit another household, and the road there was difficult. Theodore asked Phoebe to stay with Liam and wait for them to return.

Phoebe watched Theodore and Kristoff disappear on the mountain path. Liam said, "Phoebe, come inside. I'll check your pulse."

Phoebe nodded. "Okay."

Phoebe didn't refuse Liam's kindness and followed him back to the main room. The TV was still on, playing a show.

Liam brought a pulse pillow and asked Phoebe to extend her hand.

Phoebe placed her hand on the pulse pillow, her arm relaxed. Liam pressed his fingers on her pulse. After a while, he asked her to switch hands. After checking her pulse, Liam asked, "Do you often feel weak and tired, with dizziness?"

Phoebe nodded. "Yes."

Liam continued, "Do you also have insomnia and anxiety?"

Phoebe replied, "Yes."

Liam added, "Is your menstrual cycle regular?"

Phoebe hesitated but then answered truthfully, "No, my cycle is irregular, and I typically have a light flow. Sometimes it lasts only a day or two."

Liam stroked his graying beard and said, "You're so young; it shouldn't be. This is due to your physical weakness caused by a deficiency in vital energy and blood. Also, you probably have difficulty getting pregnant, right?" Phoebe was stunned and then nodded.

Liam said, "I'll write you two prescriptions. One is to treat the deficiency in vital energy and blood. Once your menstrual cycle is normal, you can take the other one for infertility. Take good care of your body, and you'll naturally be able to conceive."

Phoebe stared at Liam. "Can I still get pregnant?"

"Of course. This isn't a serious problem. Try to avoid drinking coffee. If you want something flavorful, switch to supplements, but don't drink them often. Your body is too weak to handle them. Also, try to relax and not worry too much." Phoebe felt ashamed and nodded repeatedly. "Okay."

Liam wrote two prescriptions for her and gave her some additional advice. Just then, Theodore and Kristoff returned. Phoebe put the prescriptions in her jacket pocket.

After thanking Liam again, the three of them headed down the mountain.