Forbidden Passion
Chapter 457 Applying Frostbite Ointment for Her

On the final day, a biting cold gripped the surroundings. The icy north wind howled fiercely, sending shivers down everyone's spine. By the time conveyor team finished delivering the supplies, darkness had already descended. This village was close to Arotic Village, a popular tourist spot known for its winter auroras. The employees of the Reynolds Group were set up in a fancy hot spring hotel there, a big upgrade from the previous guesthouse. Everyone was excited, including Phoebe.

After getting her room key, she dragged her luggage into the elevator, hearing everyone talk about exploring Arotic Village and buying local goodies.

Kristoff, standing next to Phoebe, noticed her lack of enthusiasm and asked, "Ms. Ziegler, aren't you going to check out the church?"

Phoebe, still wearing her gloves, felt even itchier from the heat. She shook her head. "I'm too tired these past two days. I'll just rest in the hotel. You guys go ahead and have fun."

Kristoff seemed a bit disappointed. "There are also some local specialties here. You can buy some to take back for your families and friends."

Phoebe smiled, and Kristoff got the hint. He didn't push further. The elevator soon reached the second floor, where the employees staying there took their luggage and left.

The elevator continued upward. Phoebe's room was the last one in the hallway on the third floor, offering a wide view. From the floor-to-ceiling window, the world outside looked like a frozen painting. Phoebe placed her suitcase aside and took off her gloves. She looked at her swollen, itchy hands.

She rubbed her hands until they turned red, then went to the shower room and put her hands under the hot water.

While she was rinsing, the door suddenly opened. Phoebe was startled, thinking she was hallucinating. She turned off the faucet and heard footsteps outside.

Her heart tightened, and she quickly peeked out, only to meet Theodore's gaze.

They stared at each other in silence for a moment before Phoebe looked away first, her tone sour. "Didn't you go to the church with Miss Morris?"

Earlier in the elevator, Phoebe heard someone ask Violet where she was going. In a shy tone, Violet said she was going to the church with an invitation from Theodore. Phoebe thought Theodore wouldn't be back tonight and would spend the night with Violet after visiting the church.

Theodore's gaze shifted to Phoebe's swollen fingers. He frowned. "Did you get frostbite on your hands?"

"No." Phoebe quickly hid her hands behind her back, but Theodore grabbed them and looked down at them.

"When did you get frostbite? Why didn't you say anything?" Theodore frowned deeply, glaring at Phoebe with displeasure.

Phoebe suddenly felt a bit aggrieved. She pulled her hands back and said with resentment, "Why should I say that? I don't want to use this to gain sympathy."

Theodore glanced at Phoebe, his fists clenched. "Phoebe, do you think telling me about your frostbite is seeking sympathy?"

Phoebe bit her lip and said nothing.

Theodore took a deep breath, turned abruptly, and left the room, slamming the door behind him.

Phoebe slumped her shoulders and stood at the shower room door for a while before dejectedly returning to the room. She sat on the bed, staring out the floor-to-ceiling window. After a while, the door creaked open once more. Phoebe turned around to find Theodore closing it behind him as he entered. She was left in awe.

Theodore sat down beside her, making the mattress sink a bit. He took her hand.

Phoebe looked down and saw a blob of white ointment on her swollen fingers, feeling cool and soothing.

He held her wrist and used his thumb to spread the ointment, gently pressing her fingers. Phoebe, feeling ticklish, tried to pull her hand back. Theodore pressed harder. "Bear with it. The medicine needs to be massaged in to work."

Phoebe gasped.

Theodore raised an eyebrow. "Does it hurt?"

Phoebe turned her head away, avoiding the sight of their intertwined fingers. "No."

Theodore asked, "Then why are you shaking?"

Phoebe was speechless.

Theodore's fingers moved between hers, spreading the ointment thoroughly.

Phoebe thought they had never been this close, even when making love. Her ears turned bright red.

Theodore, focused on applying the ointment, glanced up and saw her red ears. His heart skipped a beat. "Phoebe," he murmured.

Phoebe looked at him, confused.

He touched her earlobe, and a wave of heat spread from the sensitive nerve, making Phoebe's brain go numb.

Theodore withdrew his hand. "Your ears are so red. What are you thinking about?"

"I wasn't thinking about anything!" Phoebe almost choked on her own saliva, shooting a glare at Theodore, who had a subtle smile playing in his eyes. She was utterly stunned. Theodore's smile was genuinely beautiful. Just seeing him smile made her feel better.

Phoebe couldn't help but smile, too.

They stared at each other, grinning foolishly for a moment. Phoebe shyly lowered her head, but after a few seconds, she couldn't resist looking up at him again.

Theodore was still smiling at her. When he saw her looking, he said indulgently, "What are you grinning about?"

Phoebe felt a soft, sour feeling in her heart. She stared at the floor tiles, hearing Theodore's gentle voice. "Give me your other hand."

She gave him her other hand, and he applied the ointment, massaging each finger.

Phoebe sniffed her hand, smelling a faint mint scent. "Where did you get this frostbite ointment?" she inquired.

"I bought it at a nearby pharmacy. The clerk said this one works best. Keep it warm tonight, and the swelling should go down by tomorrow," Theodore said. After applying the ointment, it was only a little past seven.

Arotic Village got dark early, but as a tourist spot, it had streetlights at night, making the scattered lights in the darkness quite charming.

While packing up the ointment, Theodore asked, "Do you want to go for a walk?"

Phoebe tilted her head to look at him. "Are you going?"

"Yeah. It's still early." Theodore stood up, washed his hands in the bathroom, then grabbed his scarf, hat, and gloves, and took Phoebe out. They took the elevator downstairs. Theodore helped Phoebe put on her hat and scarf. "It's a bit cold outside. Don't catch a cold." Phoebe responded with an "Oh."

Theodore wore a mid-length down jacket. With his height and long legs, he didn't look bulky but rather like a supermodel.

Stepping out of the hotel, they plunged into the icy world. Their breath turned into white mist. Theodore said, "Let's go to the specialty district over there." Phoebe let him lead her to the specialty district, where the lights were dazzling, and the shops with local charm were abundant.

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