Forbidden Passion
Chapter 485 Do You Mind If Our Relationship Goes Public?

When Theodore got shaken awake by Phoebe, he stretched out like a lazy cat, then pulled her into a bear hug.

Phoebe got a face full of his boozy breath, making her both annoyed and kinda helpless. She pinched his cheeks and pulled them apart, saying, "C'mon, wake up, we're home." "I don't wanna move," Theodore whined, clinging to her like a kid. He grabbed her hand and pressed it to his temple. "My head's killing me, can you rub it for me?" The car's heater was blasting, so Phoebe wasn't too worried about him catching a cold.

She started massaging his temple, hearing his contented little hums. Her cheeks got a bit pink, but she still scolded him, "You know your head hurts, yet you still drank like a fish?" Theodore nuzzled into her neck, finding a comfy spot. "If I didn't drink, how could I get them to sign the contract?"

Phoebe sighed, recognizing that beneath Theodore's high-flying persona, he was simply a regular guy, albeit one dealing with larger contracts.

After a while, she said, "Let's head upstairs, it's getting chilly in here."

Theodore looked up and saw Phoebe zipping up her down jacket. She got out of the car, walked around to his side, and opened the passenger door.

The underground garage was warm in winter and cool in summer. Phoebe opened the passenger door, and Theodore got a rude awakening from the cold wind.

Phoebe reached out to help him out of the car. Theodore had definitely had one too many tonight, and he was wobbling on his feet. Phoebe locked the car and helped him into the elevator. Theodore's cologne was strong, and Phoebe wrinkled her nose, saying, "I don't really dig the smell on you, it's too much."

Theodore looked down at her, a hint of a smile in his eyes. "Okay, I'll wash it off when we get back."

Phoebe continued, "And don't drink so much next time, it's not good for you."

Theodore nodded in agreement. "Alright, I won't drink anymore."

Phoebe pursed her lips. She knew Theodore was just saying that to make her happy, but she still felt a little warm inside.

Looking at her, Theodore said, "If there's anything else you don't like, just let me know."

Phoebe thought for a moment and replied, "Nothing else."

Theodore frowned slightly. The elevator arrived, and Phoebe helped him out and back to the apartment. She helped him sit on the couch.

Phoebe went to the kitchen to pour a glass of sugar water. When she came back, she saw Theodore leaning against the back of the couch, looking a bit tipsy. She said, "Drink this and then hit the sack." Theodore opened his eyes briefly before closing them again. "Just leave it on the coffee table, I'll drink it later."

Phoebe placed the glass on the coffee table and stood by the couch, watching Theodore for a bit before heading to the kitchen to heat up some medicine.

As she finished heating it, she sensed someone standing at the door. She turned and saw Theodore leaning against the kitchen door. She patted her chest. "You walk so quietly, you scared me." Theodore walked in slowly, looking down at the medicine bag in her hand, frowning. "Phoebe, if you don't like taking medicine, why didn't you say so?"

Phoebe clutched the medicine bag. "I don't really like the taste, but I can deal with it."

"Don't force yourself to do stuff you don't like." Theodore reached out to take the medicine and toss it, but Phoebe stopped him.

She looked at Theodore, not getting why he was suddenly against her taking medicine.

Phoebe shot back, "I'm not forcing myself, I actually want to take it."

That day, in the same spot, Phoebe had chucked all the meds from the fridge into the trash and stomped on them in frustration, just as Theodore walked in. He probably still had some PTSD from that scene, thinking she hated taking medicine.

Theodore stared at her quietly for a long time before saying, "Phoebe, it's okay if we don't have kids. I just want you."

Phoebe was shook to her core.

Theodore continued, "So you don't have to force yourself. If you don't like it, don't take it, okay?"

Phoebe stared at Theodore, trying to figure out which version of him was real. That day, Theodore had choked her neck with hatred, saying she owed him a child. Now, Theodore was saying it was okay not to have kids.

Phoebe shook her head. "It's okay, this medicine is for my health."

Theodore's lips moved, but he didn't say anything more. He put down the glass and said, "I'm gonna take a shower."

Phoebe watched Theodore's back disappear through the kitchen door. She bit open the plastic bag, and the strong smell of the medicine filled her mouth, making her frown. Tomorrow was Christmas Day. When Phoebe walked into the office, she could feel the holiday vibes in the air.

Carol quietly asked Phoebe, "Ms. Ziegler, where you planning to go during the break?"

Phoebe was organizing some documents. The three-day holiday used to be spent working overtime with Theodore, However, this year, Theodore found himself with some rare free time.

Without overtime, Phoebe didn't know where to go.

She replied, "I don't know, where are you going?"

Carol said, "Probably just staying home. These short holidays usually mean crowded tourist spots, so I don't wanna add to the chaos."

"That's true. We could organize a get-together, find a scenic spot for a picnic, that'd be nice too," Phoebe suggested.

Carol looked dejected. She pointed to the heavy snow outside and complained, "My dear Ms. Ziegler, look at the frozen landscape outside. You're dreaming of a scenic spot, but it's more like an icy wasteland."

Phoebe shrugged. "So in this weather, it's best to stay indoors, warm up some wine, watch a couple of movies, and enjoy the coziness. Why make things difficult for yourself?"

Carol agreed wholeheartedly, "That sounds wonderful, Ms. Ziegler. Why don't we come to your place? We've been colleagues for years, but I still don't know where you live."

Phoebe was left momentarily speechless. As she finished organizing the documents, she locked eyes with Carol, who awaited her reply with anticipation. "I'm sorry, but I can't go along with that," Phoebe declared. "This holiday is a precious opportunity for me to relax and unwind."

Carol rolled her eyes. "Got it. Mr. Reynolds monopolizes you all the time, and now he won't even let you go during the holidays."

Phoebe didn't bother to explain. She carried a stack of documents into the CEO's office.

Theodoresat behind his desk, clearly showing the signs of a rough night with a noticeable hangover. Phoebe placed the documents on his desk and said, "These need to be distributed this afternoon. I need your signature." Theodore glanced at her. "What were you and Carol whispering about outside?"

Phoebe placed the urgent documents in front of him and said calmly, "Carol wanted to come to our place, but I said no." Theodore replied, "Let her come. Our home isn't a government office; we don't have that many secrets."

Phoebe was taken aback, then said, "But if they come, we won't be able to hide our relationship anymore. You don't mind?"