Forbidden Passion
Chapter 521 A Sexual Implications

Sophia just gawked at Vanessa, who looked totally unhinged. Her heart was racing, and she felt like she could barely catch her breath. She blurted out, "But he doesn't love you."

Vanessa shot back, "Doesn't matter, Mom. Once I start dating him, he'll see how much I love him and realize how awesome I am."

Sophia knew Theodore was a catch, but he was still Phoebe's husband. If Vanessa kept pushing, she'd just be the other woman.

A few days ago, Sophia's health was all over the place, keeping Theodore stuck at the hospital, which had already strained their teacher-student bond. Sophia tried to reason with her, "Vanessa, let it go."

Vanessa's eyes were wild. "No way!"

Sophia's frustration boiled over. "What do you want from me? Are you trying to drive me insane?"

Vanessa stared at Sophia, thinking about how Theodore had been at the hospital, worried about Sophia.

Vanessa begged, "Mom, Theodore listens to you. Help me out. I don't need him to divorce Phoebe. Just let him visit me every few days, and I'll be happy."

Sophia was so mad she couldn't think straight, and the medical equipment started beeping like crazy.

Vanessa freaked out, dropping the knife she was holding. She leaned over the bed, panicking. "Mom, calm down. I can't live without him. Please, have some mercy." Sophia felt like she was suffocating, her vision blurring. Vanessa was crying like a little kid.

Vanessa kept pleading, "I can't go on without him, Mom. Please help me."

Doctors and nurses rushed in, shoving Vanessa aside. They checked Sophia's pupils and heartbeat, jumping into emergency mode.

Vanessa, losing it, covered her face and watched the chaos. She pulled out her phone and called Theodore, tears streaming down her face.

Theodore had just finished eating and was horsing around with Phoebe in the kitchen.

Phoebe was washing dishes, getting splashed by Theodore. She shot him an annoyed look. "Theodore, grow up!"

Theodore loved seeing Phoebe's animated expressions. Her eyes sparkled, and the slight flush of irritation made her even cuter. Theodore teased, "Not a chance."

Phoebe, fed up, put the dish back in the sink, took off her gloves, and splashed water at Theodore. "Bring it on. Who's down?" Theodore dodged quickly, but some water still hit his sweater, soaking in.

He rolled up his sleeves with a grin. "Alright, let's see who's the real coward."

Phoebe splashed more water at him. He didn't dodge, splashing water back at her. They were having a blast, neither backing down.

"Let's see where you run." Before he could finish, Theodore splashed water on Phoebe's face. She stood there, stunned, water dripping from her face and chin. Phoebe's mouth dropped open, staring at Theodore in disbelief.

Theodore saw her hair sticking to her cheeks, looking a mess. He couldn't stop laughing and said, "Oops, my bad."

Phoebe was furious at his attitude!

She darted to the faucet, grabbed a freshly washed dish, and filled it with water, ready to give Theodore a taste of his own medicine.

Seeing the impending splash, Theodore quickly ran over, grabbing her hand with the dish, chuckling. "Phoebe, I messed up. Don't be mad." He still looked totally insincere!

Phoebe struggled. "Oh, you're gonna regret this today."

Theodore suddenly kissed her on the lips and said, "Alright, truce."

Phoebe was caught off guard by the kiss and couldn't keep up the fight. Her anger melted away, replaced by a sudden warmth in her heart. She let Theodore take the dish from her hand.

Theodore's wet fingers slid down Phoebe's wrist, intertwining with hers in a tender gesture.

"Your clothes are soaked. Go take a hot shower so you don't catch a cold." Theodore's words sounded innocent but had a hint of something more. Phoebe's ears turned bright red. She let him lead her out of the kitchen, with Ollie running around them.

Her heart was pounding.

As they reached the bedroom door, Theodore's phone rang. He pulled it out, and Phoebe saw the caller ID: Vanessa.

Phoebe frowned and quickly pulled her hand away. "I'm going to take a shower."

"Phoebe." Theodore watched her walk away. He licked his lips and answered the call.

Vanessa's panicked voice came through. "Theodore, what do I do? My mom's condition suddenly got worse, and the doctors are trying to save her. It's all my fault for not taking good care of her." Vanessa was crying hysterically, sounding desperate and helpless, making it hard for Theodore to ignore.

He said, "Vanessa, don't panic. I'll be right there."

Vanessa's lips curled into a smile. She looked at the chaotic hospital room and said pitifully, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have called you, but I didn't know who else to turn to."

Theodore's tone was gentle. "It's okay. I'll hang up now."

In the bathroom, Phoebe stood under the showerhead, hot water pouring over her. She tilted her head back, letting the water wash over her face.

The laughter from her water fight with Theodore still echoed in her ears, but Vanessa's call had already put a distance between them.

Phoebe raised her hand to wipe the water from her face. After a while, she turned off the shower and dried herself with a towel.

Wrapped in a bathrobe, she walked out, surprised to see Theodore sitting at the foot of the bed, idly scrolling through his phone. He had already changed his clothes. Phoebe was a bit surprised he hadn't left yet.

Theodore looked up, his gaze unintentionally sweeping over her long, slender legs. His Adam's apple bobbed slightly.

Theodore spoke, "Sophia's condition has worsened. I need to go to the hospital."

Phoebe tightened her grip on the towel, pretending not to care. "If you need to go, just go. You don't have to tell me." Theodore frowned. "Do you want to come with me?"

"What?" Phoebe thought she had misheard.

Theodore looked straight into her eyes and said, "We might be there for a while. If you're tired, I'll go alone."

Phoebe hadn't expected Theodore to invite her. What did he mean? Wasn't he afraid she would interfere with his thing with Vanessa?

Phoebe replied, "I'll go."

A hint of warmth appeared in Theodore's eyes. He looked at Phoebe's wet hair and said, "Dry your hair first. No rush; I'll wait for you."