Forbidden Passion
Chapter 602 He Was Truly Damned

Theodore was totally wrecked, wanting to pull her back into his arms and make everything okay. But the second he moved, Phoebe let out this blood-curdling scream, like he was about to smack her or something. Boom! All the lights in the villa flicked on. The servants and bodyguards downstairs heard the screams and started giving each other these worried looks. Should they go check it out?

What if Theodore was actually hurting Phoebe and things got out of hand?

But no one had the guts to go up. They just stood there, listening to her screams echo through the cold night.

Theodore was beat, scared Phoebe might hurt herself. Ignoring her pushing him away, he yanked her into his arms. "Phoebe, chill out. It's okay, don't be scared. The bad guys are gone. You're safe now!" he said, trying to calm her down. Phoebe kept shaking, clutching Theodore's shirt like a lifeline. Her nails dug into his chest, leaving deep red marks. Theodore stayed up comforting Phoebe until almost dawn when she finally crashed into a deep sleep. Staring at her peaceful face, Theodore couldn't sleep. He kicked himself for not saving her sooner.

If he had gotten to her earlier, she would have suffered less and wouldn't have such severe psychological trauma.

He got out of bed, tucked her in, threw on his robe, and stepped out.

Standing in the hallway, he called up a buddy from his psych class, explaining what went down with Phoebe.

His friend thought for a moment and said, "You said she was fine at the hospital, eating and sleeping okay, but started freaking out at night after coming home?" "Yeah."

His friend continued, "PTSD usually kicks in a few days after the event, especially in a new place with strangers. It can really mess with her head."

"Damn it!" Theodore cursed himself. He thought bringing her back to a place with good memories would help her chill.

He never thought the new environment would freak her out.

"So, what do I do now?" Theodore asked.

His friend suggested, "Keep an eye on her for a few days. If it doesn't get better, move back to your usual spot or bring her to my office for some counseling." Theodore clenched his fist, staring at the closed bedroom door. "I'll give it two more days. If it doesn't work, I might need you to come over." "Got it!"

After hanging up, Theodore lit a cigarette, taking a slow drag, his Adam's apple bobbing.

Sunlight streamed in, making his tall figure look even more worn out.

Theodore went downstairs, fired the new bodyguards and servants, and called Taylor to bring Riley over.

He figured having familiar faces around might help Phoebe.

But Phoebe didn't get any better. During the day, she was fine, eating and sleeping like normal, but at night, the screaming started again.

Feeling helpless, Theodore was at his wit's end. In just a few days, Phoebe had put on weight, while the stress had left Theodore looking gaunt.

When Theodore's psychologist buddy Yandel Douglas showed up, he saw the stark difference between Phoebe and Theodore and almost thought Theodore was the one needing help.

Riley served Yandel some tea and then went upstairs to bring Phoebe down.

Phoebe seemed totally normal during the day. If Riley hadn't heard her screaming at night, she would've thought it was all just a bad dream.

Theodore, dressed in a black shirt and tie, patted the seat next to him. "Phoebe, come sit here."

Phoebe obediently walked over and sat down, eyeing the well-dressed Yandel across from her. "Mr. Reynolds, who's this guy?"

Theodore felt a stab in his heart.

Since coming back to West Mountain Villas, Phoebe had only called him Mr. Reynolds, all polite and distant.

Before Theodore could say anything, his buddy introduced himself. "Mrs. Reynolds, hey there. I'm Theodore's classmate, Yandel Douglas. You can call me Dr. Douglas." Phoebe's eyes flickered. "Dr. Douglas?"

Yandel gave her a gentle smile. "No need to be nervous. I was just passing by and thought I'd check in on you."

Theodore, worried Phoebe might freak out knowing he called a shrink, added, "Yeah, we haven't seen each other in ages. He was nearby, so I invited him over." Phoebe nodded, thinking it over. "I'm kinda hungry, and my throat hurts."

"I made some soup. I'll get you a bowl. You chat with Dr. Douglas first," Theodore said, getting up to leave.

Phoebe quickly grabbed his wrist. Theodore looked down, seeing the worry in her eyes. He gently patted her head. "It's okay. I'll be right back."

Watching Theodore disappear into the kitchen, Phoebe slowly turned her gaze back to Yandel, who had been watching her.

Yandel asked, "Mrs. Reynolds, do you remember what happened after you were kidnapped?"

Phoebe stared right at Yandel, not looking away. "Of course, I remember. I was drugged on the side of the road and later locked in a room. When I woke up, my hands were tied, and I was hanging in the air, with only my toes touching the ground."

She continued, "Do you know what that's like? I got tired of standing on tiptoe and wanted to rest, but the rope around my wrists would cut into my flesh. Do you know that kind of pain? You don't, because besides that, I was also beaten by the kidnappers until I was covered in bruises. My eyes were blindfolded, so I couldn't see anything, but I could feel the blood seeping from my wounds, trickling down my legs, and dripping from my toes to the ground." The sound of something breaking came from the kitchen.

Phoebe and Yandel both looked towards the noise and saw Theodore standing there, pale as a ghost.

Yandel quickly turned back to Phoebe, catching a fleeting emotion before she went back to her indifferent state.

Riley rushed out of the kitchen, seeing Theodore standing among the broken pieces of porcelain. She anxiously checked his feet.

Seeing that Theodore wasn't hurt, she sighed in relief.

Riley said, "Theodore, get another bowl of soup. I'll clean this up."

Theodore didn't move. He looked at Phoebe, his lips trembling. Even though he had seen her suffering firsthand, hearing her recount it was still unbearable.

How could he forgive himself?

While Phoebe was fighting for her life, he was caught up with his bond with Sophia and Vanessa's identity as Mia, failing to save Phoebe from the start.

He was truly damned!

Riley cleaned up the broken pieces and brought out another bowl of soup. Theodore and Yandel were no longer in the living room, leaving Phoebe sitting there, lost in thought.