Forbidden Passion
Chapter 687 The Illusion of a Family of Three

Phoebe grabbed a box of canned fish, ready to toss it into the shopping basket. Trinity, standing next to her, chimed in, "Mrs. Reynolds, Ollie can't eat that stuff." Phoebe turned, puzzled. "Why not?"

"Didn't Mr. Reynolds tell you? Ollie had a rough time with a gastrointestinal tumor. He can't handle the high protein in canned fish; it's too much for him."

Phoebe froze for a second, then put the canned fish back on the shelf.

She gently stroked Ollie's back, smoothing his fur. "Sorry, I had no idea."

"It's alright." Trinity reached out and scratched Ollie's chin, and he offered her his front paw.

Phoebe glanced at the array of snacks, feeling a twinge of sadness. She licked her dry lips. "Was it really that bad?"

Trinity looked over at Theodore, who was swiping his card nearby, and said, "Yeah, it was pretty serious. There was a typhoon that day. We were supposed to close early, but a dog in the store got sick, and Piper treated it. We didn't finish until two or three in the morning."

"We were about to close when Mr. Reynolds walked in, soaked to the bone, carrying Ollie. That was the first time I saw him look so lost. While Piper worked on Ollie, he stood under the eaves, chain-smoking," Trinity continued. "After a while, he finally got the nerve to call someone. He kept dialing but never said a word. It wasn't until I brought him the surgery consent form that I heard the phone prompt saying the number was out of service."

Phoebe's heart tightened, and she instinctively followed Trinity's gaze to the corridor outside the window. The sunset cast a fiery red glow on the hallway.

She could almost see Theodore at three in the morning, drenched in rain, repeatedly dialing that unreachable number.

Phoebe said hoarsely, "Thanks for telling me."

"You're welcome, Mrs. Reynolds. I still hope Ollie can have a complete family." Trinity seemed to see right through her.

Phoebe looked down at Ollie, who was clawing in her arms, feeling even more guilty. She wasn't sure if it was for Ollie or Theodore.

Trinity added, "Ollie is quite plump. These snack cans aren't good for him, but you can get him some toys."

"Alright," Phoebe replied.

Being called plump again, Ollie bristled, his eyes fierce, even growling a bit.

Trinity just giggled.

Ollie couldn't do anything to Trinity. He buried his head in Phoebe's arms quietly.

Piper got the vaccine ready, and Phoebe carried Ollie over.

Seeing the needle, Ollie quickly wriggled out of Phoebe's arms.

Before he could escape, a large hand grabbed the back of his neck, pinning him firmly on the examination table.

Piper quickly gave Ollie the shot and smiled. "When it comes to catching cats, Mr. Reynolds is the expert."

Phoebe was shocked by Theodore's skillful actions. It was clear he had brought Ollie for shots many times over the past three years.

Phoebe touched her cool neck, looking at the unusually well-behaved Ollie, and the pity she felt for Theodore vanished instantly.

Leaving the pet hospital, Phoebe held the cat, and Theodore had an extra bag of cat toys in his hand.

Feeling like she owed Ollie something, Phoebe couldn't help but want to buy him a ton of toys. If Theodore hadn't stopped her, she might've cleared out the whole shelf.

Jack pulled the car around, took the bag from Theodore, and placed it on the front seat. Phoebe bent down and got in.

Theodore followed her in. As Jack was getting settled, he casually asked, "Want to grab a bite before heading back?"

Phoebe checked the time on her wrist and said, "Let's do dinner another day."

Theodore's lips pressed into a thin line, his face blank. "Got plans?"

Phoebe nodded. "Yeah, we're closer to the Imperial Apartment. Let Jack drop you off first."

They'd spent the whole afternoon at the pet hospital, and everyone there called them Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds, like they were a real family.

Leaving the pet hospital shattered that little illusion.

Phoebe and Theodore were going their separate ways, each heading back to their own place.

Theodore didn't push for details. Whether it was an excuse or not, calling it out wouldn't help either of them.

"Alright," he said.

The car ride was silent. They pulled into the underground parking lot of the Imperial Apartment and stopped by the elevator.

Theodore took Ollie from Phoebe's arms. Before getting out, he said politely, "Ms. Ziegler, thanks for today. I'll pick you up tomorrow night." Phoebe replied, "You're welcome, it's my duty."

Her eyes met Ollie's. The cat seemed to sense something and meowed softly at her.

Theodore got out with Ollie, his long fingers gently stroking the cat's head, smoothing his fur.

He said, "Don't be clingy, Mom's going home. We'll see her next time."

Phoebe was speechless.

Jack handed the bag of cat toys to Theodore. Holding Ollie in one hand and the toys in the other, Theodore watched Phoebe.

She felt a strange sense of guilt. Waving at them, she said, "Go on up, I'm leaving."

"Okay," Theodore replied but didn't move.

Sitting in the driver's seat, Jack saw their reluctant expressions and wanted to ask Phoebe if she wanted to come up for a bit. But he didn't dare. Phoebe rolled up the window and told Jack, "Drive."

Jack had no choice but to start the car and slowly drive away. As they moved, a red Ferrari pulled up behind them.

In the rearview mirror, Phoebe saw the car stop in front of Theodore, and a woman got out. It was Sandra, someone she hadn't seen in a while. Phoebe pressed her lips together, feeling a mix of emotions.

No wonder Theodore didn't invite her up; Sandra was coming.

Phoebe instinctively turned to look back. Theodore, tall and handsome, and Sandra, petite and charming, looked like a perfect match.

The black Maybach turned the corner, leaving Theodore and Sandra behind.

Phoebe turned her gaze forward, feeling a bit of sadness.

She raised her hand to her chest, realizing she'd made a mistake today. She shouldn't have gone to the pet hospital with Theodore. Being called Mrs. Reynolds by everyone there, she almost forgot they were already divorced.