Chapter 40
Vanessa bit her lip in frustration. "Dad, I know what I'm doing. I will never give up on Theodore!" Her face was full of determination as she locked eyes with her father.
James clutched his chest and pointed down the hallway. "In that case, you can leave right now. I don't want your mom waking up and getting even more upset!"
Tears streamed down Vanessa's face as she glanced back at Sophia, who was lying in the hospital bed with an oxygen mask on. Sophia was still unconscious, and her face seemed even more haggard under the mask.
Aside from her obsession with Theodore, Vanessa was actually an excellent woman. She truly loved Sophia and James. It broke her heart to see Sophia so sick. But when it came to Theodore, she wasn't budging.
"I've already missed him once; I don't want to miss him a second time. Dad, please forgive my selfishness. I really love him." Vanessa bowed deeply to James after speaking, then turned and walked out, ignoring his expression.
She had only taken a couple of steps when she stopped, staring blankly at Theodore standing in the hallway.
When did Theodore arrive? Had he heard her confession of love just now?
Vanessa's face turned res as she looked at Theodore with a straightforward and passionate gaze.
"Theodore."
Theodore didn't look at Vanessa but went straight to James, peering through the glass at Sophia in the ICU.
"James, I spoke with Dr.Smith. Sophia's condition isn't serious. She'll wake up once the anesthesia wears off, and if all goes well, she'll be moved to a regular ward soon. Don't worry," Theodore said gently.
James turned his head, his expression complex. He admired Theodore and thought he was the best choice for Vanessa's husband. Unfortunately, Theodore and Vanessa hadn't ended up together finally.
James sighed, "Thank you. I'm sorry for calling you to the hospital when you're so busy. Sophia is proud to have a student like you. If you're busy, you can go. I'll call you when she wakes up."
Theodore stood by the window for a moment before saying, "Alright. James, you're too kind. If it weren't for Sophia's guidance back then, I wouldn't be where I am today. I won't disturb you any longer. Call me anytime if you need anything; I'm always here to help!"
Theodore headed out, Vanessa right behind him. The sun beat down on them as they left the hospital.
Vanessa looked at Theodore's attractive profile, feeling nervous, hopeful, and uneasy. "Theodore, did you hear what I said to my dad just now?"
Theodore turned his head to look at her but didn't answer the question. "You've been at the hospital all night. Let me take you home to rest."
"Theodore!" Vanessa grabbed Theodore's arm. "You heard it, didn't you? Those were my true feelings. My love for you has never changed! I spent three years abroad, afraid to come back because I feared everything would be different. But I couldn't forget you no matter what. I came back this time just to tell you, I love you, and I want to be with you!"
Theodore's gaze gradually became stern. "Vanessa."
Vanessa suddenly threw herself into his arms. "Theodore, you don't need to say anything. I'm not telling you this to get an answer from you. I just want you to know how I feel."
Theodore pressed his lips, and the sternness in his eyes quickly faded. Vanessa's intense and passionate emotions moved him, but it was just that—he was moved. Their relationship had ended when they broke up years ago, so why bring up the past now?
"Let's go. I'll take you home." Theodore gently pushed Vanessa away by her shoulders and turned to walk toward the parking lot.
Vanessa followed closely behind, tears tracing paths down her cheeks.
Theodore opened the car door with a stern expression and looked back at her. "Get in the car."
Vanessa choked up but ultimately let reason prevail. She didn't continue to pester him and got into the car.
Jack dropped Phoebe and Evelyn off at Golden Apartment. It was a newly built complex, only a couple of years old. With the sky-high property prices here, Phoebe's salary could never afford it.
The apartment was bought by Theodore for Evelyn after their marriage, back when Evelyn was still living with the Vanderbilt Mansion.
After Phoebe's miscarriage, Theodore didn't want Phoebe and Evelyn to have any more contact with the Vanderbilt family, so he gave an apartment to Evelyn, and she moved out. Theodore rarely visited Evelyn after that, so Phoebe also seldom came back here over the years.
Phoebe helped Evelyn inside, and then she went to the kitchen to pour her a glass of water. Evelyn sat on the sofa, looking lonely in the spacious apartment. Her heart swelled with warmth as she watched Phoebe bustle about.
"When is Donovan coming back?" Phoebe asked casually while taking out her phone to order groceries.
Evelyn's eyelids drooped as if she hadn't slept well the night before.
"Around Christmas, I guess. He's on a business trip to Starfall City. I don't know why his boss sent him to such a remote place."
Phoebe's heart skipped a beat. Starfall City was a famous gambling city. Thinking of Donovan's vices, Phoebe felt a bit uneasy.
When Phoebe fall silent, Evelyn coughed lightly and said, "We will go see the doctor after lunch. Wear my clothes to avoid being recognized."
Phoebe bit her lip, worried that Evelyn might be faking illness again, but she nodded reluctantly.
Phoebe didn't go to the office today and had been receiving calls all morning. She finally had time to call John and assign some work to him. After lunch, she and Evelyn went to the hospital.
They arrived early, so there weren't many people. After a short wait, it was their turn.
The doctor asked Phoebe some questions after examining her, and Phoebe truthfully shared her past medical results.
The doctor pondered for a few seconds and said, "You need to get your body in better shape first. Medication might not be effective right now. I'll prescribe some supplements for you. Once your health improves, we can discuss treatment."
Evelyn was anxious, asking, "Doctor, when will my daughter be able to conceive?"
The doctor gave Evelyn a stern look. "Your daughter's condition is special. We need to treat her illness first. As for when she can conceive, it depends on her recovery."
Evelyn's face fell, and her eyes dimmed a bit.
After getting the medication, Evelyn reminded Phoebe, "You need to take your medicine on time and get healthy as soon as possible. If you get pregnant by Theodore within the next year, he'll definitely fall back in love with you."
Phoebe sighed, "Mom, you're putting a lot of pressure on me."
Besides, could having a baby really solve the issues between her and Theodore?
It was possible. After all, Theodore had been missing the lost baby for the past two years. If she gave him a child, maybe he would finally let her go. The thought of this possibility made Phoebe willing to give it a try.
"If you had started treatment two years ago, the baby might be running around by now," Evelyn said angrily. "Now, just take your medicine on time. No wealthy family will accept a woman who can't have children."
Phoebe rolled her eyes and walked toward the street, not wanting to hear Evelyn's endless nagging.
As Evelyn and Phoebe crossed the street, a red sports car sped past them. Inside was the woman who had schemed against Phoebe at the airport, causing her to be trampled.
