Phoebe made her exit from the sunroom, her steps unceasing until she was safely out of Mrs. Reynolds’ watchful gaze.

The elderly woman observed Phoebe’s retreating figure until it vanished from sight, then let out a sigh. Heavy with conflict, her heart ached for her granddaughter-in-law, yet she couldn’t bring herself to be overly harsh on her grandson. She had chosen to let them work out their issues independently, a decision she was uncertain was right or wrong.

*

Phoebe traced a path down to the lakeside. In Kedora, the sunset always arrived prematurely due to its time zone. The sun, now a glowing amber orb, hung low between the hills.

Her slender figure was exaggerated by the setting sun as she stood by the water’s edge. The lake’s shimmering surface mirrored the fading daylight. The lilies had wilted, and she found herself wondering what had held Theodore and Vanessa’s attention for so long the previous night.

After standing until her legs grew numb, she finally allowed herself to sit on the cool grass by the water’s edge.

A steady rhythm of approaching footsteps reached her ears, but she didn’t turn to look. Hugging her knees, she spoke with a hint of sarcasm, “Don’t worry, I’m not going to jump in.”

Theodore remained silent for a moment before settling down beside her.

The golden light of the sinking sun bathed her, accentuating her fragility. The veins in her delicate neck were visible against her fair skin. They both remained silent, watching as the sun disappeared below the horizon.

As darkness descended and the lakeside air turned chilly, Theodore rose swiftly and extended a hand towards her, “Come on, let’s go back.” Phoebe remained seated, unmoving.

Theodore bent down to take her hand, but she skillfully evaded his grasp. Her voice was laced with annoyance, “Can’t you just leave me alone?”

His hand froze mid-air; he clenched his jaw, and through gritted teeth, he retorted, “No!”

Phoebe spun around, her eyes ablaze as she confronted him. “Theodore, aren’t you tired of juggling two women? You like Vanessa, don’t you? Go find her and stop wasting your time on me.” His usually charming eyes narrowed, a cold, dark expression clouding his gaze.

“Phoebe, do you really think pushing me off on someone else will set you free? Dream on. I’ve told you, even if I love someone else, you’re not getting rid of me,” Theodore shot backwith icy cruelty. Phoebe was seething, biting her lip hard to keep the tears at bay. Crying was a sign of weakness.

“You’re really something else,” she snapped bitterly, pushing herself to her feet. Her weakened body,, suddenly succumbing to the darkness, and she stumbled trying to gain her footing. Theodore reacted quickly, catching her in his arms.

As the dizziness subsided, Phoebe realized she was in his embrace and struggled once more, “I don’t want you to hold me, put me down!” Her resistance deeply wounded Theodore’s pride.

A storm of anger swept over him, and he lost his grip on reason. Pinning her against a nearby willow tree, he silenced her incessant protests with a kiss. Phoebe’s struggles abruptly ceased.

Theodore had only intended to quiet her, to stop the words that fueled his anger. But her lips were infuriatingly sweet, and he found himself wanting more! He placed a hand behind her head, refusing to let her struggle or escape…

Phoebe was paralyzed with shock, her dark eyes wide with a bewildered and helpless look that set his heart aflame.

He was no longer content with mere kisses; he wanted more, much more…

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