Theodore had Phoebe in a tight grip, making it impossible for her to move, even to turn her neck.

He leaned in close, his voice low and raspy, sending a shiver down her ear.

Then, out of nowhere, Theodore sniffed her.

Phoebe thought, ‘What is he doing, sniffing me like that? Like a dog or something.’

After a few seconds, Theodore frowned. “Why do you smell like another man? It’s gross.”

It was Rainforest Mist, Edward’s usual scent. Theodore knew it well from over three years ago when Phoebe and Edward were still together.

Back then, Phoebe was Theodore’s intern secretary.

One day, in the restroom, a colleague asked Phoebe about her perfume. Theodore remembered her saying, “It’s my boyfriend’s, Rainforest Mist. He loves this brand.” That day, Theodore paid special attention to the scent. It was light and cool, just like now.

Phoebe couldn’t smell it on herself, but she could smell Theodore’s sharp, minty aroma, masking the hospital’s disinfectant smell.

Theodore’s scent was as strong as his presence.

Phoebe thought, ‘Can’t you take the towel out of my mouth?’

Theodore lay back down but got more agitated. He suddenly sat up, threw off the covers, and walked to the door with a cane, looking like a general with a broken leg. Phoebe tried to lift her head but couldn’t. She thought, ‘Did Theodore get brain damage in the desert? Why is he acting so weird?’

When Theodore went out, the bodyguards at the door straightened up. Even Lawton, who was dozing, stood up. “Mr. Reynolds.”

Theodore pressed his lips together. “Did you see her with anyone at the airport?”

The bodyguards exchanged glances.

Lawton stayed silent.

Lawton didn’t want to say anything but asked the bodyguards how they brought Phoebe from the airport. He was nervous. “Mr. Reynolds, are you sure you want to know?” Lawton had seen how Theodore reacted to Edward’s name. Knowing Phoebe had returned with Edward would make him furious.

Theodore frowned at Lawton.

Lawton thought, ‘Alright, you asked for it. Don’t blame me.’

Lawton said, “She was with Edward. They probably ran into each other at Starfall City airport and took the same flight. Edward was in Montgomery for a week before transferring to Starfall City.” Theodore’s face darkened. “It really is, Edward!”

Rainforest Mist was discontinued years ago. Its unique scent was easily recognizable.

Lawton said, “Mr. Reynolds…”

“Get me a bottle of disinfectant with a spray nozzle,” Theodore cut off Lawton in a deep voice.

Seeing Theodore’s dark expression, Lawton didn’t hesitate. He quickly borrowed some medical disinfectant from a nurse and handed it to Theodore.

Theodore took the disinfectant and headed back to the hospital room. Just before closing the door, he said, “Don’t stand guard at the door. Rest.” Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and left.

Theodore locked the door behind him.

Phoebe heard the lock click and felt her heart race. She saw Theodore limping towards her.

His face was dark, and his usually cold eyes were now filled with anger, scaring Phoebe.

Theodore yanked off the covers.

Though still clothed, Phoebe shivered from the sudden chill. She stared at Theodore, thinking, ‘What is he planning?’

Theodore suddenly smiled and sprayed her all over with disinfectant.

Phoebe thought, ‘He’s being so childish. What is he doing?’

She closed her eyes as the strong smell of disinfectant made her nauseous, holding her breath.

Once the disinfectant masked the Rainforest Mist scent, Theodore put the bottle on the bedside table and lay back down, pulling the soaking-wet Phoebe into his arms. The strong disinfectant smell made Theodore sneeze several times. He then bit down hard on Phoebe’s ear.

Phoebe trembled in pain.

After venting his anger, Theodore released her ear. Seeing the teeth marks on her earlobe, the pain in his chest didn’t lessen much.

He leaned over and licked the teeth marks.

Phoebe shivered again. She couldn’t understand Theodore’s erratic emotions-one moment he wanted to hurt her, the next he was gentle.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window. Phoebe vaguely heard people talking.

When she opened her eyes, she saw several doctors around the bed. They stared at her as she woke up.

‘What is this?’ Phoebe thought.

She quickly sat up and realized the ropes binding her were gone. She saw Theodore sitting next to her, watching her intently. Phoebe felt helpless.

“I feel like I’ve slept for a long time,” she said.

The doctors were surprised to see a family member asleep while attending to a patient for the first time. Fortunately, the VIP room bed was big enough for two adults. Theodore cleared his throat, drawing all attention. “When can I be discharged?”

The attending doctor said, “Mr. Reynolds, we recommend you stay another half month to recover fully.”

Theodore turned to Phoebe, who looked uncomfortable. “Do you hear that? Your chance to repay your debt has come.”

Phoebe stayed silent.

After the doctors left, Phoebe quickly jumped out of bed, distancing herself from it. She warily stared at Theodore. “When did you untie me?”

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