Phoebe’s words were touching. The boss smiled and said, “You’re really dedicated. Add me on WhatsApp, and we can share gardening tips.”

“Sure, I really want to see it bloom this time.” Phoebe pulled out her phone to scan the boss’s WhatsApp QR code, but Theodore took her phone away. “What are you doing?” Phoebe asked, confused.

“I’ll scan it.” Theodore pulled out his phone and scanned the boss’s QR code. “I’ll handle the communication. She’s busy.”

Trying to add Phoebe on WhatsApp right in front of him? Did he think Theodore was invisible?

The boss and Theodore exchanged a look. The boss’s smile turned awkward, thinking, ‘Theodore’s possessive.’

He packed the cactus and handed it to Theodore. Theodore and Phoebe left the flower shop together. “Want to check out that place? They sell small animals.”

Theodore had called Phoebe to the market, not just for a cactus. He’d been researching relationship tips and found one that stood out.

Couples should build intimacy by raising kids or pets together. Since Phoebe couldn’t have kids right now, they could get a pet.

Raising a pet would boost their intimacy and responsibility. That way, Phoebe wouldn’t leave home so easily.

He wanted a small life to keep her close.

Phoebe rarely visited the market and liked small animals. She said excitedly, “Sure, I always wanted a cat as a kid.”

Theodore asked, “Did you get one?”

Phoebe rarely talked about her childhood. Today, the mood was good, and Theodore was willing to listen. She felt chatty.

“No, my mom wouldn’t allow it.” Phoebe looked a bit sad. “Well, it wasn’t that she wouldn’t allow it. She worked for the Vanderbilt family. Donovan and I lived under their roof. It wouldn’t have been good to cause trouble.” Theodore pursed his lips. Phoebe had been considerate since she was young. She had to restrain herself from liking things.

If she didn’t, it would cause trouble for others.

So Phoebe rarely expressed herself, talked about her past, or asked for anything.

“Wouldn’t Edward allow it either?” Theodore’s tone was awkward, mentioning Edward.

Phoebe was stunned, then smiled. “I was about seven or eight. I envied others with cats but didn’t tell my mom. How would he know?”

Theodore was taken aback, then felt a sweetness. He was the first to know Phoebe wanted a cat as a child.

This exclusive knowledge made him feel good.

“Let’s get a cat,” Theodore said.

Phoebe looked surprised. “Really? We’re both busy. Can we take care of a cat?”

“I’ll take care of it. If you have time, you can play with it. No need to worry,” Theodore added.

Phoebe tilted her head. “Are you sure?”

Theodore was usually sensitive about his space, so wanting a cat was surprising.

Theodore nodded firmly. “Yeah, I’m sure. Let’s check them out. What kind of cat do you want?”

Phoebe replied, “I loved Garfield as a kid. Let’s look for a Garfield cat.”

They walked into the pet store, which had many cat breeds in small cages. Phoebe was immediately intrigued. “Theodore, look at this one! It’s so fat. Does it need to lose weight?” Phoebe’s voice was full of excitement. Theodore glanced at the cat she pointed to, then back at her face. Seeing her so happy made him smile. Seeing Phoebe so simply happy made him feel content.

He wished time could stop at this moment.

Phoebe was like a kid in an amusement park, curious about everything.

The store owner approached. “Looking to get a cat?”

“Yes,” Theodore said. “We’ve never had one. My honey wants a Garfield cat. Any recommendations?”

The store owner noticed Theodore’s warm smile and pampering tone. “Sure, let me show you some.”

Phoebe glanced back at Theodore. Despite her excitement, she couldn’t help but notice his tone when he spoke to her.

Theodore’s words were even more irresistible than the cats.

Phoebe looked at the meowing kittens, thinking she might really be someone who forgets the pain once the wound heals. Just a few days ago, she felt the world was dark, but today, because of Theodore’s actions, it was sunny again. The store owner introduced some common, easy-to-raise breeds and brought out several healthy, cute cats for Phoebe to choose from.

Phoebe squatted in front of the cages, her gaze shifting back and forth. She wanted to take them all home and couldn’t decide.

“They’re all so cute. Theodore, you choose. I can’t decide.” Phoebe closed her eyes in distress.

Theodore squatted beside her, laughing. “So indecisive?”

Phoebe nodded eagerly. “You decide. I’m worried I’ll regret not choosing the others,” she admitted.

Theodore chuckled softly. The tips were right. Phoebe had no resistance to small animals. “The chubby one is cute. Let’s go with that one.”

Phoebe opened her eyes and looked at the remaining three kittens, all with big, watery eyes. Her heart melted, but she knew having four cats wasn’t realistic.

Finally, she stood up with determination and took the kitten from the store owner’s hands. The fluffy feel made her reluctant to let go.

The store owner found the kitten’s vaccination certificate and ID card and gave them a cat cage as a gift.

While Theodore paid, Phoebe was already browsing online for cat trees, cat houses, and cat litter.

Leaving the pet store, Phoebe contentedly held the cat and asked Theodore, “We need to name it, right?”

“What name would you like to bestow upon it?” inquired Theodore.

Making Phoebe name the cat had its purpose. The tips said the first step in building a sense of responsibility was to name the pet.

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