It was late. Theodore held Phoebe as she cried in his arms. The belt around his wrist had come undone.

He kissed her forehead, brow, and eyes, each kiss tender and full of love.

Phoebe’s tears subsided as Theodore gently cradled her face, and they shared a tender kiss. They reclined, with Phoebe resting on top of Theodore, feeling secure in his embrace. “Sleep now, we have to get up early tomorrow,” Theodore said softly.

Phoebe closed her eyes, snuggling into his shoulder. She soon fell asleep.

Theodore listened to her steady breathing, kissed her head, and lay back down, content.

When Phoebe woke up, it was light outside. Theodore was by the window, smoking.

She closed her eyes, recalling last night, then suddenly stiffened and opened them wide.

Theodore heard her change in breathing and knew she was awake. He put out his cigarette and walked to the bed.

Sunlight streamed in, and the curtains fluttered, casting shadows on Theodore’s face.

He sat on the bed’s edge, looking at Phoebe under the covers, and chuckled. “You weren’t shy last night.”

Before he could finish, Phoebe covered his mouth. “Don’t say it,” she snapped, glaring at him.

She remembered crying uncontrollably and felt embarrassed about her actions.

Though things got rough later, she knew she had provoked Theodore.

Theodore’s gaze was intense, a smile tugging at his lips, making her cheeks flush.

‘I must have been out of my mind last night!’ Phoebe thought.

After meeting her unborn baby, she was emotional. Seeing Theodore and smelling his mint scent made her feel secure.

Her emotions had peaked, and something was bound to happen. She just didn’t expect to be so forward.

Theodore leaned in and pecked her lips. “Don’t be shy, I liked it,” he said.

Phoebe was speechless. Suddenly, she pushed him onto the bed, covered his face with the blanket, and ran to the bathroom, closing the door behind her. Theodore’s laughter echoed outside. Her legs went weak, and she almost slid down the wall.

Phoebe grabbed her hair in frustration. ‘It’s over! My reputation!’ she thought.

After showering, she lingered in the bathroom until Theodore knocked and called, “Phoebe, Orlando is urging us to go downstairs. Are you ready?” Phoebe looked in the mirror and reluctantly replied, “Wait a sec.”

If she could, she’d hide in the bathroom forever. What was she thinking last night? Why couldn’t she control herself?

At this point, if she could just tough it out, it would be others who felt awkward!

Phoebe stepped out of the room, noticing Theodore was gone. Her clothes were neatly laid out on the bed, and she felt a mix of relief and slight disappointment. She quickly changed, double-checked the room, and headed downstairs.

Outside, a bus was parked. Orlando was at the front desk checking out, and Theodore waited at the entrance with a bag of steaming food.

As Phoebe approached, Theodore pressed warm milk against her face. She dodged instinctively.

“I got you some milk. Drink it while it’s hot,” he said, handing it to her.

Phoebe took the milk, sipping through the straw as they walked out together.

Theodore’s gaze was softer, still savoring last night’s memories. Phoebe’s rare initiative was something he’d cherish.

Phoebe walked ahead, but the bus steps were high. Her legs wobbled, and Theodore’s hand steadied her waist. She turned to see his smiling eyes, blushing as she glared at him before getting on the bus.

Theodore touched his nose, cleared his throat, and followed her.

The first row was empty. Phoebe glanced back and saw Violet by the window, her face hidden under a hat. Phoebe sat by the window, and Theodore took the seat next to her.

“I have some pastries. They go well with milk. Want to try?” he offered, opening the bag.

The aroma was tempting. “The entire one? I might not finish it,” she said.

“Dig in. If you can’t finish, pass it over to me,” he replied, handing her one.

Phoebe took a bite. “It’s good. Want to try?”

Theodore took a bite from her spot and smiled. “Yeah, it’s good.”

Phoebe was speechless asTheodore never missed a chance to flirt. Her heart warmed, and she continued eating quietly.

Orlando, boarding after checking out, saw them and could hardly believe his eyes.

A few days ago, Theodore and Phoebe barely spoke. Orlando thought their relationship was doomed, but now things had surprisingly turned around. Orlando counted the passengers, and the bus headed towards the highway. Passing the souvenir street, Phoebe looked up.

She saw a familiar figure leaving the silver jewelry store where she and Theodore had bought matching rings last night.

Before she could think more, the bus moved on, leaving the street behind.

A few minutes later, they passed a church. In daylight, it seemed less mysterious.

A veiled woman stood at the entrance. Phoebe looked again, but the woman was gone.

Last night’s events felt like a dream, but Phoebe knew it was real. The guilt from her miscarriage had finally lifted after three years.

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