Forbidden Passion

Phoebe stood next to Harper, feeling puzzled and a bit flattered that Harper had come specifically to see her mother.

"Mr. Ziegler, will you be staying in Kedora permanently?" she asked.

Harper smiled gently, with a hint of nervousness, and said, "Yes, as I get older, I just feel the need to return to my roots."

Phoebe suddenly remembered that Harper had mentioned before that his first wife was also in Kedora. It was very likely that he stayed in Kedora because of her.

"Kedora welcomes you. Have you found your ex-wife?"

Harper's smile faded a bit. "I found her, but I don't know if she wants to see me."

"She definitely wants to see you." Phoebe couldn't help but say, seeing his anxious expression. "Actually, my father was also lost at sea. My mom raised us alone. All these years, she never remarried. Sometimes I would ask her why she didn't find someone while she was still young. She used to say it was because my brother and I were still young, and later she said she was too old to find someone. But I know she was always waiting for my dad."

Harper looked at her, moved. "Did your mother really say that?"

"Yes, my mom was a beauty when she was young. After my dad left, many people pursued her, including those with good family backgrounds, but she refused to remarry. She was afraid they wouldn't treat us well." Phoebe became more emotional as she spoke.noveldrama

Her persistence in romantic relationships probably came from her mother, Evelyn. Harper felt a mix of emotions, both relieved that Evelyn hadn't remarried and saddened that she had waited for him for so many years.

"Your mother has really had a hard time all these years," Harper said.

Phoebe smiled and said, "So you don't need to worry about your ex-wife not forgiving you. Maybe she's been waiting for you too."

"Yes, she's been waiting for me too," Harper sighed deeply.

As they exited the elevator, Phoebe led Harper to Evelyn's hospital room. Just as she was about to knock, Harper suddenly stopped her. "Phoebe, you go in first. I'll come in later."

Phoebe looked at him in surprise. "Do you have something to do?"

"I have an important call to return," Harper said, looking at the closed door, feeling a bit nervous.

During this time, he had been wandering around Lakeview Estates almost every day, but he didn't dare get too close, just watching Evelyn and the kids from a distance.

Last night, he missed an important meeting, and this morning, when he went to Lakeview Estates, he heard she was injured. He quickly found out which hospital she was in.

After rushing over, he didn't dare go upstairs to see her.

It had been over twenty years. Would she still remember him? Would she blame him for not coming back to find her? The more he thought about it, the more he didn't dare go upstairs to see her.

As Phoebe watched him turn to leave, she was about to call out to him when she saw the nurse, Electra Ross, helping Evelyn down the hallway. They ran into each other.

Phoebe quickly went up to them. "Mom, Electra, where did you go?"

"The weather is nice today, so I asked Electra to take me for a walk in the garden. Why are you here so early? I told you to focus on your work. I'm fine here," Evelyn said, her view blocked by Phoebe, not seeing Harper behind her.

But Harper saw her.

He had only seen her from a distance before. This was the first time he had seen her up close. She had aged, with white hair at her temples and wrinkles on her face.

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But to him, she was still so beautiful.

His throat felt dry and constricted, and his feet felt heavy, unable to move. He stared at Evelyn, completely entranced.

Phoebe smiled and said, "I came because there wasn't much to do at the office. Don't worry, I won't neglect my duties. By the way, Mr. Ziegler heard you were injured and came to see you."

Phoebe walked over to Evelyn and introduced her. "Mom, this is Mr. Ziegler."

Evelyn smiled at Harper, but as she looked, her smile slowly froze. She stared intently at the man in front of her. "You are..."

With just one look, Harper knew Evelyn recognized him. His lips trembled with excitement. "Evelyn, it's me, Harper. I'm back."

Evelyn stared at him, the man in front of her dressed in fine clothes, with a refined demeanor. Except for his face, nothing else resembled Harper.

She shook her head. "You're not him. Harper is dead. You're not him."

Phoebe stood by, looking at Evelyn and then at Harper, suddenly recalling Harper's story, which slowly overlapped with her father's.

Could Harper be her father?

Harper hadn't expected her to deny him. He walked over emotionally, trying to hold Evelyn's hand, but she avoided him, leaving him at a loss.

"Evelyn, it's me, Harper. I'm not dead. I'm still alive. I'm sorry I only came back now. I'm sorry," Harper said, full of guilt.

Evelyn kept retreating. The sudden reunion was not a joy but a shock to her. She wasn't mentally prepared for it. Suddenly, her vision went black, and she fainted.

Fortunately, Phoebe had been watching Evelyn's reaction and caught her before she fell, preventing her from hitting the ground.

Phoebe's heart was pounding. "Electra, go get the doctor, quickly."

Electra had no idea what had happened. Seeing Evelyn faint, she followed Phoebe's instructions and quickly went to get the doctor.

Phoebe tried to help Evelyn back to the room, but she couldn't do it alone. Harper stepped forward to help, but she sternly stopped him.

"Don't come near her."

Harper felt a pang in his heart at Phoebe's rejection. He said, "Phoebe, let me help you get your mother inside."

"Thank you, Mr. Ziegler, but I can manage." Phoebe's tone suddenly became distant as she half-carried, half-supported Evelyn into the room.

Harper wanted to help but didn't dare get close. Diana, seeing Harper being rejected, sensibly put down the flowers and fruit basket and ran over to help. Together, they got Evelyn onto the bed. The doctor rushed in and, after a series of checks, said, "The patient was stimulated, causing a sudden spike in blood pressure and fainting. She'll be fine after some rest. However, she also has a mild concussion from a previous fall, so it's best not to stimulate her further during this time." Phoebe quickly said, "Thank you, doctor."

"You're welcome. Take good care of the patient," the doctor said, giving a few more instructions before leaving.

Phoebe stood by the bed, looking at Evelyn, feeling very guilty. Why hadn't she noticed something was wrong earlier? It had been so obvious.

If she had noticed earlier, she wouldn't have brought Harper to her, at least not at such

a special time, causing her to be so shocked by seeing someone she thought was

dead.