Unchained Desire

Phoebe returned home to find everyone still awake. Ruby had just brought out a fruit platter, and Hubert, Boris, Noomi, and Ethan were standing by the coffee table eating fruit. "You're back, Phoebe! Come over and have some fruit. Ruby bought it, and it's really fresh," Evelyn called out to Phoebe.

Phoebe walked over with her bag. Hubert, Boris, and Noomi each speared a piece of fruit and offered it to her. She bent down and ate each piece without missing a beat. Ethan followed behind Hubert, Boris, and Noomi, holding an apple. He hesitated, looking at Phoebe, wanting to feed her but too shy to approach.

Phoebe squatted down and waved him over. "Ethan, come here."

Encouraged, Ethan ran over and held the apple up to her mouth. "Auntie Phoebe, have an apple. It's really sweet." "Okay," Phoebe said, taking a bite and chewing. She smiled and said, "It is really sweet. Go play with them."

Ethan shyly ran back to join Hubert, Boris, and Noomi in eating fruit.

Phoebe sat down on the sofa. Evelyn glanced at her. "You look exhausted. Did that boss give you a hard time?"

"Not really. He seemed quite imposing at first, but once I got to know him, he turned out to be pretty easygoing," Phoebe replied.

Evelyn nodded. "Even if he seems easygoing, don't let your guard down. He's still a boss, so you need to stay sharp."