Unchained Desire

Phoebe returned home to a lively living room where the adults were gathered around the table peeling oranges. Hubert, Boris, Noomi, and Ethan were jumping around nearby. Phoebe changed her shoes, placed the snacks on the cabinet, and said, "Looks like it's orange season already, huh?"

"Yes, these were sent by the property management. They said they were picked from some eco-park not far from here. Tomorrow is the weekend, right? I was just telling Ruby that we should take the kids to pick some oranges," Evelyn replied with a smile.

Phoebe took out her phone to check the weather. "It's going to be cloudy tomorrow, and the temperature is quite suitable. Let's do it then. I'll have Guadalupe bring the business car over tomorrow."

Phoebe sent messages to Lori and Guadalupe to arrange the next day's activities. A hoarse voice interrupted her, "I won't be going."

Phoebe looked up to see that it was Ruby speaking. She frowned, "Why is your voice so hoarse? Do you have a cold?"

Ruby avoided Phoebe's gaze, lowered her head, and coughed lightly. "Yeah, my throat felt a bit uncomfortable this morning. I didn't think much of it, but it got worse in the afternoon."