Forbidden Passion

Chapter 23 Torn between two realities

A gust of wind rushed by Phoebe as Theodore strode past her, moving with such speed that she was knocked to one side.

Already frail, Phoebe stumbled back against the rough bark of a tree, a sharp pain shooting through her back.

Her complexion grew even paler as she steadied herself against a willow, only to look up and see Theodore crouching in front of Vanessa. Phoebe watched the scene unfold with a cold detachment, feeling like a fool out of place.

Vanessa was manipulative and deceitful, but it was effective. Seeing Theodore's worried expression, Phoebe knew she was utterly defeated. "Theodore, it hurts so much," Vanessa whined, seemingly fragile and petite in his presence, far from the dazzling force she portrayed to the world. And the man fell for it every time.

A sharp stone had cut her palm, blood gushing forth a slight furrow of her brow enough to elicit his sympathy.

"Just hang in there, I'll take you to the doctor."

He helped Vanessa to her feet and, glancing at Phoebe standing coldly aside, he said firmly, "Go back to your room, I'll come to check on you later." Phoebe turned away, ignoring his words.

wasn't until Theodore left with Vanessa that Phoebe let out a derisive laugh. She turned

stopped at the sight of

she

eyes dimmed rapidly as she asked wearily, "What are you doing

came to see you. You're

suit, his tall and lean figure exuded an understated

undeniably distinguished, just

rather walk," Phoebe

He took off his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders

it back, but Edward gently pressed her shoulders, "Keep it on, you

and her eyes warmed

together along the lake, maintaining a respectful distance. The setting sun filtered through the buildings, stretching their shadows long on the

years, this was the first time he had walked shoulder to shoulder with Phoebe at dusk, and he was filled with

remember our high school's class president, Zach? He just tied the knot last month, finished up an eight-year romance with the prom queen,"