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.

with Vanessa that Phoebe let out a derisive laugh. She turned and continued along

stopped at the sight

she saw

dimmed rapidly as she asked wearily,

the pool and came to see you.

black suit, his tall and lean figure exuded an understated elegance,

just his presence displayed an air of

walk,"

walk with you." He took off his suit jacket and draped it over her

the jacket to hand it back, but Edward

heart softened, and her eyes warmed

respectful distance. The setting

had walked shoulder to shoulder with Phoebe at dusk, and he was filled with a profound sense of happiness.

He just tied the knot last month, finished up an eight-year romance with the prom queen," Edward