Forbidden Passion

Chapter 40 Who is ill?

Vanessa had been standing behind and to the side of Theodore. From her angle, she caught the half-smile tugging at his lips as he glanced at Phoebe, his eyes free of any displeasure, even seeming somewhat smitten. Her heart seemed to drop straight down into an abyss.

The festive atmosphere in the room made her feel out of place. She hadn't expected that in just three years, Phoebe could have such deep ties with the Reynolds family.

All Vanessa had to cling to was Theodore's affection for her.

But what if Theodore's feelings for her faded? What would she do then?

After watching a few games, Vanessa mentioned she was leaving. Theodore stood up, "Let me take you home."

Lady Reynolds frowned slightly, suggesting, "It's late; it's a hassle to go back and forth. Vanessa, why don't you stay here tonight? It's not often we see you."

Vanessa was taken aback.

that really appropriate? Maybe we could have the

guest rooms; there's space," Lady Reynolds insisted. "Lucy, prepare the room across from Phoebe's wedding suite." With the rooms assigned, no one felt comfortable objecting. Everyone

feelings for Theodore. Inviting her to stay with the Reynolds family sounded

placing her right across from Theodore's marriage suite, seemed like

clenching her hands in her lap, stood and said, "I'll help Lucy, then. If Miss Fitzroy is to stay the night, we

secretly pleased, but said aloud, "Grandma, I don't

"You've come all this way to see me; you're our guest. We can't send you home in the middle of the night. Just do as

invitation wasn't a gesture treating her as a prospective granddaughter-in-law,

her lip, looking over at Theodore with a mix

old lady announced her win with a triumphant "Bingo!" She pushed her cards forward and stood up with the help of the maid,

head to your room, Vanessa. You've got to tell me all about the fun

her while Mrs. Reynolds hurried to catch up with Lady Reynolds, clearly confused. "Mom, can't you see Vanessa still has feelings for Theodore?

doesn't make a move, how can she expect her rival to

sister, mother is actually looking out for Phoebe. Yes, Miss Fitzroy comes from a reputable family, but imagine if Theodore had to take her home in the middle of the