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.

really appropriate? Maybe we could have the driver

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

was clear to see, Vanessa still harbored feelings for Theodore. Inviting her to stay with the Reynolds

across from Theodore's marriage suite, seemed like

her lap, stood and said, "I'll help Lucy, then. If Miss Fitzroy is

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

way to see me; you're our guest. We can't send you home in the middle of the

fleeting joy in Vanessa's heart instantly vanished with the smoke. Lady Reynolds' invitation wasn't a gesture treating her as a

her lip, looking over at Theodore with a mix of hope

card when the old lady announced her win with a triumphant "Bingo!" She pushed her cards forward and stood up with the

bubbling with excitement. "Let's head to your room, Vanessa.

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

"If she's heartbroken, she should be proactive. If she doesn't

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 night... If sparks fly... Of course, Theodore's character might prevent him from crossing a line, but