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.

"Mom, is that really appropriate? Maybe we could have the driver

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

Theodore. Inviting her to

across from Theodore's marriage

Lucy, then. If Miss Fitzroy is to stay the night, we can't have her discomforted." With that,

but said aloud, "Grandma, I don't

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

in Vanessa's heart instantly vanished with the smoke. Lady Reynolds' invitation wasn't a gesture treating her as a prospective granddaughter-in-law, but

over at Theodore

his card when the old lady announced her win with a triumphant "Bingo!" She pushed her cards forward and stood up with the help of the maid, "It's

arm around Vanessa, bubbling with excitement. "Let's head to your room, Vanessa. You've

Reynolds, clearly confused. "Mom, can't you

If she doesn't make a move, how

family, but imagine if Theodore had to take her home in the middle of