Forbidden Passion

Chapter 215 Phoebe, What Exactly Constitutes a Lie?

Edward Vanderbilt found himself locked in a tense conversation with Vanessa Fitzroy. "Why resort to such petty jabs, Miss Fitzroy? Had you not departed for Europe so abruptly, perhaps their union would never have transpired," he chided. With a tilt of her head and an innocent expression, Vanessa retorted, "That's hardly fair, Mr. Vanderbilt. Even if I had remained, the frequent encounters between Phoebe and Theodore would have provided ample opportunity for her to ensnare him." Edward's retort was fierce, "I will not stand by while you slander Phoebe."

Vanessa, noticing the transformation of Edward's usually collected demeanor into one burning with anger, raised her hands in a gesture of surrender. "Very well, I shall refrain from speaking ill of her."

Her acquiescence seemed to soften the stern lines of Edward's brow. He had no inclination to prolong this conversation with Vanessa and rose to take his leave.

"Mr. Vanderbilt," Vanessa called out hastily, "Are you truly prepared to let this matter rest?"

Edward's hands clenched into fists at his sides, his knuckles a stark white against his skin. "Whether I am content with the situation or not is none of your concern, Miss Fitzroy." "But I, for one, am not contented!" Vanessa blurted out, her honesty catching him off guard.

Edward, a man who typically kept his thoughts hidden and his emotions deeply buried, was momentarily taken aback by Vanessa's candid admission.

her lament, "We both could have had our happily ever afters. Why are we now alone, burdened with regret?"

Yes, he harbored resentment.

Theodore getting the head start. And now, a deep-seated resentment towards Phoebe festered in

two-decade-long friendship, it paled in comparison to the bond Phoebe had

was a reality he

regret serve now?" Edward asked, his voice barely above a

proposed, "Let's rectify the situation,

straightened his posture. After a lengthy pause, he turned to face her, "What do

quickly turned overcast. The wind was gathering fallen leaves, sending pedestrians

around her waist. She stepped aside and declared, "There's no one around now, we can cease this charade." Theodore's face registered shock, akin to a physical slap across his face. He

her words, 'I like him. I don't want any misunderstandings.' Now,

moment of doubt. But then she remembered the staggering