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.

ever afters. Why are we now alone, burdened with

Yes, he harbored resentment.

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

it paled in comparison to the bond Phoebe had forged with Theodore in a mere three

was a reality he

serve now?" Edward asked, his

proposed, "Let's rectify the situation, return everyone to their rightful

lengthy pause, he turned to face her, "What do

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

wrapped 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 stared at Phoebe,

moments ago, he had been elated by her words, 'I like him. I don't want any misunderstandings.' Now, he was left with a stinging sense of

flawless face, experienced a fleeting moment of doubt. But then she remembered