Forbidden Passion

Chapter 228 Aren't Women Just Accessories to Men?

In the kitchen, Vanessa watched Theodore deftly chopping potatoes into neat, small pieces, feeling an acute twinge of discomfort in her chest.

Just the phrase "your wife" from Mrs. Reynolds' lips could dissipate all of her good spirits. She really knew how to hit her where it hurt.

"Theodore, you've got some impressive knife skills. I didn't know you could cook," she said.

Without looking up, he replied, "Picked it up during my time studying abroad, but I hardly ever use it."

"Oh," Vanessa leaned against the countertop, contemplating how, since they had made their relationship official, they seemed to be constantly drifting apart.

The year Theodore turned eighteen, he was sent off to the military for some toughening up by Brandon and then left the country for further education. Vanessa had always strived to keep pace with him, only to find him moving further and further away.

Anxiety plagued her heart. After much struggle, she secured a spot as an exchange student only to find that Theodore ended his studies abroad early and returned to the country, just missing each other once again.

It was this missed connection that triggered her meltdown, making her feel as if Theo didn't love her, as his future and his choices never seemed to take her into account.

the pursuit. She realized that loving someone wasn't just about giving. She needed

was fatally flawed. Not only did it fail to gauge the depth of

you go back to, and what would you change?" Vanessa asked

paused their potato chopping. When would

you?" he deflected without

unfazed by his counter-question, had not really expected an answer. "Three years ago, I guess. I definitely wouldn't

pressed tightly together. "So, you regret that

Did she regret it?

all alone in a foreign country and received the news that he was going to marry Phoebe, it felt

with a bouquet of fiery red roses, to personally promise they would never be

what she ultimately received was the crushing news of him marrying someone else. How could she not feel bitter

"I..." she started.

and as Vanessa locked eyes with him, she saw her own reflection in the dark brown of his

have no regrets. In these past three years, I've been true to myself. I've competed on the international stage and triumphed at

a hint of admiration, "Vanessa, I always hope that you'll be true to yourself, never just an accessory to