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

fatally flawed. Not only did it fail to gauge the depth of Theodore's affection for her, but it also led to her

time, when would you go

chopping. When would he want

you?" he deflected without

answer. "Three years ago, I guess. I definitely wouldn't board that plane

pressed tightly together.

Did she regret it?

that he was going to marry Phoebe, it

her, to propose with

received was the crushing news of him marrying someone else. How

"I..." she started.

saw her own reflection in the

heart gave a lurch; the words "I regret it" halted at her lips, transforming instead into, "I have no regrets. In these past three years, I've been true to myself. I've competed on the international

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