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.

As she watched his retreating figure, Vanessa voiced her lament, “We both could have had our happily ever afters. Why are we now alone, burdened with regret?” Edward’s gaze dropped, concealing a momentary flash of resentment.

Yes, he harbored resentment.

In the past, he resented the cruel hand of fate,he resented Theodore getting the head start. And now, a deep-seated resentment towards Phoebe festered in his heart.

Despite their two-decade-long friendship, it paled in comparison to the bond Phoebe had forged with Theodore in a mere three years.

It was a reality he found hard to accept.

“What purpose does regret serve now?” Edward asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Vanessa, sensing his faltering resolve, proposed, “Let’s rectify the situation, return everyone to their rightful places, and start anew.”

Edward straightened his posture. After a lengthy pause, he turned to face her, “What do you suggest we do?”

Meanwhile, outside a Starbucks, the once bright and sunny morning had quickly turned overcast. The wind was gathering fallen leaves, sending pedestrians scurrying by in haste.

Phoebe abruptly detached herself from Theodore’s arm, which had been securely 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, incredulous. “Charade?”

Just 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 betrayal.

Phoebe, observing the clear astonishment on Theodore’s flawless face, experienced a fleeting moment of doubt. But then she remembered the staggering amount he had invested for Vanessa’s sake. If that wasn’t love, what was?

She steeled herself, forcing a scornful smile. “Indeed, we have been giving quite the performance, haven’t we? A performance for the family, for Vanessa, for Edward.”

Theodore’s expression darkened with anger, mirroring the stormy sky above.

Phoebe took a step forward, her eyes brimming with pain but her demeanor resolute. “Why bother? No matter how convincing the act, a lie will never change what the truth is. Theodore, you got the commitment you desired. I won’t associate with Edward anymore.”

Theodore’s pupils contracted as he watched her turn to leave. He reached out, seized her wrist, and spun her against the wall, trapping her there with his imposing figure.

“Phoebe,” he demanded, his voice a low growl, “what exactly is a lie?”

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