Forbidden Passion

As soon as Phoebe stepped into the vehicle, she was immediately aware that Theodore was not the sole occupant. The overpowering scent of Vanessa's signature floral perfume pervaded the air, a fragrance she was all too familiar with. Casting a glance towards the backseat, Phoebe's suspicions were confirmed. Vanessa lay sprawled out, a faint hint of alcohol mingling with her perfume. Phoebe's brow furrowed in confusion."Is Miss Fitzroy drunk?" Phoebe inquired, her gaze shifting to Theodore.He offered her a brief glance and a curt "Yes," before diverting the conversation. "Why are you out so late?"Phoebe's eyes flickered to the car's built-in PC, the time glaring back at her. It was 12:45 in the morning. She had left the mansion at ten, not expecting her aimless wanderings to consume nearly three hours."I lost track of time," Phoebe responded, careful not to reveal that she had been waiting for him. She didn't want to appear desperate.Theodore remained silent as he maneuvered the car into the parking lot. Once parked, they both exited the vehicle. Theodore then moved to the backseat to assist the inebriated Vanessa.Originally, Theodore had intended to escort Vanessa back to her apartment. However, he couldn't bear to leave her alone in her current state, especially considering she had no one to look after her. Coupled with the fact that they were on the city outskirts, a round trip would consume four hours. Therefore, he opted to bring her back to the mansion."Phoebe, lock the car," he instructed. Without hesitation, Phoebe complied, taking the keys from Theodore, securing the vehicle, and watching as he carried Vanessa into the mansion. Her emotions were a whirlwind.Theodore hadn't spent the night away; but he had brought Vanessa back to the mansion. Phoebe was unsure whether to feel joy or sorrow. Upon entering the mansion, they found the Digital Chill Zone silent, indicating it had been vacated. The living room was bathed in a soft, dim light. Without pause, Theodore carried Vanessa up to the third floor, with Phoebe trailing behind. He halted in front of the guest room opposite their bedroom. Phoebe quickly moved to assist, opening the door and illuminating the room. Theodore entered, placing Vanessa on the neatly made bed, which exuded a fresh, sunny scent. As he prepared to leave, Vanessa stirred, clinging to his arm and murmuring in her sleep, "Theodore, don't go, don't leave me alone."Caught off guard, Theodore glanced at Phoebe, who quickly averted her gaze. "I...I'll go back to my room first," she stammered."Wait," Theodore interjected, "bring a basin of water and wipe Vanessa's face."Phoebe stared at him in disbelief. "What...what did you say?"Theodore met her gaze, his silence reaffirming his request. Phoebe clenched her fist, but ultimately, she complied, heading towards the bathroom. Returning with a basin of hot water, she found Theodore had vanished. After a moment of hesitation, she approached the bedside.Vanessa lay disheveled on the bed, her eyes swollen and makeup smeared. Phoebe wrung out a hot towel, unsure of where to begin as she studied Vanessa's face. She marveled at her own generosity, caring for her intoxicated rival.Any other person might have wished to cast her out into the street. Phoebe quickly cleaned Vanessa's face and hands, then extinguished the light, leaving the room.In the dimly lit room, Vanessa's eyes snapped open, a blend of pain and resentment swirling in her bloodshot gaze. Despite her desperate pleas, Theodore had left her behind.She despised him with every fiber of her being!