Already frail, Phoebe stumbled back against the rough bark of a tree, a sharp pain shooting through her back.

Her complexion grew even paler as she steadied herself against a willow, only to look up and see Theodore crouching in front of Vanessa. Phoebe watched the scene unfold with a cold detachment, feeling like a fool out of place.

Vanessa was manipulative and deceitful, but it was effective. Seeing Theodore’s worried expression, Phoebe knew she was utterly defeated. “Theodore, it hurts so much,” Vanessa whined, seemingly fragile and petite in his presence, far from the dazzling force she portrayed to the world. And the man fell for it every time.

A sharp stone had cut her palm, blood gushing forth a slight furrow of her brow enough to elicit his sympathy.

“Just hang in there, I’ll take you to the doctor.”

He helped Vanessa to her feet and, glancing at Phoebe standing coldly aside, he said firmly, “Go back to your room, I’ll come to check on you later.” Phoebe turned away, ignoring his words.

It wasn’t until Theodore left with Vanessa that Phoebe let out a derisive laugh. She turned and continued along the lakeshore path.

A few steps later, she stopped at the sight of pristine black dress shoes.

Looking up, she saw Edward.

The light in her eyes dimmed rapidly as she asked wearily, “What are you doing here?”

“I heard about your accident in the pool and came to see you. You’re very pale, Phoebe. Let me take you back,” Edward said.

Dressed in an exquisite black suit, his tall and lean figure exuded an understated elegance, his eyes radiating gentle concern.

He was young, handsome, and undeniably distinguished, just his presence displayed an air of refined grace.

“I’d rather walk,” Phoebe murmured.

“Fine, I’ll walk with you.” He took off his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders as he regarded her slender figure.

Startled, she began to remove the jacket to hand it back, but Edward gently pressed her shoulders, “Keep it on, you look too fragile.”

Her heart softened, and her eyes warmed unbeknownst to her.

They walked together along the lake, maintaining a respectful distance. The setting sun filtered through the buildings, stretching their shadows long on the path.

Edward’s hand rested casually in his pocket. After three years, this was the first time he had walked shoulder to shoulder with Phoebe at dusk, and he was filled with a profound sense of happiness. He felt utterly content.

“Phoebe, do you remember our high school’s class president, Zach? He just tied the knot last month, finished up an eight-year romance with the prom queen,” Edward said.

Mention of an old classmate sent Phoebe into a sense of nostalgic displacement.

“They sent me an invitation, but I was swamped with work and couldn’t make it. Did you?” she asked softly.

Zach had been one of Edward’s high school buddies. Surely he would have attended Zach’s wedding, but her absence was a deliberate avoidance.

“I did, and they kept asking about you. They were really bummed you couldn’t be there,” Edward paused before adding, “Back in high school, we used to talk about having a joint wedding someday.” Phoebe looked down. “They’re happy together, aren’t they?”