Forbidden Passion

Edward's voice was low and magnetic. "Phoebe, are you free tonight? Accompany me to a banquet."

"What banquet?" Phoebe hadn't heard of the Vanderbilt family hosting any banquet.

Edward's voice carried a hint of a smile, "A very important event for me. Can I pick you up this afternoon?"

This solemn tone made it feel like something big was about to happen.

Phoebe remained silent.

"Phoebe, am I putting you in a tough spot? I just want you to accompany me to a banquet. What are you worried about?" Edward's voice on the phone sounded helpless and tinged with sadness.

Phoebe pinched the bridge of her nose, "Alright, what kind of banquet is it? Do I need to wear a gown?"

"Yes, you do. I'll have someone send the dress over. Phoebe, you will definitely amaze the whole city tonight." Edward hung up the phone after saying that.noveldrama

Phoebe put down her phone and stared at the darkened screen.

Amaze the whole city?

Not long after, Edward sent someone to deliver the gown. It was a smoky pink long dress, with luxurious diamonds encrusted on the straps, sparkling under the light.

Along with the gown came a makeup team, which Phoebe recognized as the team used by a famous movie star.

What kind of banquet was Edward taking her to?

"Ms. Ziegler, your skin is in great condition, but I'll wash your face first and apply a mask to make it even better." The makeup artist, without giving Phoebe a chance to refuse, pressed her onto the sofa and started washing her face and applying a mask. The whole process took an hour, and simultaneously, someone was doing her nails, not missing her hands or feet.

A group of people fussed over Phoebe all afternoon until Edward came to pick her up.

As he stepped into Phoebe's office, he saw her quietly sitting on the sofa.

She was wearing the gown, her hair elegantly pinned up, revealing her graceful and slender neck.

"Phoebe, let's go." Edward walked in with large strides, his heart pounding. Seeing her from behind, he was struck by how beautiful she was; it took his breath away.

Phoebe lifted her skirt and stood up, slowly turning towards him.

Edward's eyes widened slowly. The Phoebe before him was stunning, like a princess, beautiful and dreamlike.

He held his breath, staring at her, unable to snap out of it for a long time.

Phoebe felt a bit uneasy under his gaze. She clutched her handbag and said, "Let's go, Edward. If we leave any later, we'll hit traffic."

Edward finally snapped out of it, his eyes fervently fixed on Phoebe, "Phoebe, you look stunning today!"

"It's the dress you picked," Phoebe smiled, "and the makeup team you hired is amazing. Let's go."

Edward stared at Phoebe, unwilling to blink. Thinking about proposing to Phoebe tonight, he felt both excited and nervous.

"Today will be the happiest day of my life," Edward said meaningfully.

Phoebe sensed something was off. She looked at Edward and said, "Don't say that. You should be happy for the rest of your life."

"Yes." Edward raised his arm, signaling Phoebe to take it.

Phoebe smiled and placed her hand on his forearm. They walked out side by side, "Did you go abroad for a business trip a few days ago?"

"Yes, I had a project to discuss. I came back this morning and wanted to see you, but I was afraid you wouldn't want to see me." Edward smiled gracefully, exuding charm.

Phoebe beamed, "How could that be, Edward? We are lifelong friends. Whenever you want to see me, I'll be there."

"Really?" Edward asked softly.

"Yes," Phoebe promised.

They had grown up together, and she would never forget this bond.

Edward turned his head, looking at Phoebe affectionately, "Alright, Phoebe, I'll take everything you say seriously."

As they talked, they reached the open office area. Everyone noticed a sudden

brightness and turned to see Phoebe, who looked stunning.

A collective gasp sounded in the office. They stared at Phoebe as if seeing her for the first time.

"Ms. Ziegler, you look so beautiful today."

"Yes, absolutely! Words can't even describe it."

"Ms. Ziegler, you should become an actress and captivate audiences with your beauty."

Phoebe raised her hand and pointed at the young man, smiling, "If I become an actress, who will pay your salaries?"

Everyone laughed heartily.

They originally wanted to tease Edward and Phoebe about their relationship but didn't dare. Everyone knew Edward and Phoebe couldn't be together.

The two entered the elevator, still hearing the employees' laughter. Phoebe withdrew her hand from Edward's arm, awkwardly saying, "Sorry for the embarrassment. I don't know why they're so excited today."

"They're not wrong. You could indeed captivate the audience with your beauty." Edward looked at Phoebe with a smile, a hint of admiration in his eyes.

Phoebe glared at him, "Even you're teasing me."

"It's not teasing; it's the truth."

Phoebe smiled helplessly, "Alright, enough with the compliments."

"Okay."

An hour later, Edward brought Phoebe to the most famous square in Kedora. In front

of the square was an endless river, flanked by skyscrapers, the most bustling area in Kedora.

The square was meticulously decorated, with a red carpet laid on the ground, colorful lights hanging on the surrounding trees, and lights illuminating the steps, extending all the way to the top, where there was a crystal guest platform, dreamlike.

When they arrived, many guests were already there.

Phoebe glanced around and saw many familiar faces. She and Edward walked over to greet them.

The other party seemed even more cheerful than them, "Ms. Edward, congratulations, you're finally getting your wish."

Edward smiled slightly, glancing at Phoebe as if unintentionally, "It's not settled yet."

Phoebe didn't understand what he was hinting at, but then she heard the person say, "With your meticulous planning, I'm sure you'll succeed."

"Thanks for your kind words!" Edward's smile was warm.

The atmosphere that followed was peculiar, especially when the guests spoke to Edward, they would glance at Phoebe with an indescribable mix of ambiguity and envy. When they finally found themselves alone, Phoebe was about to ask Edward about the mysterious atmosphere when the lights suddenly dimmed.

The crowd fell silent, and Phoebe turned to see someone standing on the steps. It was the famous host Quentin Butler, "Welcome everyone to today's proposal event. Let's welcome our main characters, Mr. Edward Vanderbilt and Ms. Phoebe Ziegler."