After they sat down, Henry nced atn and said, "I''ve already ordered, but take a look-see if there''s anything else you''d like."


    Pouring a cup of tea forn, Henry tried to sound casual as he asked, "Ian, how long have you known Vanessa?"


    "Ten years is a lifetime for a woman," Henry said, setting his own cup down. He traced the rim with his fingertip, thoughtful. "All of us have seen how Vanessa feels about you. Back when you divorced Eleanor, she was always there for you, quietly standing by your side. Don''t you think you owe her some kind of answer?"


    Henry''s hand, resting on the table, curled into a fist. A note of frustration crept into his tone. n, you''re my brother, but even I can''t watch this anymore. After everything Vanessa''s done for you, you can''t just pretend not to see it. Are you seriously still calling her just a friend?"


    Henry let out a short, humorlessugh, disbelief sharpening his words. "Vanessa sees you as the only man she''ll ever love, and you still say she''s just a friend?" His voice suddenly rose, unable to keep his emotions in check. "Is this about Eleanor? Has she been trying to win you back?"


    Henry shook his head, a bitter smile twisting his lips. He pinched the bridge of his nose, as if trying to pull out a truth he''d buried for years. "I don''t even know when things between us got soplicated. Xavier''s chasing after Eleanor, Vanessa''s in love with you, and as for me—” He hesitated, the confession weighing on him. "I love Vanessa. You must have known. From the first time I saw her, I fell for her. But she''s never looked at anyone but you."


    "Did you know?" Henry continued, voice raw. "Even before you and Eleanor split up, Vanessa was waiting for you. She turned away every other guy, just for you. I thought after your divorce, she''d finally get her chance. But you''ve kept her waiting two more years."


    He grabbed the whiskey he''d poured earlier, downed it in one gulp, and set the ss down with a sharp thud. When he looked up atn, his eyes brimmed with emotions he''d held back for years. "You have no idea how much it hurts, watching from the sidelines, seeing her put herself through this. I kept my mouth shut because you''re my friend."


    Henry poured himself another drink, took a hard swallow, and pressed on, breathing heavily. "I didn''t ask you here today to pressure you into marrying her. I just want you to understand: Vanessa isn''t some woman no one wants. She deserves to be cherished. If you can''t give her what she wants, then let her go. Don''t keep stringing her along-and don''t string anyone else along, either."


    "I never―"n started, but Henry mmed his ss down, cutting him off. "Whatever happens between you and her, that''s for you to figure out. But I''m telling you,n, if you break her heart again, we''re done. That''s it."


    Before Henry could finish, a figure hurried into the room, making him fall silent. Vanessa was walking straight toward their table.