Chapter 77
Cynthia approached Jonathan, casually slipping her arm through his She gazed up at him, her eyes locking with his in a way that was both soft and mesmerizing.
The effect was instant–Jonathan’s cold, detached expression melted into warmth. His voice now carried a tender tone “Nothing much, just having a chat about life with Mr. Yates”
Cynthia raised an eyebrow slightly, causing the tiny beauty mark near her eye to move subtly. She smiled. “It’s getting late. We should head out and stop bothering him.
“All right.” Jonathan nodded, his demeanor shiling back to its usual coldness as he glanced over at Filip. “Mr. Yates, we’ll take our leave now.” With that, he and Cynthia walked off together.
Filip stood frozen, watching them leave, feeling like he had just been stabbed in the chest. It hurt more than he expected. He couldn’t help but think. When did they become a “we,” and why am I suddenly the outsider in this picture?
How could our decades–long relationship mean so little compared to the mere month she’s known Jonathan? He refused to believe it, convinced that Cynthia was doing this on purpose to spite him.
After a brief moment of hesitation, Filip surged forward. He grabbed Cynthia’s arm and yanked her away from Jonathan.
It was something he had been dying to do all night–whether they were dancing or watching the fireworks together. Fueled by alcohol and jealousy, tonight was the night he finally snapped. “Cynthia, don’t go=”
Smack!
Before Filip could finish his sentence, a heavy thud reverberated through the air. Pain exploded across his back, and before he knew what had happened, Filip found himself flat on the ground, the victim of a perfect shoulder throw,
His head hit the floor, a dull ache spreading through his skull. Dazed, he stared blankly at Cynthia, who stood above him with an air of grace and indifference, as if the swift, brutal move had cost her nothing.
Just a moment ago, Cynthia had lashed out with the force of a tempest, and there was obvious spite in her moves. Yet now, She was as composed as ever, like nothing had happened. For a second, Jonathan wondered if he’d imagined the whole thing. A chill ran down his spine, his body reacting instinctively to what he had just witnessed.
Cynthia’s cold gaze flickered down at Filip, who was still sprawled on the ground. “Filip, have I not made myself clear enough? If you don’t listen when I talk, I’m more than happy to use force.”
She wasn’t one for repetition, and this was her final warning. “Try that again, and I’ll cripple you.” With that, she turned her back on Filip, pulling Jonathan along with her as they left. Filip remained where he was, his body aching–physically and emotionally.
Meanwhile, Cynthia climbed into Jonathan’s car as they sped away from the Yates residence. Jonathan, however, had grown unusually quiet, his mood noticeably sour
His earlier warmth had vanished, replaced with a cold, brooding silence as they drove through the night. Cynthia deliberately remained silent, watching the scenery blur past the window.
Finally, Jonathan couldn’t hold it in anymore. “Cynthia, why aren’t you comforting me?”
Cynthia glanced over at him, a teasing smile playing on her lips. Comfort you? What for? Did I upset you somehow?”
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Jonathan thought about it for a second, then shook his head. “No, not really.” But then, with a grumpy huff, he added. “But I’m unhappy.”
“Why’s that?” Cynthia asked, resting her chin in her hand. ‘Did you lose that little argument with Filip in the courtyard?”
Chapter 77
Jonathan scoffed, lifting his chin proudly. “Of course not. I won,sily
“Then was it watching me throw him to the ground that upset you?” Cynthia teased.
Jonathan couldn’t help but smirk at that. “No, that was actually pretty satisfying” His lips twitched into an unguarded smile, the kind a mischievous child wears when they gloat at someone else’s misfortune.
hia found it adorable, the way his jealousy manifested in such childish ways. Reaching over, she playfully scratched his chin. “So, what is it then? What’s got you in such a mood, my little princess?” she asked, her tone playful.
Jonathan’s spirits lifted slightly seeing her so carefree, unaffected by the drama at the Yates residence. I’m just annoyed that Filip thinks he can apologize and act like everything’s fine, as if admitting his mistakes wipes the slate clean. Where does he get that kind of audacity? It’s almost laughable.”
Several times that night, Filip’s behavior had nearly pushed Jonathan to laugh in disbelief. It was absurd, the way Filip expected things to go back to the way they were, like nothing had happened.
What really got under Jonathan’s skin, though, was the idea that this might have been a pattern in Cynthia’s past relationship with Filip. He feared that, given enough time, Cynthia might actually forgive Filip and go back to him. After all, Jonathan could never compete with the years they’d shared.
Jonathan first met Cynthia when he was just eight years old. For him, that encounter had been nothing short of a life- altering moment–a beacon of salvation that set him on a two–decade search.
However, to Cynthia, that same moment was fleeting, easily forgotten with the passage of time. This was something he could never compete with Filip.
Cynthia took hold of his chin. “Jonathan, you don’t have to beat around the bush to test me. I’ve broken up with Filip, and that’s final. Whatever he thinks or wants, it’s got nothing to do with me.”
Jonathan felt a wave of relief at Cynthia’s words. His earlier words had been a subtle test, a way to gauge her resolve after Filip’s apology. Thankfully, Cynthia’s response was everything he needed to hear.
He shrugged, not at all embarrassed about being called out. “I guess it’s just because I’m insecure. You still won’t make our relationship public.”
Cynthia smiled, her beauty radiant. “Oh? Do you really want me to go public with us?”
Jonathan turned to her, his expression serious. “Are you being serious?”
“Nope,” she teased.
“You’re always teasing me,” Jonathan grumbled.
Cynthia turned her attention back to the window, a faint smirk still lingering on her lips. Things between them were great- they were lovers, friends, and confidants all in one.
They understood each other perfectly, yet both were clear–headed enough to know that if they ever parted, there would be no lingering regrets.
That night, Jonathan was particularly insistent, clinging to Cynthia with a desire that bordered on insatiable. As the night stretched into the early hours of the morning, Cynthia finally, grew exasperated. “Jonathan, do you even know what time it ist Don’t you have work in a few hours?”
Her hair was damp, clinging to her flushed cheek, faint glow of dawn breaking on the horizon.
*ubtle allure in her exhaustion. She glanced out the window, noting the
