Chapter 174

After Cynthia left, Jonathan remained on the grass for what felt like ages. When Cynthia returned, the horizon glowed with the approaching dawn. Sleep had long eluded her.

Instead of entering her tent, she perched on a large rock by the sea, gazing at the vast, misty grayness. The waves lapped at her toes, their foamy touch tickling her feet before receding.

The sea was as still as a pond, mirroring Cynthia’s recent mood. But now, something seemed to have disturbed that calm surface.

“Men, so annoying,” Cynthia muttered, running a hand through her hair. Suddenly, she felt the rock shift as someone sat down beside her. She looked over to see Preston.

“Hey,” she said, surprised. “Aren’t you asleep yet?”

“Nah, I woke up and decided to take a walk,” Preston replied. “What are you doing up?”

Cynthia kept her eyes on the endless sea. “Just waiting for the sunrise,” she said flatly.

Preston nodded. “Mind if I join you?”

Cynthia frowned but didn't object. She had decided to end things with Preston and Jonathan after the show. Now wasn't the time.

“Preston, why do you like me?” Cynthia asked abruptly.

Preston seemed taken aback. It was the first time Cynthia had asked such a question, and the first time she acknowledged his feelings. “I guess I fell for you the moment I saw you, Cynthia,” he said, a smile in his voice.

“First sight? More like you were smitten with my looks,” she teased.

Preston didn't argue. “Well, you are really beautiful,” he admitted, his gaze bright.

Cynthia glanced at him, noting the sparkle in his eyes. Annoyance flickered across her face before she turned away, her tone hinting at something more.

“Preston,” she said calmly, “you’re young. You don’t know real love yet. With your charm and energy, you’ll find someone much better than me someday.”

Preston grumbled, “Are you trying to give me the ‘nice guy’ speech?”

Cynthia chuckled. “No way. I’ve never even considered you romantically.”

“I am an adult, you know. Maybe it’s because I look too young, and you don’t see me that way?” Preston said, unconvinced. “You can’t judge a book by its cover.”

Preston moved closer to Cynthia, crouching to meet her gaze. “Cynthia, I like you. Give me a chance. If you don’t go for the younger look, I can cultivate a more mature one,” he said, flexing his biceps for emphasis.

Cynthia playfully kicked him. “Scram! I’m not interested in you, not even a little.”

Caught off guard, Preston tumbled onto the sand. He dusted himself off, a little dejected, and sat back down beside her. “Am I that awful?”

“You’re not awful, just not my type,” Cynthia replied.

“Then who is? Someone like my uncle?” Preston ventured.

Cynthia turned to him, surprise evident on her face. She thought, ‘Did Preston figure it out?’

Preston seemed to read her mind. “Uncle Jonathan told me you two used to be together,” he said, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

Since the secret was out, Cynthia saw no point in hiding it. “Yes, your uncle and I were together for three years, but we’re over now.”

“If you’re single, why can’t I pursue you?” Preston asked.

Cynthia was firm. “Preston, I just don’t feel that way about you.”

Preston persisted. “Haven’t you noticed we look alike? I can change my hair, dress like him, and even act like him. If that bossy CEO vibe is what you’re into, I can be just like Uncle Jonathan.”

Cynthia shook her head. “No matter how much you change, you’re not him. You’re just imitating him.”

Feeling disheartened, Preston asked, “So, do you still have feelings for my uncle?”

“Yes,” Cynthia said without hesitation. “I love him.”

Preston was stunned, recalling asking his uncle the same question the previous night. Their answers were identical. Love was a vastly different concept from liking someone.

Preston fell silent, gazing at the vast ocean. His voice deepened. “If you love him, why did you break up?”

Cynthia was evasive. “Some things are none of a child’s business.”

Of course, Cynthia couldn't reveal the complexities of the situation, involving even Whitney. Jonathan had previously described Preston as a child living in sunshine. Those dark secrets weren't for him to see.

Frustrated, Preston stood up. “I’m going for a swim,” he announced. As Cynthia pondered the conversation, Preston sprinted towards the water and dove in.

At first, she watched him swim, enjoying the sight. But in an instant, he was gone.

Cynthia’s heart leaped into her throat, and she sprang to her feet. “Preston!” she called, racing towards the water.

But there was no sign of him. Her heart sank, then pounded. The sea might have looked calm, but no one had tested its depths. Undercurrents could be deadly, and if Preston got caught in one…

Feeling weak, Cynthia charged into the sea, shouting Preston’s name until the water reached her waist.

Suddenly, Preston’s head appeared a few yards away. “Cynthia, were you looking for me?” he asked.

Relief washed over Cynthia. Her heart resumed its normal rhythm. She exhaled deeply, turned with a stern expression, and began trudging back to shore.

Preston noticed Cynthia’s distress and hurried after her. “Cynthia, don’t be mad. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

Cynthia had shouted in worry. Preston had heard her underwater but hadn't surfaced immediately.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I found this huge, beautiful seashell and wanted to give it to you.”

Cynthia glanced down to see Preston holding out a stunning seashell. Her heart softened slightly, but she maintained her stern expression. “Do you have any idea how scared I was?”

Preston looked apologetic, scratching his head. “I didn’t mean to worry you. I know my way around the water. My uncle taught me how to snorkel.”