Chapter 245

Cynthia's pupils constricted, turning pitch black. Her gaze fell heavily on Lilian's noticeably protruding belly. Lilian had gained considerable weight—a clear sign of pregnancy. Cynthia's fingers tightened into a fist. After a previous incident, Filip had adamantly insisted on not keeping the child, taking Lilian to the hospital, claiming he'd fulfilled her wishes.

Since then, Cynthia hadn't seen Lilian. Filip had mentioned sending her abroad, assuring Cynthia she wouldn't return. Yet, only four months later, Lilian was here. Not only was the child still alive, but Lilian hadn't left the country. She'd even obtained a marriage certificate with Filip, on the same day as Cynthia and Jonathan. The sheer volume of information overwhelmed Cynthia.

She wondered: How did Lilian convince Filip to keep the child? Why had Filip lied? If he didn't want her to know, why choose this day to provoke her? Their marriage registration had been a last-minute decision, unannounced to anyone. Yet, here they were. It was either a coincidence, or Lilian knew everything and had been secretly watching them.

A chill ran down Cynthia's spine. Jonathan, his eyebrows furrowed, his demeanor icy, observed the couple. Cynthia quickly regained her composure. Seeing Lilian felt fated; her past investigation had unearthed a three-year-old incident only Lilian knew about. Even without this encounter, Cynthia would have sought her out. This was perfect. Composing herself, Cynthia stared at Lilian's belly and asked, "How far along are you?"

Lilian met her gaze, her eyes a complex mix of satisfaction (at Cynthia's shock), pride, and provocation. The only change Cynthia noted was Lilian's former timidity; now she was confident and proud, her expression seeming to say, "I'm back, and you can't stop me." It was as if a venomous snake, long disguised, had shed its skin, raising its head and hissing confidently.

Lilian stroked her belly and smiled. "More than seven months."

Cynthia stared at the protruding belly. She thought, "Time has passed quickly. Four months since our return to Clusia; it's autumn now." She remembered Lilian in a white dress; now, Lilian wore white with a familiar light blue jacket—a high school graduation gift from Cynthia. Cynthia found it ironic that Lilian wore this five-year-old outfit to City Hall. Lilian approached, a smug smile on her lips. "Do you want to touch it?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

Cynthia stepped back, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "What, trying to set me up again?"

Lilian's expression changed. "What are you worried about? I would never joke about my child. This is my life," she said, her voice firm and resolute.

Chapter 213

Despite knowing Filip and Lilian had conspired to deceive her, Cynthia felt relief, not anger. Previously, her hatred for Lilian had peaked, and her most extreme revenge had been to take away Lilian's unborn child. Filip had considered giving up the child, but Cynthia's words had pushed him to the decision. She didn't know how Lilian had reversed this, but admitted Lilian was a master manipulator.

During Lilian's absence, Cynthia had regretted influencing the child's fate. Seeing the child alive brought relief. She looked at Filip, his head bowed, avoiding her gaze. Cynthia was straightforward: "Well, congratulations to the three of you."

Lilian waved her marriage certificate, a smug smile on her face. "Cynthia, we got the certificate on the same day. Isn't that a coincidence?"

A cold smile flickered across Cynthia's lips. "Yes, quite a coincidence, but not a good one."

Lilian, pleased, linked arms with Filip. "Filip consulted a fortune teller; today was auspicious. We didn't expect to run into you. I've been in Japrium for months, but I disliked the food, even with nannies. So I returned."

"Cynthia, I know you don't want to see me, but for old times' sake, can we let bygones be bygones?"

Lilian's eyes shone with what seemed like genuine anticipation. Cynthia knew this joy masked provocation and challenge. Lilian's return was a declaration of victory; Cynthia had lost. It was the start of a new competition, a new struggle, and Cynthia felt exhausted. She wanted peace.

Cynthia's look was frosty. "Considering our past, breaking two of your ribs would be lenient. Stop acting smug; your face makes me sick. Stay away from me, or I'll settle all scores."

Lilian's smile froze. "Cynthia, I'm being sincere"

Cynthia lost patience. She called Pamela. "Mrs. Yates, Jonathan and I got our marriage certificate today."

Pamela's voice was filled with surprise and joy. "Oh, wonderful! Congratulations! When are you and Jonathan returning? We'll celebrate"

Cynthia abruptly changed the subject. "What a coincidence, I ran into Filip and Lilian at City Hall today."