Chapter 28

Filip's face darkened. He thought, "Cynthia isn't really trying to break up with me, just as I expected." He hadn't told his family about Lilian's pregnancy, and now Cynthia had brought it up, clearly aiming to make them believe Lilian was using the pregnancy to force her out. This would make it impossible for them to accept Lilian.

Sure enough, Pamela flew into a rage. "Filip, how could you and that little harlot treat Cynthia like this? Whether she's pregnant or not, I will never allow her to become a part of the Yates family. We will never accept that child."

"Mom, Lilian is carrying my child—your grandchild," Filip snapped, equally furious.

"The Yates family doesn't need a bastard child. Have you forgotten how Cynthia treated Lilian? When Lilian was kidnapped, Cynthia saved her, took a knife for her, and nearly lost her life. She still has a deep scar. And what did Lilian do in return? She stole Cynthia's boyfriend when she was at her most vulnerable. Does she have any conscience?" Pamela retorted.

Cynthia had suffered betrayals from family, friends, and her lover. In her despair, she had slashed her wrists. Pamela was heartbroken that the once lively Cynthia had attempted suicide.

Filip's expression grew darker. "I was the one who courted Lilian. This has nothing to do with her. I'm the one who wronged Cynthia."

"Oh sure, keep defending her! You're completely bewitched. Just wait, you'll regret this," Pamela said furiously.

Cynthia gently held Pamela's arm. "Mrs. Yates, I've let it go. You should too. Even though I can't be your daughter-in-law, I'd still like to be your daughter. In the future, I'll take care of you."

Pamela clasped Cynthia's hand and cried. Matthew sighed. "Enough. We can't make decisions for them. If they want to separate, let them."

He walked to Filip. "But I've told you, Filip, you can choose not to marry Cynthia, but that means you'll no longer be the Yates family heir and will forfeit your shares in the company…"

"Grandpa Matthew, I don't want the company shares, nor the Yates family inheritance," Cynthia said earnestly. "This is your life's work. It shouldn't be used as compensation for my relationship with Filip. I don't know how to run a company, and I don't want to fail you. I won't take the shares. As for the properties you bought for me, I'll return them. They never truly belonged to me."

Pamela interjected, heartbroken, "Cynthia, don't be silly. Those properties, I've been buying them for you since you were born. Even if you're no longer our daughter-in-law, they're still yours."

Cynthia smiled. "I don't lack anything. If you must give me something, then I'll take Greenfield Villa. You can save the rest for Yasmine's dowry."

Despite Pamela's pleas, Cynthia moved out.

Henry, supporting Pamela, said, "Maybe it's for the best that Cynthia and Filip separate. It might give them time to calm down."

Pamela, sobbing, nodded. "No matter what, I'll only accept Cynthia as my daughter-in-law."

Cynthia loaded her luggage. After saying goodbye to Henry, Pamela, and Matthew, she prepared to leave.

To her surprise, Filip followed her to the car. As Cynthia opened the door, he grabbed her arm. "Cynthia, have you had enough of this? You deliberately mentioned Lilian's pregnancy to put her in a bad light. You still care, don't you? You're just trying to force the Yates family's hand, to make them pressure Lilian into an abortion. You're truly vicious," said Filip.

Cynthia shook her head, exasperated. "Filip, I've hated you and Lilian, but I've never wanted to harm your child. No matter what I say, you won't believe me, so let time tell the truth."

She shook off his hand and got into the car. After starting the engine, she rolled down the window. "Filip, this time I'm really letting you go. I wish you and Lilian happiness."

The car sped away. Filip stood in the courtyard for a long time. When she used to cling to him, he was repulsed. But now that she was gone, he felt an emptiness. Her calm expression, devoid of anger or joy, left him uneasy. He wondered if she had truly let go, or if she was putting on a show.

Cynthia drove to Greenfield Villa. As the car stopped, the house was lit up. A tall figure emerged. When Cynthia saw him, she laughed. "Mr. Bennett, what are you doing?"

Jonathan looked down at his apron. "I made dinner, waiting for you."

Cynthia was surprised. "You can cook? How did you know I'd come over?"

Jonathan smiled. "It's a man's intuition."

Cynthia opened the car trunk. "Help me with my luggage."

After moving the suitcases inside, Cynthia followed Jonathan to the dining room. The table was filled with dishes. "You made all of this?"

Jonathan nodded. "Took me three hours. There's also soup."

She had barely eaten at the Yates residence. Now, faced with the delicious food, she realized she was hungry.

They sat and ate. Cynthia took a bite of steak. "This is delicious! How did you learn to cook?"

"I was sent to study abroad in Enmeria when I was thirteen. I stayed there for seven years," he said briefly.

Cynthia understood. Enmeria was known for its bland cuisine. Foreign students often learned to cook.

"Do you cook often?" she asked.

Jonathan shook his head. "Barely. I cooked today to celebrate…"

"Celebrate what?" Cynthia was puzzled.

He replied calmly, "To celebrate you making the right decision."

After dinner, Jonathan cleaned the kitchen while Cynthia watched him, holding a cup of coffee. He had a model-like physique. In public, he was distant and noble, but with Cynthia, he was different.

Over the past three years, Cynthia had never done chores. Jonathan did everything, even pleasing her in bed and bathing her afterward. She had always thought he was just a seductively trained man, but he had such a prestigious background.

Jonathan finished cleaning and noticed Cynthia still holding her coffee. He frowned. "Drinking coffee this late? Don't you want to sleep?"

Cynthia smiled. "I already have insomnia, so it doesn't matter."

Jonathan knew this. She often turned over in the night and would get out of bed. Many nights, he'd see her on the balcony, staring at the stars.

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. "If you can't sleep, we can do something else."