Chapter 296

Lilian held the diary—the very one that had caused the devastating misunderstanding between Filip and Cynthia, leading to their complete separation. Most entries were written by Cynthia, capturing their everyday moments; Filip's name appeared frequently. However, later entries were forgeries, written by Lilian in imitation of Cynthia's handwriting. These entries contained disdainful words toward Filip, fueling his self-doubt and sensitivity, ultimately causing him to hate Cynthia. Their paths had diverged ever since.

When Filip saw the diary, he remembered Lilian's years of manipulation. He felt she had used him like a fool and cost him Cynthia. His teeth clenched in anger; he felt an overwhelming urge to strangle her.

To his surprise, Lilian casually asked, "Do you want Cynthia back?"

Filip's expression froze. He frowned, staring at her. "Lilian, what do you mean?"

"This diary caused your breakup with Cynthia," Lilian replied. "If Jonathan were to see it, do you think it might drive a wedge between them?"

Filip understood Lilian's plan. The diary contained mostly Cynthia's entries—youthful memories of their time together, their innocence, and their first love. If Jonathan saw it, his jealousy might destroy their relationship. Misunderstandings and distance would inevitably follow, leading to resentment and, eventually, a shattered relationship. Puzzled, Filip asked, "Lilian, why are you doing this? Are you trying to bring Cynthia back to me?"

Lilian looked at Filip. "I'm leaving soon. Consider this my way of making amends."

Filip didn't believe her. She had tricked him too many times. Her apparent innocence only masked her calculating nature. She must have other motives.

"Filip, we've known each other for many years, and you're the child's biological father," Lilian said. "You'd be better for Cynthia than Jonathan."

Filip felt a stone thrown into the still waters of his heart. He had long dreamed of Cynthia's return, but he knew better than to indulge in that fantasy. Cynthia was with Jonathan. He thought, I'm partly disabled, and my recovery is uncertain. Even if she comes back, I might not be able to make her happy. Despite this, a selfish hope lingered. He longed for the dream of his youth—a storm that had raged for years, never fading, only growing stronger. He wished time could turn back.

Lilian smiled. "Actually, I'm not asking you to do anything. This belongs to Cynthia, and I simply want you to return it to her."

She stood, her gown trailing elegantly, and placed the diary in his hands. "Whether or not you give it to Jonathan is up to you." She added, "The reception is about to begin; they should arrive any moment. I'll leave now."

With the wedding planners' support, Lilian arrived at the venue just as Cynthia and Jonathan entered, arm-in-arm. Cynthia wore the bridesmaid dress Lilian had chosen: a white gown with sheer fabric at the waist and bare shoulders. She looked like an ethereal fairy, captivating everyone.

Seeing Cynthia as the center of attention, Lilian felt no jealousy; she was genuinely happy. Both of them should be stars today. Her gown trailing behind her, Lilian approached Cynthia.

"You look beautiful today, Cynthia. Thank you for coming," she said.

Cynthia, still linked with Jonathan, responded politely, almost formally. "Congratulations." She handed Lilian a gift box. "I prepared a wedding gift for you."

Lilian opened the box to find a sphene bracelet. The vibrant green gemstone stood out against the elegant gold inlay. However, in Roncrity's high society, top-quality sphenes were never set in gold inlays—it compromised the bracelet's integrity and value—unless they were inferior. An unspoken rule dictated that everything at a wedding must be perfect, or misfortune would follow. Cynthia had intentionally chosen this gift to upset Lilian, though Jonathan found it childish. It was a coincidence; she hadn't originally planned a gift but had found the gemstones a few days earlier.

Lilian understood the meaning. Cynthia expected irritation, but Lilian remained unfazed. She slipped the bracelet on, smiling. "Thank you. I love it."

Cynthia was surprised. Lilian has made impressive progress in strengthening her state of mind, she thought. She's managing to stay unaffected, even now!

Jonathan, however, frowned, his suspicions deepening. He'd long suspected Lilian's motives but lacked confirmation. He tightened his grip on Cynthia's hand. "Where is Mr. Yates? The ceremony is about to start; shouldn't the groom be by his bride's side?"

Lilian remained calm. "He's attending to something but will be here soon." Checking the time, she added, "Please take your seats. The ceremony is about to begin." Turning to Cynthia, she said, "Cynthia, I'll need your help to bring up the rings later."

Cynthia, as Lilian's bridesmaid, was expected to present the rings. It was the only task Lilian had given her. Finding it dull, she joined Jonathan. After taking her seat, she frowned.

"What's on your mind?" Jonathan asked.

"Do you think Lilian's acting a bit odd today?" Cynthia replied.

Jonathan thought for a moment and snorted, "I've thought that for a while now."

"What's so strange about her?"

Jonathan hesitated. If he shared his suspicions, Cynthia might not believe him. He would wait and see. "I don't think she made you her bridesmaid without reason," he said. "Just be on guard today."

Cynthia agreed. "Do you think she's trying to use this opportunity to make things difficult for me or make me lose face?"

Jonathan didn't think so. Cynthia took out her phone, smiling. "Look, I have Sarah's number. I've arranged for her to stay at the hotel downstairs. If Lilian dares to embarrass me, I'll make sure her wedding turns into chaos." Sarah, Lilian's mother, was a nightmare for Lilian. If she knew about the wedding, she would cause a scene. But Cynthia didn't want that; the trouble would damage the Yates family's reputation. She wouldn't start anything, but she wouldn't hesitate to respond if Lilian acted maliciously.

Jonathan chuckled. "So that's why you told me to come and enjoy the show."

Just then, Jonathan received a call from Filip. He answered. "Congratulations, Mr. Yates. On behalf of all the employees at Paradise Resort, I wish you a happy marriage and everlasting love."

Filip, after a pause, said, "Mr. Bennett, I'm in the 1009 lounge. There's something I'd like to discuss with you privately."