Chapter 297

“Mr. Yates, just say what’s on your mind,” Jonathan replied.

“I have a secret you’ll definitely be interested in, but it’s something neither of us wants Cynthia to see,” Filip continued.

Jonathan frowned. Cynthia was called away by Pamela, giving Jonathan time to contemplate. He went to the lounge, having already guessed the secret but curious about Filip's timing.

Filip sat on the sofa, absently staring at a notebook.

Jonathan entered, closing the door behind him. He sat opposite Filip, picked up an orange from the coffee table, and calmly peeled it. He ate a segment and said lightly, “Whatever you have to say, say it. I’d like to see how you plan to drive a wedge between my wife and me.”

Filip’s gaze remained fixed on Jonathan, who wore a tailored suit, exuding grace and poise. Even peeling an orange seemed artistic.

Filip admitted that Jonathan possessed innate dignity and a commanding presence he’d always desired. He longed for the spotlight, excellence, and admiration, but lacked the talent and charisma. Cynthia, however, possessed both abundantly, overshadowing him since childhood. This had tinged his love for her with bitterness and inferiority.

If he’d accepted his mediocrity, he wouldn’t have let Lilian manipulate him with a diary. Now, Lilian planned to use the same tactic to drive a wedge between Cynthia and Jonathan—not for Filip's benefit, but to fulfill her own desires, using him as a pawn.

Driven by curiosity, Filip went along, wanting to see if Jonathan would fail this test as he had in the past. If the diary caused problems, it would prove Jonathan as unworthy of Cynthia as he felt himself to be.

Instead of handing over the diary, Filip said, “Three years ago, Cynthia and I also had a grand wedding.”

Jonathan replied sarcastically, “Didn’t you fail to even attend the ceremony?”

Filip was speechless.

Jonathan added indifferently, “Actually, I’m grateful. If you’d married my wife, I wouldn’t have ended up with her. I should thank you for being blind to her worth and for driving her into my arms.”

Filip felt a tightness in his chest.

“Cynthia and I missed our chance due to misunderstandings,” he said. “Yet, we saw each other nearly every day since birth. Twenty years of shared history—it’s irreplaceable. Regardless of what I’ve done, this bond has always been there. I believe there’s always a special place for me in her heart that no one else can fill.”

Jonathan smiled. “Is that the best you’ve got, Mr. Yates? Did you really think those words would shake my marriage?”

“You are a part of my wife’s past—I won’t deny that. I don’t care if she still holds a place for you in her heart. What matters is that when she opens her eyes each day, I’m the one she sees. I’m the one walking beside her, building our future together. In our darkest or highest moments, it’ll be me with her, and that’s enough for me.”

Filip grew agitated. “Do you really not care about our past?”

“Mr. Yates, only the incapable cling to memories, using them to control others because they have nothing else to offer and lack confidence in their future.”

Filip froze. Jonathan’s resoluteness and confidence struck a nerve.

Filip lowered his gaze. “You’re far more steadfast than I was. If I’d had that strength, I wouldn’t have let Lilian come between Cynthia and me with just a diary.”

He placed the diary on the table, pushing it toward Jonathan. “From page 67 onward are fake entries Lilian wrote, imitating Cynthia’s handwriting. I believed her lies, resented Cynthia, and broke up with her. It was all Lilian’s scheme.”

Jonathan frowned, unaware of the diary.

He sneered, “I always thought you and Ms. Sheppard were truly in love. You did so much for her—you left your family and endured criticism. In a way, I admired your courage.”

Resentment flashed in Filip’s eyes. “I was tricked by that deceitful woman.”

Jonathan looked confused. “Since you knew Lilian was malicious, why did you marry her and have such a lavish wedding?”

Filip’s eyes flickered. “That’s between me and Lilian.”

Jonathan didn’t press. He picked up the diary. “Since this belongs to Cynthia, I’ll take it. I’ll return it to her.” He looked at Filip. “Now, about that secret—are you ready to tell me?”

Filip was stunned by Jonathan’s cold gaze. His “secret” was a pretext to lure Jonathan. He did have a secret, but couldn't share it, especially not with Jonathan. The intense stare made him feel guilty, as if his secret was already known.

He averted his eyes. “The secret is in this diary. If you’re interested, look at it at home.”

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. “I won’t read it. I’m not like you. Knowing it holds memories of your past, I’d rather not unsettle myself. They mean nothing to us now—just a fleeting dream of yours. Why should I care?” He stood to leave.

Filip sat dazed, thinking, ‘He’s right. It’s merely a fleeting teenage dream.’

Jonathan found the lounge door wouldn’t open.