Chapter 46

Jonathan smiled slightly. "That's because I was pretending to be good," he said. "How would you have taken the bait if I hadn't put on an act?"

Cynthia laughed, thinking, He’s quite proud of himself, isn’t he? She tilted her head, propped her arms up, and stared at the man beside her. He was remarkably handsome, with a flawless face like a comic book hero. A tiny stud earring, adorned with a small blue sapphire, was set in his left ear. It might have gone unnoticed by a casual observer, but Cynthia had noticed it from their first meeting; he always wore these blue stud earrings.

He seemed distant and cold, yet the small earring gave him a carefree air. The initial aloofness and recklessness seemed contradictory, yet they complemented each other perfectly. It was fascinating.

Cynthia's interest piqued. She gently pinched Jonathan's earlobe with her long, white fingers. "You wear that stud earring all the time," she said. "Is there a story behind it?"

Considering Jonathan's lifestyle—usually suits, leather shoes, and only a watch for accessories—Cynthia found the earring unconventional. She wondered what it meant to him.

Cynthia's little hand, now red from her pinch, was quickly caught by Jonathan. "It's a gift," he said. "Doesn't mean anything special."

"Is it from a woman?" Cynthia asked.

Jonathan looked at her with interest. "Are you jealous?"

Cynthia smiled brightly. "Jealousy isn't my thing."

Jonathan turned away, muttering, "How boring. I'll tell you when you get jealous."

Cynthia shrugged indifferently and looked out the car window, thinking, That woman must be very important to him.

Jonathan headed to the supermarket. Cynthia's earlier joke about trying his cooking proved serious; he carefully selected ribs. After returning home, he prepared barbecue ribs for Cynthia.

Dinner ended late. Cynthia nestled into a cane chair on the balcony, feeling satiated. Jonathan washed the dishes and sat beside her.

"Are you full?" he asked.

Cynthia touched her slightly bulging belly and smiled. "I look like I'm three months pregnant."

Jonathan glanced at her usually flat abdomen. He placed his hand on her belly. "Let's do some exercise to aid digestion, then."

Cynthia didn't refuse. She enjoyed his company; besides, she suffered from insomnia and only sound exhaustion brought sleep.

Meanwhile, for the following days, Filip went to the TV station to pick up Lilian each day, arriving early. He had many opportunities to see Cynthia, but they remained silent, like strangers.

Chapter 46

During Jonathan's business trip to Japrium, Cynthia lay alone in bed, unable to sleep. I can't believe I miss him, she thought. The house felt empty without him, and her insomnia worsened.

At six-thirty in the evening, Cynthia, having just finished her makeup, fell asleep on the lounge couch. Only she was present when Filip arrived.

During those days, Filip visited daily. He knew picking up Lilian was a pretext; he wanted to see Cynthia. Since the incident, Jonathan's absence reinforced his belief that their previous encounter was an exception.

Cynthia so valued being Mrs. Yates—she had even threatened self-harm—that Filip reasoned, Cynthia wouldn't give up so easily; everything she's done is part of her strategy.

Though he hated her, he wouldn't let her go. He aimed to keep her in her current position. Even if they tortured each other for life, he wouldn't release her.

The sleeping woman on the couch, her beautiful face reminiscent of Sleeping Beauty, drew him in. Filip knelt before the couch, gazing at her.

He unconsciously recalled gazing at her while she slept; while awake, he rarely dared to look at her with such intensity. She was like the noon sun—beautiful but blinding.

He admitted to an inferiority complex from their childhood; she excelled in everything—looks, academics, social skills, talents. He felt inferior, fueling both his love and uncontrollable jealousy, making him self-conscious around her. Despite over two years together, they had never kissed; not because he didn't want to, but because he didn't dare.

He remembered mustering the courage to approach her. Just as the moment felt right, she laughed, saying his face reminded her of embarrassing kindergarten memories. He was immediately discouraged and never tried again.

Now, his face close to hers, Filip stared at her features. His heart raced; a single thought festered. He leaned in, lips nearing hers, his heart pounding, fingers clenching. His lips were about to touch her cheek when the lounge door creaked open.

Startled, Filip tensed, flustered into forgetting to stand. The noise awoke Cynthia; she saw Filip's face close to hers and Lilian standing in the doorway. The office door had been ajar; Lilian had watched Filip approach Cynthia, realizing his intent only when he leaned in. Finally, she pushed open the lounge door.

"What are you two doing?" Lilian yelled, struggling to contain her anger, her face full of grievance.

Guilt flashed in Filip's eyes. He and Cynthia looked at each other, speechless. Cynthia frowned; she'd slept poorly and had just fallen into a deep sleep. The atmosphere was awkward; Filip's face reddened.