Chapter 47

Filip snapped back to reality. He stood up and stared coldly at Cynthia. Moments before, he'd been captivated, on the verge of kissing her. Now, caught in the act, only embarrassment and discomfort were etched on his face.

He offered no denial or explanation, simply turning and leaving the room. He passed Lilian without a word, avoiding her gaze, perhaps out of guilt. Lilian's heart sank.

Filip reached his car, frustration boiling within him. It felt as if a dark box had been opened, unleashing an uncontrollable, primal desire for Cynthia—a feeling he'd never experienced, not even with Lilian. The doctor had explained that burns from a past accident had damaged something essential, resulting in Lilian and him conceiving their child through IVF. They had never been intimate; hence his guilt toward Lilian. Yet, a beast within him had stirred.

He closed his eyes, Cynthia's face flashing vividly in his mind. He remembered their closeness, the tiny mole near her eye, her intoxicating scent. Her delicate, smooth skin, like a fine white emerald, had ignited a fire within him, triggering physical changes. He was surprised. He hadn't felt this way in years.

When dating Cynthia, he'd considered himself normal, impulsive, restless on long nights. But with Lilian, arousal was impossible. Now he realized it wasn't incapacity; only with Cynthia did he feel a normal man's response.

This realization fueled his frustration and anger. After calming down, guilt toward Lilian gnawed at him. He sat in his car, chain-smoking.

Meanwhile, tension hung heavy in the lounge.

"Cynthia, why were you trying to seduce Filip?" Lilian asked, her assertiveness rare. Jealousy and anger were evident in her expression.

Filip's recent erratic behavior puzzled Cynthia. Didn't he love Lilian wholeheartedly? Despite knowing Lilian had used Vivian to frame her, Filip had taken responsibility, their relationship seemingly unchanged. His tolerance and forgiveness surprised her. What had come over him?

Cynthia smoothed her hair and said nonchalantly, "I was napping. How exactly did I seduce him? Lilian, control your man and prevent him from harassing me."

Lilian's face soured. "Filip hasn't loved you for a long time. He was confused. Don't dream of getting back together. After all these years, he only feels hate."

Cynthia laughed, amused by Lilian's frantic, cornered-animal demeanor. She relaxed on the couch, appearing languid. "I always thought your love was strong. I was shocked Filip would give up everything for you. You were star-crossed lovers. But now, it seems he's just like any other man, preferring the new over the old."

With a knowing smile, she added scornfully, "Lilian, you're a nobody, clinging to Filip's love. But love is fickle, isn't it? I bet you spent countless nights worrying."

Lilian paled; Cynthia was a formidable debater. Losing control, Lilian cried, "It's your fault I'm a nobody! Filip doesn't love you. Why cling to him? What will it take for you to divorce him?"

Cynthia's expression shifted. Had Filip never told Lilian they weren't legally married? She'd understood his past secrecy, but now, separated, she wondered why he hadn't been honest.

Cynthia's eyes flickered. What was Filip up to? He didn't seem to love Lilian deeply. Why hide such a crucial fact, knowing Lilian craved the title of Mrs. Yates?

A mischievous idea sparked. There was a rift; she wouldn't mind widening it. "Divorce? Sure. If you can get him to sign the papers, I'll sign immediately."

She rose and approached Lilian slowly. "Let's see what you're capable of, Lilian." Cynthia knew Lilian would confront Filip with a divorce agreement. Then she'd learn Filip had hidden their unmarried status for years. The title Lilian craved had been within her grasp, but Filip had never given it to her. The growing rift would lead to a fierce argument.

The thought amused Cynthia. She didn't know what Lilian had done to drive a wedge between them, but karma had a way of evening the score.

Cynthia was unusually cheerful, especially after receiving a call from Jonathan. He'd returned early from his business trip and waited outside the station.

"Wait for me," she replied, eager to see him after three days.

She entered Jonathan's Maybach, but he wasn't alone. Claude was driving, Jonathan in the back. She hesitated, then slid in beside him; Claude knew about their relationship.

The car pulled away. Claude, usually quiet, spoke. "Ms. Jones, Mr. Bennett really put us through the wringer. The seven-day schedule was crammed into three. We worked non-stop for 72 hours. We almost didn't make it."

His tone was full of complaint. Cynthia asked, "Why rush the schedule?"

Claude said faintly, "Because Mr. Bennett wanted to make it back in time for your birthday."

"You talk too much!" Jonathan interrupted.

Claude silently rolled his eyes. (He thought: You told me to say it. You even made me rehearse twice!)