Chapter 55

The scene still played in Lilian's mind. Cynthia had once pulled her along, and they ran through several alleys, their hands clasped tightly. Cynthia smelled strongly of gardenias. Lilian remembered staring at Cynthia's profile in the sunlight; it glinted gold, like an angel. Cynthia's grip was fierce, as if pulling Lilian from a dangerous place.

Later, they went to a mall, and Cynthia treated Lilian to KFC—Lilian's first time. She ate many egg tarts, the most delicious she'd ever tasted; they were sweet and satisfying.

Cynthia watched Lilian devour the tarts, tears welling in her eyes as she ate. Cynthia took Lilian's hand. "Don't be scared, Lilian. I've got your back." She promised unwavering support.

Cynthia kept her word. Whenever Lilian was bullied at school, Cynthia confronted the bullies. She even helped Lilian get free hostel accommodation, giving her refuge from her difficult mother. Cynthia shared her belongings with Lilian, even giving her luxurious birthday gifts. She considered herself a better friend than Naomi, Lilian's childhood friend. This explained her pain and hatred when Lilian betrayed her.

"Lilian, what does this mean?" Cynthia's heart ached as she thought of the past. A sarcastic smirk played on her lips. "To this day, I don't understand. Why did you steal Filip from me? Why resort to such despicable tactics?"

Had Lilian openly pursued Filip, Cynthia wouldn't have cared. She couldn't stand being betrayed by someone she treated sincerely—someone who framed and backstabbed her.

Lilian answered truthfully, "I'm jealous. Jealous of you two strolling hand-in-hand, of him buying you breakfast every morning, of your hugs and laughter. He's bright and handsome, and you're radiant and cheerful—a perfect match."

Lilian's gaze turned cruel. "But I'm just jealous. You basked in the sun while I was rooted in darkness, unseen. I endured the darkness and the gnawing despair. The jealousy consumed me."

Cynthia was stunned. Lilian had been watching them all along, consumed by jealousy. Cynthia fell silent before speaking.

"You felt inferior. Everyone has choices—to blossom or take root. You're miserable, Lilian, but many have it worse. Does everyone betray their friends out of jealousy? Is this any different from the viper in 'The Farmer and the Viper'?"

Sadness washed over Cynthia. "When you got good grades and went to a prestigious university, you were no longer helpless. You could have basked in the sun, but you chose darkness. You betrayed our friendship. Your life is still shrouded in darkness, but this time, you chose it."

Cynthia sighed, looking at Lilian. "It's pointless to tell you this now. I don't regret being kind to you. Losing me as a friend is your loss, not mine."

Cynthia let go of the past, wanting nothing more to do with Lilian. She didn't want to waste more time and energy on her. As she turned to leave, Lilian grabbed her arm. "You can't escape me, Cynthia, not now, not ever."

Chapter 35

Cynthia considered shaking Lilian's hand off. Before she could, Lilian fell backward down the steps.

"Ah! It hurts! My baby! Cynthia, why did you push me?" Lilian cried, clutching her stomach.

Cynthia's brows furrowed; a sense of foreboding filled her. A crowd gathered, Shirley at the forefront.

"Why did you push Lilian, Cynthia? She's pregnant. You have a prejudice against her, and you hurt her baby! Is it because Filip fathered the baby?" Shirley accused.

Cynthia realized she'd walked into a trap. She'd expected trouble from Shirley, but thought she'd achieved her goal when the Jones family adopted Lilian. This scheme was beyond her imagination.

A crowd surrounded Cynthia. Others from the banquet hall joined them. Filip rushed over, hearing Lilian's cries. He saw Lilian on the floor, clutching her stomach, looking pained.

Cynthia stood on the stairs, seemingly indifferent. The crowd pointed fingers and blamed her.

Filip quickly helped Lilian up. "Are you okay, Lilian? I'll take you to the hospital."

"I'm fine, Filip. It doesn't hurt so much anymore, but…" Lilian covered her belly, on the verge of tears. "But I don't know why Cynthia pushed me. It must be because she hates our baby."

Lilian cried. "I can't live if anything happens to the baby, Filip. I'm so scared; she won't leave me alone. This isn't the first time." She sobbed into Filip's embrace.

Filip glared at Cynthia. Pointing at her, he raged, "You're so evil, Cynthia!"