Chapter 76

Before Filip's plan could take shape, Jonathan revealed his intentions. Filip's face registered embarrassment, guilt, and shame, but these emotions quickly vanished. "Mr. Bennett," he said, "Cynthia and I are childhood sweethearts. We've known each other for over twenty years. You, an outsider, wouldn't understand. Please stay out of our affairs, Mr. Bennett."

Jonathan didn't hesitate, hooking his arm around Cynthia's shoulders. "I don't think I'm an outsider."

With Filip and Jonathan's mutual hostility, the air crackled with tension. Their gazes met. Filip's icy expression was full of tension and malice; he looked ready to pounce. Conversely, Jonathan remained relaxed, even disdainful.

Although Jonathan appeared indifferent, a sparkling glint shone in his eyes. He seemed to be smiling condescendingly, looking down on Filip, which only angered the latter further.

Just then, Cynthia rose. "Hey, Henry, Pamela, Matthew, it's getting late. Jon and I are leaving."

Pamela said, "Cynthia, wait. I have something for you."

Cynthia nodded. She stood to leave, while Jonathan remained seated. She placed a hand on Jonathan's shoulder, leaned down, and whispered in his ear, "Go to the car and wait for me. I'll be right out."

Smiling warmly, Jonathan looked up and patted her waist. "Okay."

Their movements, though casual and languid, were intimate and natural. They didn't seem to be pretending; they appeared as though they had been together for years, exhibiting a natural synergy. "How is that possible?" Filip wondered.

Cynthia followed Pamela out of the dining room. Jonathan then said goodbye, while Henry and Matthew went to bed.

Filip sat for a while before following Jonathan. "Mr. Bennett, please wait."

When Filip caught up with Jonathan, they were in the mansion's yard. Hearing Filip call him, Jonathan, standing under a magnolia tree, turned.

That year, the magnolias bloomed particularly late. Usually, they were in full bloom by the end of August, already bearing fruit. Illuminated by a floor lamp, the huge, pristine white flowers were beautiful. Yet, like Jonathan, they seemed detached from the world. Even simply standing there, he was a captivating sight.

Filip had to admit that Jonathan possessed an indifferent yet noble air. Although both men were born wealthy, even at the pinnacle of society, people were divided into different levels. Jonathan was a first-class man, standing above the clouds, looking down on everyone.

Jonathan glanced coldly at Filip. With a reserved aura, he asked unconcernedly, "Mr. Yates, what can I do for you?"

Filip summoned his courage to meet Jonathan's gaze. "Mr. Bennett, Cynthia and I have grown up together since infancy. We're childhood sweethearts, and we love each other. Three years ago, at our wedding, everyone saw how devoted we were."

"It's true," Filip confessed. "Because of a misunderstanding, I stood Cynthia up the day we were supposed to get our marriage certificate."

Jonathan smirked. "Then I must thank the heavens for their assistance."

Filip's expression darkened. "However, Mr. Bennett, our divorce certificate means nothing. To me, Cynthia and I are still husband and wife, lawfully wedded. I believe Cynthia feels the same."

Jonathan frowned slightly. Cynthia had mentioned her childhood sweetheart relationship with Filip, but others, including Jonathan, couldn't understand their bond. After all, she was still waiting for Filip to return to her.

Malice flashed in Jonathan's eyes, but he remained outwardly indifferent. "So what? You know well that you and Cynthia were only husband and wife in the past, Mr. Yates."

Filip declared, "I won't give up on Cynthia. Lilian tricked me and drove us apart. Now that the truth is out, I won't let her go again. I'll spend the rest of my life making up for my mistakes."

"Mr. Bennett, you're from a distinguished family. The best and most beautiful women in the world are at your disposal. You don't have to choose her, but it's different for me. We've lived together for twenty years. We're like family. I hope you won't interfere with our relationship," Filip pleaded.

Jonathan smiled. "Wow! Mr. Yates, you're both stupid and confident. What idiot believes a twenty-year relationship can be destroyed by a few words from outsiders? You even have the nerve to say you love her? Your audacious confidence is irritating. What makes you think she had to wait for you to decide whether to return or not? Sometimes, mistakes are permanent, leading us further and further away from loved ones."

Something profound was in Jonathan's eyes; they were like the calm night sea, yet with a surging undercurrent, capable of unleashing huge waves.

Jonathan paused, staring into Filip's eyes. Then, he said firmly, "And if you must know, she's the only one for me."

The humid summer night air felt suffocating, as if it had grabbed Filip's neck and was strangling him.

Meanwhile, Cynthia followed Pamela to a room. Pamela unlocked a safety deposit box, retrieved a small black velvet box, and gave it to Cynthia. Inside was a sphene lucky charm pendant, featuring an extremely rare pink sphene.

Pink sphenes were uncommon, and even those available were rarely high-quality. However, the light pink sphene in this pendant was crystal clear and of the finest quality. Carved into a lucky charm, it appeared magnificent and elegant.

Cynthia, though knowing little about gemstones, recognized its value. She guessed Pamela's intention. Before she could speak, Cynthia refused, "Pamela, I can't take this."

"I'm not gifting this to you. It was yours to begin with," Pamela explained.

Cynthia was surprised.

"This gemstone was exchanged between the Jones and Yates families when your arranged marriage to Filip was set up in infancy. The Jones family gave us this pink sphene pendant, and we gave them an emerald," Pamela explained. "However, this pendant is special. The Jones family didn't customize it. The day you were born, a wealthy man gave it to you. It happened by chance, but Justin didn't give specifics. He only said that with this gemstone, you could be rich for a lifetime."

"Justin treated this gemstone as a family heirloom, intending to pass it down through generations, making it an engagement token between you and Filip. He planned for you to pass it to your children," Pamela elaborated. "Filip has lost his chance with you. Since you've broken up with him, I'll leave this pendant to you."

Cynthia frowned. "I've cut ties with the Jones family. If you want to return it, you should give it to them." Shirley, the Jones family's biological daughter, should have the pendant. Cynthia wasn't greedy.

Pamela said, "Silly girl, if I wanted to return it, I would have done so long ago. I want to give this to you. Justin said the man gave this precious pendant because he felt lucky meeting you by chance. If you and Shirley hadn't been exchanged, he might not have given it. Don't be silly. It's not your fault you were exchanged. I've treasured this necklace for over twenty years, so you need to take it. Don't give it to Shirley, or I'll be mad!"

Cynthia smiled, taking the box. "Okay, I'll take it. I won't give it to Shirley, even if she wants it later."

Pamela was satisfied. "That's my good daughter-in-law. We should save good things for ourselves. You're too high and mighty. Don't be a saint. Do what you want, but make sure you don't get shortchanged."

Cynthia grinned. "I'll remember that, Pamela."

Leaving the mansion, Cynthia saw Jonathan and Filip standing under the magnolia tree. "Jon, what are you and Filip talking about?" she asked.