Chapter 79

Lilian was frozen, utterly stunned. Tears welled up and streamed down her face. Desperate, she grabbed Filip's arm.

“Filip, how could you? This is our child! Do you know how hard it was for me to conceive? How many treatments and injections I endured? Have you forgotten everything?”

Filip frowned. “I haven’t forgotten, but Lilian, should I list everything you’ve done? You forged Cynthia’s diary, destroyed our relationship, and exploited the situation. You always appeared gentle and innocent, but you schemed against Cynthia constantly.”

He continued, “Now, fearing exposure, you’re using this child to bind me. You’re a wolf in sheep’s clothing. I was blind to believe you and help you hurt Cynthia.”

His voice grew colder. “Do you think this child will make me submit? Do you see me as a fool you can manipulate?”

Filip realized he’d been under Lilian’s control for years, bound by her whims.

Tears streamed down Lilian’s face as she clung to his hand. “No, it’s not like that. I love you so much, Filip. I did everything because I couldn’t bear to lose you.”

She continued, “I was wrong. I’ll apologize to Cynthia, kneel, and beg for her forgiveness.” Lilian nearly collapsed. “Filip, don’t leave me. We’ve come so far, and we’re having a baby.”

Sobbing uncontrollably, she knelt, pleading, “You can’t abandon me, please. I won’t give up the baby. This child is more important than my life. I can’t go on without my child.”

Passersby glanced curiously at Lilian's cries. Filip, who would have softened in the past, now felt only embarrassment as the onlookers increased. He refused to be entangled in this spectacle.

“Lilian, if you insist on having this child, fine,” Filip said. “But I won’t acknowledge it. The Yates family won’t either, and I won’t give you a cent. The child will be yours alone, with no ties to me. I will not take responsibility. If you can accept that, then have the baby.”

“Filip, how can you be so cruel?” Lilian’s words only deepened his irritation as the crowd grew.

From the entrance, a voice, laced with amusement, echoed, “Mr. Yates, what show are you putting on here?”

Jonathan emerged, surrounded by wealthy heirs, including several involved in the Paradise Resort project. Even among this group, Jonathan stood out.

Bruce, quick-witted, teased, “Mr. Yates, how heartless! Making a beauty kneel—don’t you feel bad?”

Filip ignored them, brushing Lilian off and striding away. Lilian stood stunned by his indifference. He'd discarded her without a second thought.

Bruce helped Lilian to her feet. “Men are all scoundrels. If you’re tired of him, why not come to me? I’m not good, but at least I admit it.”

Tommy remarked, “Bruce, you’re not picky. Can’t you tell she’s pregnant? That baby’s a few months along.”

Bruce recoiled, quickly releasing Lilian. “I like married women, but I’m not signing up to be a stepdad.”

Jonathan, intending to leave, was stopped by Lilian. “Mr. Bennett, I have something to tell you.”

“Doesn’t the matter of Cynthia interest you at all?” Lilian asked. Jonathan stopped.

He told his entourage to proceed to the restaurant, then turned to Lilian. Moments before tear-streaked and pitiful, she now stood still, her expression indifferent. Her eyes glinted with calculated intent.

Bruce thought, What a terrifying woman. He warned Jonathan, “Careful. She’s not as harmless as she looks. That switch was too quick.”

Jonathan remained silent. Once alone with Lilian, he ascended the steps, stopping near her.

A faint smile touched Lilian’s lips. “Mr. Bennett, do you care about Cynthia that much?”

Jonathan’s brows furrowed. “What are you trying to say?” He had a gut feeling this wasn't a good idea, but Lilian’s mention of Cynthia piqued his curiosity.

“Mr. Bennett, you’ve only known Cynthia for a month. Do you understand what kind of woman she is?”

Jonathan sneered. “Ms. Sheppard, I’m not Filip. Your attempts to sow discord won’t work on me.”

Lilian chuckled. “Cynthia’s beautiful. Boys have been drawn to her since high school. She loves attention and is well-versed in the ways of men. It’s no surprise that even someone like you would be tempted by a married woman like her.”

Lilian was testing whether Jonathan knew about Cynthia’s past with Filip. If he cared, he could easily uncover their unregistered marriage.

Jonathan saw through her scheme instantly. “Ms. Sheppard, Mr. Yates and Cynthia never registered their marriage. You were with Mr. Yates for three years, and he never told you the truth. What does that tell you? It means you were never more than a shameful mistress to him. Even Filip thinks so. He could have given you a rightful status, but he kept you as a mistress. You’re playing the role of a mistress most pathetically.”

He repeated the word "mistress," causing Lilian's face to fall.

The passage is significantly improved with better sentence structure, punctuation, and consistent tense. The fragmented sentences have been combined for improved flow. Word choices were also refined for clarity and impact.