Chapter 82
Meanwhile, Cynthia returned to her room, unable to calm down. She had never explained anything to Jonathan; it was inexplainable. She couldn't say she'd been assaulted while unconscious, let alone identify her attacker. The experience had led to depression, and moving on had taken time.
It wasn't easy to forget, much less pretend it hadn't happened. Therefore, she avoided the topic and guarded her deepest secrets.
The next morning, Jonathan left their room and bumped into Cynthia going downstairs. "Morning, babe," she greeted him.
"Good morning," Jonathan replied. They had breakfast together and went to work separately. Everything appeared normal, but they both knew their pretense only deepened their resentment.
After arriving at the TV station, Cynthia left for Paradise Resort with cameraman Vince. She had an upcoming interview and needed to gather materials for a feature report on the resort's construction progress.
Paradise Resort was located in a remote suburb of Roncrity, surrounded by scenic landscapes. The two-hour drive took them to the project department.
The executive manager greeted them. "Ms. Jones, our project manager is hosting the groundbreaking ceremony. We'll begin the interview shortly."
"Let's go take a look. We can take some photos along the way," Cynthia suggested as they were taken to the ceremony. The person in charge was giving an opening speech.
It was Filip. Cynthia was surprised, not expecting the Yates family to put him in charge of such a large-scale project.
Filip, dressed in a white shirt, suit, tie, and black trousers, stood on a makeshift stage, delivering his speech with high spirits.
Cynthia's thoughts drifted back to their freshman year of college. Filip had unexpectedly demanded, "Buy me a suit this afternoon, Cynthia."
Cynthia asked, "What for?"
"Prom is tomorrow. I want to wear a suit when we dance," Filip replied.
"Buy it yourself," Cynthia said.
"A gift from you is different. This will be my first suit ever," Filip explained.
Cynthia eventually chose a suit and a blue tie for him. Filip looked pleased, and at the prom, he constantly sought compliments. Those memories felt both distant and recent to Cynthia.
Instead of nostalgia, she sighed. For twenty years, they had been the closest of friends. The thought of their fractured relationship made her lament the bittersweet nature of time.
While Cynthia was lost in thought, Filip finished his speech. The groundbreaking ceremony and toast followed, but it was quickly over.
Zeke Hilton, the executive manager, rushed onto the stage and whispered to Filip, who then turned to Cynthia. Their eyes met, yet a vast distance seemed to separate them.
Filip quickly descended the stage and approached Cynthia, sounding unsure and surprised. "I didn't expect you to be here for the interview. Otherwise, I would have greeted you personally."
Cynthia's smile was faint as she replied in a businesslike tone, "You're too kind, Mr. Yates. We're just conducting an interview and gathering materials."
"Okay, we'll assist you," Filip agreed.
The interview went well. As Cynthia and Vince prepared to take photos, Filip approached. "Let me accompany you."
Cynthia replied indifferently, "You shouldn't have, Mr. Yates. You must be very busy."
Filip insisted, "Paradise Resort is large. I'm sure you're unfamiliar with some areas. Let me guide you."
Cynthia didn't refuse; she was in unfamiliar territory. Filip and Cynthia walked ahead, with Vince trailing, stopping occasionally for pictures. Filip was a serious tour guide.
The site was vast. Though work had just begun, subcontractors were already cleaning up. Excavators, tower cranes, and forklifts were everywhere.
Filip had been observing Cynthia, who remained calm and professional—unlike her past interactions with him.
Finally, Filip stopped. "Cynthia…"
Cynthia stopped and turned. "Between us, Mr. Yates, it's best if you call me Ms. Jones."
"Don't you want to know why we separated?" Filip asked.
Cynthia's forehead furrowed. "Now that you mention it, I am interested."
Their past held many mysteries. Regardless of their relationship, she instinctively wanted the truth.
Remorse and guilt filled Filip's eyes. "Did you know Lilian could imitate your handwriting? At summer camp, she stole your diary, pretended to have the wrong one, and asked me to return it. But I peeked…"
Cynthia guessed Lilian had imitated her handwriting and fabricated a story to cause discord.
"What did Lilian write that you didn't question me about?" Cynthia thought it was related to the fateful incident.
Filip's gaze shifted, tinged with embarrassment. "The diary is in the safe in my room at the Yates residence. You know the password. You can get it if you want."
"Got it," Cynthia replied calmly. She didn't particularly want to know how Lilian caused discord, but she'd had no leads after investigating the incident for so long. She suspected Lilian's involvement. If Lilian had driven a wedge between them, the diary would contain the evidence.
Cynthia's nonchalant reaction was like a bucket of ice water to Filip. "I admit I was blinded by Lilian, but she set me up. Will you give me a second chance, Cynthia?"