The three of them entered the small villa that Jonathan had given to Mandy. Jonathan had provided all they needed and even hired a housekeeper and a cook for them. As they entered, the tantalizing aroma of food filled the air. Before long, Mandy emerged, carrying a pot of soup. "Jonathan, you're here. Please sit down. The meal is ready. We can start eating." She placed the soup on the table, her eyes filled with warmth and joy. Michelle ushered them to their seats and added, "My mom made all of these dishes herself. They're all her specialties." "Don't we have a cook?" Jonathan asked, perplexed. He had specifically hired a cook for them, hoping to improve their meals and provide balanced nutrition. "I gave the cook a day off. You rarely visit, and I wanted you to eat the food I prepared," Mandy said gently. The simplicity of her words induced a wave of guilt within Jonathan. Recently, he realized he had seldom visited this place. "Come, come, let's eat," Mandy called to
Michelle did not push further, concluding with a simple, "Thank you." Caught in a tangle of feelings, Jonathan was unsure how to react to her. Shirley, on the other hand, considered Michelle as nothing more than an acquaintance due to their past. Polite small talk sufficed. She had no interest in any further idle chatter. Looking out into the courtyard, she wondered when Cynthia and Mandy would finish their discussion. After their previous incident, Shirley's reference to Mandy had shifted from 'Aunt Mandy' to 'Madam Mandy', a formal and detached title. Meanwhile, outside in the courtyard, Cynthia and Mandy sat on outdoor chairs, separated by a small round table. Mandy seemed more formal, her words polite and reserved, "What did you want to discuss?" She initially wanted to call Cynthia by her name. However, considering Cynthia's clear rejection, she decided to stick to the topic at hand. "There's a minor matter I want to discuss. As it's just the two of us, I'll get straight
"Am I right?" Cynthia questioned calmly. "I know you have taken a dislike to me, Cynthia. However, there is no need for such malevolent conjectures about Michelle and myself. I am merely pursuing a simple romantic relationship with your father, devoid of any hidden interests," Mandy replied. "Is that so?" Cynthia challenged. "Yes," Mandy affirmed, her tone full of sincerity. "In that case, I will not interfere with your marriage to my father. You both can plan a time to get the marriage certificate." Cynthia declined to continue the argument. Mandy was stunned. She had not expected this to be this quick. Mandy had been facing severe interrogation moments ago, and now, after merely uttering a few sentences, Cynthia had granted them permission to obtain their marriage certificate. This was not the reaction she had expected from someone who seemed unlikely to trust her easily. "Why are you staring at me?" Cynthia questioned lightly, clearly noticing the effectiveness of her
However, she had to consider Michelle's future. "No," Cynthia's words were frosty. Why should a stranger benefit from the hard work of her parents? "However you look at it, she is your sister. Can't you spare a bit for her?" Mandy's control slipped as she heard Cynthia's words. "You can ask my father. Ask him if he's willing," Cynthia replied. Mandy seemed utterly deflated. As Cynthia made her exit, she emphasized, "I only have one sister, Shirley. Even if you marry my father, Michelle will never be his daughter." After delivering this line, she walked away. She could not muster any sympathy for Mandy and Michelle, nor did she have any fondness for them. She wondered what her father's reaction would be if he learned about Mandy's intentions toward the Yates Group shares. With these thoughts, she returned to the living room. Upon seeing her, Shirley's mood lightened somewhat. Finally, the talk was over! "Where is my mother?" Michelle asked with a trace of confusion in
After all, Mandy had always treated them with sincerity. Cynthia watched the scene unfold but chose not to interfere further. She merely told Jonathan, "Shirley and I will be heading home. You two can continue your conversation." "Alright," Jonathan agreed without hesitation, aware that this matter necessitated an in-depth discussion. Misunderstandings between him and Mandy were trivial. However, his beloved Cynthia should not be misunderstood. Once Cynthia and Shirley had left in the car, Shirley wasted no time in asking, "What did you two talk about? Why did Madam Mandy have such a strong reaction?" Cynthia made no attempt to hide the details, summarizing her conversation with Mandy. Five minutes later, Shirley had pieced together the situation. "So, she was just pretending in front of Dad? Why, though? She was never like this before." Shirley appeared to be stunned by the revelation, having never expected this side of Mandy. "Personal interests are the ultimate test of chara
"Yes." "Sis, I love you!" With Cynthia's approval, she felt confident about their father's. "I may be busy on the 6th. I have something to take care of," Cynthia clarified, not wanting to inflate Shirley’s expectations. "No, it's on the 7th." Shirley's eyes twinkled with joy, and she was over the moon. Cynthia paused mid-chew. The 7th? Was that not the same date as Captain's return? Shirley noticed her sister's change of expression. "What's wrong?" "Nothing." Cynthia did not want to disappoint her sister, so she reassured her, "Just let me know the details once you guys have decided on a place." She decided that after meeting Shirley and her boyfriend on the 7th, she would head directly to the airport. Nexuria was a large place; she should not cross paths with the Captain. Cynthia felt at ease with that thought. The next day, Jonathan returned. Neither of them brought up the matter of Mandy, and their days continued as usual. And before they knew it, it was the 6th. C
"Why didn't you tell me?" Old Man Tanz seemed genuinely hurt. He was fond of this young girl. And yet! She had neglected to share such a major life event, her marriage, with him. "I was in a secret marriage. Not only were you unaware, but my grandfather and father were kept in the dark too." Cynthia halted her chess move and attempted to soothe the old man. Old Man Tanz was even more bewildered. Who could have married Cynthia and failed to inform her family about it? It was beyond absurd! "Who was this man?" Old Man Tanz's indignation flared up on Cynthia's behalf, seething with rage. "I must give him a good lesson!" "It's in the past. I've ended things with him." "That's not acceptable. You must tell me who it is." Cynthia fell silent. She was not sure what to say. She knew that Joshua and Old Man Tanz were acquainted and quite friendly at that. Telling Old Man Tanz about the identity of her ex might not go well. "Don't you consider me as family?" Old Man Tan
The more Old Man Tanz thought about it, the more troubled he became! Cynthia looked at the chessboard where only a handful of his pieces remained, and said softly, "Maybe you should focus on the game for now." Old Man Tanz cast her a glance before making his move. However, another question arose in his mind after only a couple of steps. "Does Captain know about all this?" Cynthia seemed taken aback, a little puzzled why he had come up in the conversation. Regardless of her confusion, she replied, "Yes." After Jimmy had found out, he gossiped about it with the rest of them. Naturally, Captain knew as well. Considering everything that had happened, he knew it all. "He really does?" A spark of hope rekindled in Old Man Tanz's eyes. Cynthia nodded. "Yes." Her simple affirmation lightened Old Man Tanz's mood considerably, and he resumed playing chess with renewed interest. Even though Old Man Tanz did not have many pieces left, he managed to hold his ground for several more mo