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Jonathan stood on the upper floor, gazing pensively at the two figures seated side by side on the steps below.
After a moment, he descended the stairs.
He walked through the classic, serene corridor when, coming from the opposite direction, was Manley. Their mutual
intention was clear: Estelle. Catching sight of each other, both men halted their steps involuntarily.
The iron sconces along the hall flickered with a ghostly glow, while outside, fireworks lit up the sky, casting vibrant
sparks that danced across the handsome features of both men.
Jonathan’s profile was partly shrouded in shadows, accentuating the sharp contours of his face, his presence
exuding an intense aura that made the cool winter air seem even thinner.
Manley, ever the carefree rogue, sported a jet-black earring, a black vest, and a crisp white shirt. His hands tucked
casually into his pockets, he oozed a provocative air even in silence.
“Stay away from her,” Jonathan’s voice cut through the chill of the night, “or you might as well stay in Australia
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtforever!”
“Oh, Mr. Lamont, the man who likes to control everyone is finally feeling helpless, huh?” Manley’s smile was sly, his
gaze teasing. “Ever hate yourself for that dumb move you made back in the day? You gave me this chance. Estelle
may not love me, but in her heart, I’ll always be special.”
A flash of anger crossed Jonathan’s face. “Don’t push me to make you disappear completely!”
“You think I’m scared?” Manley laughed lazily. “If I vanish, you really think Estelle will forget me? She plays tough,
but she’s soft-hearted, especially towards her fellow families and friends. Say I call out to her now—who do you
think she’d protect?”
Jonathan’s eyes were dark pools, his expression unreadable. “She protects you because she sees you as the weaker
one!”
Unfazed, Manley raised an eyebrow. “So what? As long as she’s got my back, that’s all I need. I don’t want anything
else.”
He glanced towards the girl on the steps, the fireworks reflecting in his eyes, casting a bewitching glow. “I lost to
you not because you’re stronger, Jonathan, but because you met her first!”
Jonathan sneered. “Even if you had met her earlier, she still wouldn’t have fallen for you!”
Manley’s expression faltered briefly, but he quickly grinned. “Whatever, this argument is pointless. I’m heading
back to Australia tomorrow. Take care of her. If you make her unhappy, I’ll come back any time. And you won’t
always be so lucky to have her come running back to you!”
Six months ago, Emily had returned home for her brother’s wedding. Manley and Estelle had planned to go
skydiving in Skyrim, but the night before their departure, Estelle saw the gossip about Jonathan and Gwen in the
tabloids. The next day, as they were about to leave for Skyrim, she abruptly decided not to go.
He had asked her where she wanted to go instead.
She said she didn’t know.
He suggested they go back home.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAt that moment, he realized how well she had been hiding her feelings, even from herself.
Without a word, he pretended to be oblivious, booked the tickets, and flew back with her.
During the flight, he knew he was handing Estelle back to Jonathan.
Once in J City, he felt a sting of resistance and fear that Jonathan might truly fall for that starlet. He acted out
against Jonathan, protective as a brother, but it was just a test.
Being sent to Australia wasn’t entirely against his will; he just knew it was time to let go.
Estelle loved Jonathan, and no amount of effort on his part could change that fact.
Even though he loved her just as deeply and would give his life for her, he couldn’t claim a piece of the territory in
her heart that belonged to Jonathan.
He couldn’t pinpoint where he had lost, stubbornly believing that Jonathan was just luckier, meeting Estelle first.
If he had been the one to appear earlier, perhaps it would be him, not Jonathan, in her heart.
Don’t shatter his illusion; after all, for a long time, he’d need that fantasy to find happiness.
Jonathan watched him, silent.
Manley turned back to look at the girl below, his eyes soft and tender. His gaze was like moonlight—not as bright as
city lights or as dazzling as fireworks—but gentle, silently touching the heart of the girl he cherished.
He smiled silently to himself, then turned and walked away, his figure as dashing and debonair as ever.
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