Chapter 1861


    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 ssic, serene corridor when,ing 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.


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    Jonathan''s profile was partly shrouded in shadows, entuating 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-ck earring, a ck 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 forever!"


    "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 sh of anger crossed Jonathan''s face. "Don''t push me to make you disappearpletely!"


    "You think I''m scared?" Manleyughedzily. "If I vanish, you really think Estelle will forget me? She


    ys 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 nced 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''lle back any time.


    And you won''t always be so lucky to have here running back to you!"


    Six months ago, Emily had returned home for her brother''s wedding. Manley and Estelle had nned


    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.


    At 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 im 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.