Delayed Passion: Miss Lynch's Unrequited Love-Chapter 83: Estranged for Life

Outsiders naturally referred to Nina Sinclair.

Her part was fake, meaning there was no such thing as a stand-in, it was all fabricated.

But Thea Lynch’s part has always been true...

Because she hasn’t lived in Coronet for many years, there aren’t many rumors about her in the Coronet circle now. The one that’s been circulating recently is about that "white moonlight."

Initially, it was Sean Bell pretending to ask her. Later, it was those two women in the bathroom who mentioned it.

Sean was dropping hints, while the other two were more direct.

They were saying she’s the legendary "white moonlight" that Ian Preston has loved for many years but never attained.

At first glance, it sounds quite convincing, with all the details.

But no matter the truth, Thea Lynch doesn’t intend to take the rumors seriously.

However, now Ian Preston suddenly appeared in front of her, clearly telling her this is indeed the truth.

The ground beneath her feet suddenly disappeared. She lost balance unexpectedly, plummeting into the sea. The salty seawater rushed in, making her eyes sting, heart ache.

"Did we really hear the same version?" Thea laughed, her face showing no storm of emotions, "What I heard is, I’m the white moonlight that Third Brother loved for many years but never got."

"It sounds a bit ridiculous, doesn’t it?"

"Is this what Third Brother said too?"

She asked.

Ian stared at her smile for a long time before softly replying, "Yes."

Upon hearing that, Thea raised her eyebrows, showing no joy or dislike, as if hearing a story unrelated to herself.

Her heart wasn’t completely unmoved, but compared to the sourness of the past, it was nothing now.

She never expects anything anymore.

If she were still her younger self, hearing his answer today, she would’ve been thrilled.

Isn’t that right, seventeen-year-old Thea?

If she were still seventeen, without exaggeration, she would have cried from happiness. After all, in those bleak days, he was the only one walking alongside her.

Sadly, it’s the twenty-four-year-old Thea Lynch hearing these words now.

A smile started to slowly spread in her eyes, but it looked utterly indifferent.

"Although it’s a bit absurd, thanks for the compliment, Third Brother. I’m sticking to my previous words; I’m not planning to date anyone."

She used this excuse with Norbert Rhodes before. She assumed Ian wouldn’t pester her like Norbert, tacitly understanding, and would give her an out.

Yet unexpectedly, he looked deeply at her, then said shockingly, "Is it that you don’t plan to date or you don’t plan to date me?"

All this time, Thea Lynch remembered not to create too much drama with Ian Preston. She restrained herself somewhat, but Ian seemed unsatisfied, attempting to break the last barrier between them.

Since he insisted, she had no reason to care for his feelings or maintain this awkward relationship.

Standing straight, she removed the smile from her lips and responded earnestly, "If Third Brother asks this way, I can’t lie. To be honest, it’s both."

"I truly have no plans to date now, especially not with you."

"Third Brother is fantastic, a dream partner for many of Coronet’s women, a mere gesture could bring many willing. But unfortunately, I’m not one of them."

"Moreover, I think Third Brother might have forgotten. Everyone knows there’s a generational tie between us, making it impossible for us to be together."

"I understand Third Brother may not need to follow Aunt Rong’s arrangements or care about her opinions."

She paused before continuing with four words: "But I can’t."

"Calling you Third Brother still shows respect, treating you as a brother. Let’s keep it that way. Third Brother wouldn’t want us to end up never speaking, like the previous generation, right?"

——

Walking through the corridor, crossing the threshold, Thea took a weary deep breath.

No one followed, she paused briefly before lifting her skirt and moving forward.

"Hey."

Suddenly, someone spoke from the side of the doorframe, making Thea contract slightly, startled, looking toward them.

Upon seeing who it was, she cursed under her breath with furrowed brows, "What are you doing here? Eavesdropping?"

They were just a corner away from her and Ian’s spot.

Sean Bell couldn’t have been waiting here the whole time, probably approached earlier, retreating when she came over.

His expression confirmed her suspicion.

Thea glanced back; Ian hadn’t come over yet.

This wasn’t the place to talk, so she left first. Sean followed, looking back, then following her to the other side of the terrace.

The autumn evening breeze, slightly cool, cleared Thea’s head.

She sat on a wicker chair on the terrace, staring at the bustling scene outside in a daze.

Sean closed the door but didn’t sit; instead, he stood at the railing, diagonally in front of her, looking out into the distance like her.

"You heard everything?" Thea directed her gaze toward him.

"I heard it all," Sean replied without turning, laughing lightly, "It was quite explosive, huh."

Thea squinted, then forcefully kicked his calf with her high heel. She used significant force, fueled with anger.

Sean didn’t budge, seemingly unfazed. "Why are you so mad? I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. It’s your fault for talking in the hallway. I blocked quite a few people for you, yet you haven’t thanked me."

"Thank you, my ass."

"Tsk." Sean disliked her swearing, slightly turning to face her. He removed his glasses single-handedly, lowering his head to clean the lenses, "I noticed you explode with anger whenever Third Brother’s mentioned." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

"Speaking of, hearing Third Brother confess, how did you feel? Surely you were secretly delighted."

Thea: "..."

"But..." he dragged the tone, raising his eyeless black eyes suddenly, locking his gaze on her, devoid of any amusement, like a beast lurking in the night targeting prey. "Thea, being this straightforward today, don’t regret it later?"

"Why should I?" Thea: "When did I say it had to be him?"

"Who hasn’t had a crush in their teens? It’s normal to be impulsive and to like someone at that age, isn’t it? Why hold onto that forever, not let me go?"

"Must we end together to call it complete?"

"Who set that rule? You? What gives you the right?"

Sean laughed aloud, clapping lightly, "Those are wonderful words."

"But you can fool others, not me."

"Thea, you’ll turn back eventually."

"You’re carefree now because Third Brother hasn’t truly pursued you. If he does, you’ll be defenseless."