A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

The sun was already high in the sky when Chloe’s alarm clock beeped relentlessly, signaling the start of another work week. With a yawn and a stretch, she pulled herself out of bed, casting a fond glance at Matilda and Criss, who were still sound asleep in the guest room. A soft smile graced her lips as she quietly got ready and slipped out the door to work.

Matilda and Criss didn’t stir until the afternoon, their sleep prolonged by the rich red wine they had indulged in the night before. Lately, Matilda felt her routine was getting lazier by the day.

Rising from her bed, she noticed Criss was still lounging under the covers

She nudged the duvet with her foot. “Rise and shine.”

Rubbing his hair, Criss grabbed his phone, and his eyes widened as he saw the date. “Damn, I need to head back to Liberty Country.”

“Already?” Matilda, now dressed, turned to look at him. “Didn’t you just get here?”

“Yeah, well, I came back because of you.” Criss retorted, rolling his eyes. “I took a break from my family and the business. It’s gonna be crazy when I return.”

Matilda chuckled at his complaint. “You could always ask for my help.”

“In your dreams,” Criss quipped as he quickly got out of bed. “I’ll book my flight later. Let’s go grab brunch as a farewell.”

“Sounds like a plan,” she agreed, fixing her hair. “I need to pick up Chloe from work later anyway. She’s seemed a bit down lately.”

After deciding on a restaurant, they hailed a cab and were soon in the hotel lobby, only to find out that the ground floor was booked for a corporate New Year’s bash. Winter had crept up on them, and the New Year was just around the corner.

Matilda wrapped her coat tighter around herself and followed Criss into a quieter, private dining

room.

“It’s a bit more private here, though the ambiance in the main hall is better. If you don’t mind mingling with the employees from that company…” the waiter offered tentatively.

“No worries, this is fine. Thank you,” Matilda replied, dismissing further assistance. They settled in and started to peruse the menu.

Downstairs, the grand hall buzzed with activity as tables filled with people, a testament to the company’s size and spending power.

Criss casually ordered some of the restaurant’s signature dishes while Matilda excused herself to visit the ladies‘ room, leaving him alone in the private space. Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

But she didn’t expect to run into Declan there. And she was even more surprised to learn that Decian had booked the entire floor below for his company’s staff lunch, also inviting their business partner, Yvan.

Fate had a funny way of throwing people together. Standing at the restroom entrance, her face drained of color, and without a greeting, she turned on her heel to leave.

“Stop right there!”

Yvan’s voice echoed behind her. But his command only made Matilda quicken her pace, desperate to escape. She hadn’t gotten far when her arm was suddenly gripped tightly.

Yvan’s smirk was cold. “Running away at the sight of me?”

“There’s nothing to discuss between us.” Matilda struggled to free her arm, but Yvan’s grip was unyielding. “Mr. Boyd, let go!”

Her tone was identical to Logan’s when he addressed him!

Anger flared within Yvan. This woman once had eyes only for him and would do anything for him, but why now did she flee at his mere presence?

How had he become so monstrous in her eyes?