A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

The words felt like a dagger plunging into Yvan’s chest. He staggered back, his face a mask of disbelief as he watched Criss wrap his arm around Matilda and walk away. A sharp pain radiated from the depths of his being at that moment.

Declan had witnessed the whole melodrama unfold with an expressionless face, and with a lack of self–preservation, he commented, “That was intense.”

Yvan turned to see Declan’s half–smirking face, seemingly unfazed by the scene.

“It’s nothing.” Reading Yvan’s thoughts, Declan spoke up. Then, with a detached glance in the direction where Matilda had disappeared, he remembered that Chloe and Matilda were close friends. Surely, Chloe must be privy to the history between Matilda and Yvan.

With a mischievous curve of his lips, Declan said, “Setting aside Matilda’s past, she’s quite ther capable one.”

Her designs, at least, were something to be admired. And she was a woman of spine.

Yvan remained silent, his gaze dropping, a shadow crossing his handsome features as he

thought to himself, “Matilda world was never yours to walk in and out of at will!”

my

After dinner with Criss, Matilda drove him to the airport. Watching him head toward the security. check, her eyes began to redden. “You’re leaving again.”

“Hey, don’t look so forlorn,” Criss said, pinching her cheek. “Isn’t New Year next few days? I’ll come back to spend it with you this year.” Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

“Really?” Matilda brightened up. “I’ve got plans with Chloe, too.”

“I don’t think that’ll work out.” Criss hinted. “I bet Declan will want Chloe to spend New Year

with him.”

At that, Matilda’s smile froze for a moment before returning to normal. “We’ll see when the time comes. No rush. You better get going.”

“Alright, I’m off! I’ll text you when I land!” Criss waved to Matilda, who bid him farewell, “Take care, and watch your wallet and valuables!”

They parted ways at the airport. By the time Matilda left, it was late at night. Criss‘ flight had been the last one of the evening.

She looked up at the night sky, where stars were scattered and twinkling. She exhaled, warming her chilled palms, and dialed Chloe’s number. “Hey, Chloe, it’s me. Have you finished work?”

Tm… might have to pull a late one,” came Chloe’s breathy reply. “Just head to my place. The key’s under the flowerpot. There’s some fresh steak in the fridge… cook us a couple, medium–rare, and wait for me.”

1/2

10:54

Reassured, Matilda smiled, “Medium–rare, got it.”

“That’s my girl,” Chloe called out. “I’ll be home late for that steak!” And with that, she hung up.

Matilda took a cab to Chloe’s house, feeling much more resilient than before. Life was better now, without those people around, and she could slowly emerge from the shadows.

Upon arrival, she pondered Chloe’s tone during their call. What had she been doing at that time?

But as soon as she entered Chloe’s home, a man lunged at her, clamping a hand over her mouth. They struggled, and in the moonlight, they recognized each other. Horatio froze and released her. “Why is it you?”

Matilda glared at Horatio. “How did you get in? You have a key?”

“She gave me one a while back.” Horatio’s brows knitted in confusion. “But why are you here? Where’s Chloe?”