A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

On the morning after, at nine o’clock sharp, Matilda strolled into a café, right on time for the meeting. Her eyes found the man waiting and she greeted him with a faint smile.

Mason returned the gesture, his surprise from when Matilda had reached out to him. still lingering. He hadn’t expected her to seek him out at all.

When she had asked for his help, Mason had found himself unexpectedly moved by her plea, especially when she mentioned how his words had stayed with her. He agreed to the appointment with alacrity, and so here he was, waiting for her arrival.

She lowered her eyelids slightly. “Sorry to have kept you waiting.”

“It’s totally fine.” Mason’s hands were clasped together, his posture impeccable. He carefully told the barista that he preferred his coffee on the cooler side before turning his attention back to Matilda, “So, running into new trouble lately?”

Matilda’s hands twisted together in her lap, a clear sign of her anxiety. “Honestly, I’m ashamed to have to ask for your help. Yvan has blacklisted our studio, and we’re at our wits‘ end. I don’t want to grovel to anyone. If you could lend a hand today, Mr. Farrell, I’d be forever in your debt. If not, I won’t hold it against you. I’ll just have to find another way.”

She was a woman with undeniable pride.

Mason narrowed his eyes slightly, “I might be able to help but… Dawn, remember, I’m a businessman.”

The unspoken question was clear, “What’s in it for me, Matilda?”

Matilda’s face paled, her fingers tightening. Her defensive stance brought a slight chuckle from Mason, “Relax, I’m just teasing. Let’s say you’owe me one. I’ll send your bio to some of my contacts and see if they can throw some work your way.”

Her eyes lit up, “Really?” Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“What do you think?” There was a mysterious depth to Mason’s gaze that Matilda couldn’t quite read, but she didn’t dwell on it. Instead, she just nodded, her eyes misting with gratitude as she thanked him gently, “I can’t tell you how much this means to me, Mr. Farrell.”

“No need for being this distant.” Mason looked at her with a hint of amusement, “We’ve met privately enough times. Maybe we should just be friends; what do you

say, Matilda Thompson?”

It was the first time he had used her full name. Matilda’s smile widened, and she slipped out the bill that had been hidden beneath her menu, “Then let me buy you this cup of coffee.”

“I wouldn’t dream of refusing.” Mason didn’t reject. Smiling, he watched as she went to settle the bill. Their table was bathed in sunlight streaming through the glass, casting a warm glow over the cozy scene.

Adrian whistled cheerfully as he and his sister finished their shopping spree. Through the café’s glass, they caught sight of Mason at his table.

“Look, it’s Mason!” Willow exclaimed.

Adrian rolled his eyes, “As if he could outshine me.”

“Don’t get too ahead of yourself. There are no ugly ducks in our circle.” Willow teased. Adrian mockingly raised his hand to swat at his sister, but halted mid–motion when he saw Matilda return to her seat across from Mason after paying.

Adrian’s face scrunched in confusion, asking his sister, “What the heck is this all

about?”

Willow was just as puzzled, muttering. “Maybe they’re dating or something?”

“Dating, my foot.” Adrian shoved the shopping bags into Willow’s arms, “Carry these yourself!”

“What’s your problem?” Willow jabbed the glass window, tugging her brother towards the parking lot, “So what if the girl you like is cozying up to someone else? Just double down and invite her out for coffee yourself. That’s how it works, right?”

The dashing blond man snapped his fingers in realization, “You’ve got a point!”