A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Chapter 21

“Matilda, I never pegged you for a whore!” Yvan’s temper was flaring as he pinned her against the restroom wall, his breath coming in heavy bursts, his eyes a tempest of rage–he was livid.

“You lure me out for drinks, never considering I might get hassled?” Matilda’s laugh was sly, her eyes narrowing. “Wasn’t it your wish to see me humiliated? Annoyed that you missed the show?”

Yvan pressed her harder against the wall, closing in on her, his gaze, dark and intense, locked onto hers. After a moment, his lips crashed onto hers in a feverish kiss.

Matilda struggled violently.

Just then, someone entered the restroom.

Yvan chuckled lowly, “Scream. Let everyone outside witness this spectacle!”

Bastard!

Matilda glared at Yvan, her eyes brimming with tears, “Why are you doing this to me?”

Yvan remained silent, leaning in to kiss her savagely once more. Her taste was surprisingly intoxicating. When she was his wife five years ago, sleeping with her was just part of the routine. Though he didn’t care for her, Matilda’s figure was appealing, so Yvanever found her dull.

But he hadn’t expected her to get pregnant, to bear his child.

Memories surged, and a question pierced his thoughts.

Five years ago, when Rachel died, had Matilda been pregnant too?

at Rachel’s grave site, sent

the child had survived was nothing short of miraculous. Back then, Matilda must have lost all will to live, pregnant and hopeless in her

him away.

outside had dispersed, unaware of the two

reddened eyes, she choked out, “Why are you doing this

treat me like a toy, to be taken up or insulted at your whim? Yvan, wasn’t your betrayal five years ago enough? I’ve already paid a terrible price; why can’t I escape your grasp?”

pupils constricting upon seeing her pain,

him off, her shoulders trembling. She straightened her clothes and fiercely wiped her lips–her lipstick had vanished during the forceful kiss, but as her hand rubbed, a

Chapter 1

fresh redness bloomed.

left the restroom, and Yvan thought he heard her sobbing. breaths as she departed. He stood alone in the ladies‘ room for a long

out, he bumped into a group of

the

then at Yvan emerging. “Holy smokes, what a

go there; he could be one of those

who’d have thought

glances, but his enigmatic presence kept their

seemed to have been waiting for a while He greeted her with a smile and pulled her

eyes

happening? The instant he saw something that belonged to him being touched by another man, an uncontrollable irritation surged within him.

rejoined the group,

beaming with Matilda leaning on his shoulder, the