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?

hadn’t said a word, so he never knew. He’d kicked her at Rachel’s grave site, sent

then, Matilda must have lost all will to live, pregnant and hopeless in her

him

outside had dispersed, unaware of the two inside the last

eyes, she choked out, “Why are

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

just tightened his jaw, his pupils constricting upon seeing her pain, sensing her

wiped her lips–her lipstick had

Chapter 1

fresh redness bloomed.

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

he bumped into a group of women entering.

the ladies‘ room,

sign, then at Yvan emerging. “Holy smokes, what a

go there; he could be

clean–cut, who’d have thought he’d sneak into

gave Yvan a few extra glances, but

with a smile and pulled her

narrowed his eyes discreetly at the sight.

was happening? The instant he saw something that belonged to him

his turmoil, Yvan rejoined

leaning on his shoulder,