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?

knew. He’d kicked her at Rachel’s grave site, sent her to prison, driven her to

short of miraculous. Back then,

shoved him

dispersed, unaware of the two

eyes, she choked out, “Why

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

jaw, his pupils constricting upon seeing her

and fiercely wiped her lips–her lipstick had vanished during the forceful kiss, but as her hand rubbed,

Chapter 1

fresh redness bloomed.

felt he must be mad, certainly drunk, to find himself drawn to Matilda after all these years. Matilda covered her face as she left the restroom, and Yvan thought he heard her sobbing. breaths as she departed. He stood

into a group

the ladies‘ room, right?”

tipsy women glanced back at the sign, then at Yvan emerging. “Holy smokes, what a

could be one

thought he’d

Yvan a few extra glances, but his enigmatic presence kept their

her with a smile and pulled her close with practiced

eyes discreetly at the

was happening? The instant he saw something that belonged to him being touched by another man, an

turmoil, Yvan rejoined the group, appearing

already beaming with Matilda leaning on his shoulder, the very picture of contentment.