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?

never knew. He’d kicked her at Rachel’s grave site, sent her to prison, driven

short of miraculous. Back then, Matilda must have lost all will to live,

shoved him away.

unaware of the

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

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?” She

constricting upon seeing

pushed him off, her shoulders trembling. She straightened her clothes and fiercely wiped her lips–her lipstick had vanished during the forceful

Chapter 1

fresh redness bloomed.

to Matilda after all these years. Matilda covered her face as she left the restroom, and Yvan thought he

he bumped into a group of

this is the ladies‘ room, right?”

at the sign, then at Yvan emerging. “Holy smokes, what a hunk! But why’s

he could be

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

Yvan a few extra glances, but his enigmatic presence

a while He greeted her with a smile and pulled her close with practiced ease as if they were old flanne

his eyes

saw something that belonged to him being touched by

rejoined the group, appearing composed.

on his shoulder, the