A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Chapter 22

Bennett’s face went ashen as if he couldn’t believe what was unfolding before him. His eyes widened in shock, the disbelief etched across his handsome features. He stared at Matilda as if trying to peer into her very soul.

Sadly for him, Matilda had long since been devoid of hers. With a laugh, she leaned against his shoulder. “Can’t believe it, huh? Yes, it’s me, Matilda, the very same Ms. Thompson who was branded a murderer five years ago… Yvan’s ex–wife.”

The truth hit Bennett like a freight train. His hands trembled as he held her. “You… are you joking with me?”

“What’s there to joke about?” Matilda’s warmth faded swiftly as she stepped back and poured herself a glass of wine, her laugh now a seductive purr. “Don’t recognize me? Surely you haven’t forgotten this face, Mr. Fuller. My name was quite the buzz in our circles five years

ago.”

Bennett’s breathing quickened. Usually, he wouldn’t give a second look to a woman with a history like hers – divorced and a jailbird? Who would want such a woman

But this was Matilda, the high society belle whose scandal rocked the elit

He gazed at her, his throat suddenly parched, unsure of why. “Why would Yvan send you to keep me company?”

If it was true, then Matilda was Yvan’s ex. Why would Yvan send his former flame to… do this?

Matilda gave him a mischievous wink. “Since we’re divorced, you don’t have to think of me as anyone’s anything.”

Right, she was never Yvan’s anything, not five years ago, not now. She never had a place in Yvan’s heart.

Their conversation was abruptly cut off as Yvan strode forward and, to the gasps of those around, hoisted Matilda onto his shoulder.

shivered, then began to pound

you down? To

room was stunned

rooted to his spot on the couch, stammered, “C–can we talk

Fuller, she’s with me tonight. Let’s catch up

drink and howled, “Yvan, you’re a beast! You bring me a lady only to hoard

Under the watchful eyes of

1/2

shaming. She fought back tears, “Yvan, let

I

“You’re drunk!”

“Yes, I am!”

Matilda still on his shoulder. She was dizzy with anger. “Let go of

you’ve got quite the talent. A degree from Evergreen University does give one a rich vocabulary.”

to drink with others, and now you’re backing out!” Matilda yelled, “Have the guts to let someone else take me! Loser! I did five years for you. What more do you fucking want

outburst changed the atmosphere. Her declaration of serving time pierced everyone’s ears, halting their movements as they finally remembered who she

The

intelligent daughter of the Thompson

spent five

chuckled to herself, then burst into tears, her vision a blur. She didn’t want to cry, but she couldn’t help it. Fate was cruel, striking just when she thought she’d escaped. reminding her that she could never outrun