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.

pound on his back. “What are you

sneered. “Put you down? To let you flirt

stunned by Yvan’s behavior.

couch, stammered, “C–can we talk this

with me tonight. Let’s catch up some

beast! You bring me

the watchful eyes of the crowd, it felt like

1/2

shaming. She fought back tears, “Yvan,

if I

“You’re drunk!”

“Yes, I am!”

audience’s entertained stares, Yvan marched out with Matilda still on his shoulder. She was dizzy with anger. “Let go of me! Jerk! Scumbag! To hell

the talent. A degree from Evergreen University

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

time pierced everyone’s ears, halting their movements as they finally remembered who she was.

The

and intelligent daughter of the Thompson

five years locked away!

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