A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Chapter 23

In the silence of the hospital room, Matilda’s eyes flickered open, greeted by a blur of dim light that gradually cleared into a coherent world.

She took in her surroundings until the door creaked open, and a figure walked in, snapping her back to reality.

Yvan stood at the threshold, his expression a twisted tapestry of emotions that flickered across his face before dying in the depths of his dark eyes.

Matilda stared numbly at him, wordless. She had imagined countless scenarios for a reunion with an old flame–the world was cruelly small, and those you’ve loved deeply had a way of resurfacing. But never had she envisioned Yvan standing before her like this.

In a manner so brutally final, he thrust her back into the abyss of despair.

Sensing her silence meant she had no desire to speak, Yvan cleared his throat awkwardly from the doorway. “You’re awake.”

Matilda gave him a frosty glance, remaining silent.

He stepped forward, lifting her chin with a firm grip, and as he met her sc

unexpected pang of pain twisted in his chest.

playing on his lips. “Matida, I should’ve ended you five years ago. The fact that you’re

your part.”

rang out, sharp and clear, in response to his words. “Oh, how generous of you to spare this wretched life

mocking tone matched hers.

by the lethal sharpness in her gaze,

felt a crushing

you? You shattered my life five years ago, and now you’re after my life again! I

tightened as she spoke, “What excuse are you trying

to lose, backed into a comer. She shouted at him. “Ivan, just

to strike Yvan like a physical blow as his grip loosened, and he stumbled back

don’t hate you anymore. I think you’re pitiful enough that it doesn’t matter whether I hate you or not

once filled her eyes for him was replaced by a void,

in response, his rage making him all the more striking a man

his flame only to be destroyed and not

five years in jail. Now that I’m out, I’m still alive and kicking. Without you,