A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Chapter 43

At that moment, Yvan was dining in an upscale sushi restaurant atop this bustling downtown mall with a woman sitting across from him, her smile gentle and inviting. As they ate, she would occasionally lift her gaze to steal a glance at him.

Yvan clicked his tongue in irritation, frowning. “I’m here to eat, not to be ogled at.”

“But Yvan, you’re quite handsome, you know.”

The woman across, Willow Simpson, blushed with a coy smile, eliciting a wave of goosebumps across Yvan’s body.

“Can you act normal for once?”

“Are you not happy?” Willow pouted, “Is hanging out with me really such a hassle? If it weren’t for my granddad asking you out, would you even bother to show up?”

Yvan paused mid bite, looking up at her, “To be perfectly honest, if your granddad hadn’t arranged this, I wouldn’t give you the time of day.”

Willow’s eyes brimmed with tears, and she spoke with a touch of grievance, “How can you be so cruel to me. I like you so much…”

With a lazy, detached demeanor, Yvan watched her, signaling for her to continue.

like you so much; can’t you give me

ago flooded Yvan’s mind–her high–society grace, her patience, and tenderness at home, her eyes

“Ms. Simpson, what kind of response do you expect?”

“Allying with my Simpson family can

I need a woman

that!” Willow flustered. “I heard Matilda was released from prison, and I’m worried she’ll come after you again. I can be your shield if that helps; just be with

lips curled into a smile that would be considered

deep no one could

moment, he simply stated, “I refuse.”

you think I’m not good enough? How can I, five years improved,

take care of the check. If you want to order more, feel free to put it on my tab.” Yvan stood up, “I should be going. Don’t use your grandfather to

Chapter 43

eyes; don’t wear it

woman of her stature, was being rejected by Yvan. She had

threw down her fork and stood up to follow him. “I… I’ll give you a ride