A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Chapter 65

Adrian stroked his chin, an amused twinkle in his eye. “I do give off that creepy vibe

at times.”

Matilda sighed, her voice laced with a hint of apology. “My son’s still young; he can be a bit impulsive with his words. I just wanted to say sorry for that.”

Adrian chuckled, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. “No need for apologies. It would’ve been pretty weird if I’d come off all chummy right out of the gate.”

Matilda’s smile faded a touch as she got straight to the point. “Look, Mr. Simpson, what do you need from me, really?”

“Do you believe me if I say I’m here for your work?” Adrian played coy for a moment, then admitted, “Alright, you got me. I don’t believe it, either. I’m interested in you, Matilda, because you’re, well, easy on the eyes and quite the looker.”

Matilda’s face registered shock. “What exactly are you implying?”

more forward. But you know how it is, over there people act on impulse and get over it pretty quick. I’m looking to have a more tangible relationship with you. If you decide to walk away afterward, I

be best for you to

strained smile. “Are you asking me out?”

“There’s the word I was looking for. Yes, that’s right, I’m asking you out.”

A one–night stand.

people expressing their passion and impulse, Mr. Simpson. But to be so blunt about a

first for me.”

smile grew ambiguous. “Nobody said there’s anything wrong with it. In the adult world, we don’t really need all that ‘true love‘ or ‘deep affection.‘ That stuff is burdensome and

after a long pause, she spoke softly, “Perhaps you’re right; maybe deep affection

where her profound love for Yvan had gotten her. Five years in prison,

12:39

pain and hatred etched deep into her soul. The price of her deep love was too steep, so much so that she might never love again.

laughed at herself bitterly, then said to Adrian, “Even so, Mr. Simpson, event having tasted the bitterness of love, I don’t want to indulge