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?”

get over it pretty quick. I’m looking to have a more tangible relationship with you. If you decide to walk away afterward, I won’t hold you back.

for you to stay

and offered a strained smile. “Are you asking me out?”

revelation. “There’s the word I was looking

A one–night stand.

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

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

a long pause, she spoke softly, “Perhaps

in prison, no sunlight, trapped in purgatory, over and over subjected

12:39

her wrists, the broken skin on her finger, the pain and hatred etched deep into her soul. The price of her deep love was too steep, so much so that she

so, Mr. Simpson, event having tasted the bitterness of love, I don’t want to indulge myself and fall into desire. It’s no different from succumbing to deep love. So, I’m