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?”

act on impulse and get over it pretty quick. I’m looking to have a more tangible relationship with you. If you decide to

best for you to stay at

strained smile. “Are

fingers in mock revelation. “There’s the word I was looking for. Yes, that’s right, I’m asking you

A one–night stand.

regarded him. “The world’s full of people expressing their passion and

first for me.”

we don’t really need all that ‘true love‘ or ‘deep

over, and after a long pause, she spoke softly, “Perhaps you’re right; maybe deep affection is just masochism.”

love for Yvan had gotten her. Five years in prison, no sunlight, trapped in purgatory, over and over subjected to torment and torture.

12:39

scars on 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 might never love again.

the bitterness of love, I don’t want to indulge myself and fall into desire. It’s no different from succumbing