A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Chapter 121

Matilda paced down the narrow corridor, her steps quickening with each heartbeat until they crescendoed into a full–on sprint. She burst from the loud, metallic building. Its walls throbbing with electronic beats, Into the all–consuming embrace of the night.

In the solitude of the darkness, she seemed determined to exhaust every ounce of energy, running towards its unseen end. Irony swirled around her, and she let out a laugh–a frantic. wild cackle. She could hear footsteps behind her, a man in pursuit, his hand reaching out to grab her.

Matilda didn’t look back.

But his voice clung to her like sharp needles piercing her skin, sending a prickling sensation. that suddenly enveloped her entire body.

She turned, her patience shattered, and her palm met Yvan’s cheek with a resounding smack.

What a ridiculous man, she mused.

chest–a gesture that struck him like a sledgehammer,

at reconciliation, she dissected his defenses with her words–words

reminiscences of past. affections,” she said. “Henceforth, Yvan,

Yvan felt a pain more acute than a

the crowd, but as she stood, her chin lifted with the same haughty

as if chased by demons, and Yvan, reaching out with an empty palm. realized he once held her wrist in that very hand. Now,

be this way. The Matilda he knew wouldn’t look at him with such indifference, such mocking disdain,

a bitter laugh escaped his lips. What had they really

and unyielding–have been wounded and ravaged to transform into the cold, resistant shell she

He looked up at the empty street, the

Chapter 121