A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Chapter 176

Adrian froze, seemingly entrapped by his own memories. When he managed to pull away, he looked at Matilda with an expression that was part panic, part something else he couldn’t quite place.

But he didn’t show it; he just scoffed instead. “Matilda, how many men have your sweet little lies fooled?”

Matilda remained silent for a long moment before speaking softly, “Mr. Simpson, I’ve always wondered what made you pursue me in the first place?”

To let her fall for his deceit, to let her guard down around him, only to have her thrown back into the harsh reality.

Deep down, Adrian thought that the initial attraction was all because of her striking beauty.

To Matilda, Adrian was like a dangerous, mesmerizing riddle; to Adrian, Matilda’s face was the kind that men would go bankrupt for just to win her smile.

It was a twisted kind of admiration, one that would rapidly cool off once the initial dazzle faded away.

Sensing Adrian’s silence, Matilda slowly smiled, “Sorry, I only have a pretty face,” implying she lacked an interesting soul.

To her, the world was as dull as she was.

a never–ending cycle of pain, always enduring alone. If the hardship was a trial she had to face, then she wondered, perhaps it was time for the heavens to cut her

of life’s bitter taste.

standing up. He stared intently at Matilda’s face as if he had something to say but stopped himself at the last moment.

really wanted to say was that if she ever needed a man, she might consider turning to him. If she wanted a night of indulgence, he

their openness, just like how he bluntly suggested a one–night stand the first time they

Chapter 176

to voice such a

needed was

man got up, his face still wearing that nonchalant grin, feeling an intense curiosity about Matilda for the first time. But he didn’t voice

was discharged. On discharge day,

smeared on Matilda’s clothes; her friend was a sobbing mess.

I’m so sorry…”

her playfully, “What’s this?

about

friend’s outrageous idea. “Well, I still need

life.”