A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

eached Declan and Yvan’s ears, their expressions turned sour, Reese was trying to k but her earlier disdain was long gone. She quivered as she spoke, “Stop slinging mud!

pretty clear who’s looking for trouble here,” came a voice from the crowd.

Matilda noticed Chloe’s stiffness, probably scared of Declan, and she quickly ushered Chloe und Godfrey to the back, saying. “Go ice that cheek in the kitchen.”

With a quick nod, Chloe helped Godfrey away, leaving Matilda to face the music alone. Matilda turned to Reese with a sardonic smile, “What’s the matter, darling? Planning to plug your new bistro in the middle of this mess?”

Reese looked pitifully at Declan, hoping he’d take her side, but when she turned to him, she found him lost in thought

Declan’s gaze followed Chloe and Godfrey as they left, his pupils shrinking to pinpoints.

She’s gone! She just walked away, right in front of him, with another man! And didn’t even glance his way!

Fine, Chloe, spread those wings of yours!

Inside, Logan couldn’t stand it anymore and came out to look at Matilda, calling out, “Mom…”

That one word made Yvan shudder uncontrollably as he blurted out, “Logan!”

But Logan turned around, giving Yvan a look of indifference reserved for strangers, before returning his smile to his mother, “Let’s sit down and eat, Mom. Forget about the riffraff.”

Yvan’s heart clenched as he heard his own son’s harsh words. He tried again, “Logan, I know it wasn’t you guys who spilled the mess…”

“Shut it.” Matilda stepped in front of Logan, looking up at Yvan with a steely gaze as she said, “You made a mistake, and I let it go. We missed our chance, and there’s nothing to do.”

Yvan felt the urge to chase after Matilda, to sit down and explain everything, to tell her he’d got it all wrong, but… he just didn’t have the courage.

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Just as he was about to speak, Orson followed Logan out. The sight of the tall man filled his entire being with a chill.

Logan jumped into Orson’s arms without any fear, something he’d never done with Yvan…

“Knock it off, let’s go back inside for dinner,” Orson said, his voice cool but his eyes soft on Logan. He casually rested one hand in his pocket, the other ruffling Logan’s hair, and nodded at Matilda.

She responded to him, and the three of them headed back to their private dining room together.

They looked like a family, and Yvan felt a bone–deep chill. Watching Matilda’s retreating figure, he felt as though his heart was being scooped out of his chest.

Five years ago, he’d ignored her repeatedly, thinking he wouldn’t care about anything to do with her. So why

was it that today, just watching her walk away with someone else… hurt so much?

Matilda, was it me who made the mistake, and you who forgave? Is that what we’ve missed?

But… he couldn’t let go. He couldn’t stand it! She’d given him so much, and now, at this moment, she was saying she didn’t need it anymore!

Yvan’s eyes reddened as he called out, “Matilda!”

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His voice broke with emotion.

But Matilda was gone, not even pausing, not even granting him a backward glance, just like he’d done to her five years ago.

Yvar’s heart trembled violently. No one had ever hurt him like this – a single act of indifference, and he was bleeding out.

He knew the kidnapping was orchestrated by Ella, and he wanted to talk to Matilda, to clear the air, but why wouldn’t she even spare him a glance? Did she hate him that much?

His memories frayed at the edges, as he pleaded silently, just turn around, just once… just one look.