A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

No way, Declan couldn’t fathom it–unless he witnessed it with his own eyes, he couldn’t believe that something terrible had happened to Chloe.

His eyes narrowed to slits as he confronted Matilda. “Cut the crap, I want the truth.”

“The truth?” Matilda’s laugh was a gentle mockery as she observed Declan’s disbelief. “Mr. Yeager, why is it that you folks always come knocking only after the ship has sailed?”

A chill descended upon Declan as he locked eyes with Matilda, searching for the telltale signs of a lie.

But there were none. Matilda’s gaze held a mocking light, as if… as if she was avenging Chloe.

“Say it again,” Declan’s voice was a low growl.

“It’d be the same story no matter how many times I repeat it.” Matilda’s laughter was brief and bitter. “She’s dead. Shouldn’t you be over the moon?”

Struck by lightning, Declan stood frozen on the spot. Despite his effort to remain composed, the shock was evident in his eyes.

“That’s impossible!” His denial was fierce, as if volume alone could reverse reality. “She was just fine before…”

“Sure, she was just fine,” Matilda snapped back, “What did you do to her, Declan? She came back one night covered in bruises. Chloe was nothing but loyal and devoted to you, and all she got in return was your scorn! Don’t you have a conscience?”

Declan paled, his usual cool demeanor crumbling. He stood abruptly, facing Matilda’s accusation. “That can’t be, true. She can’t be dead. This has to be some sick joke you’re playing on me…”

Tears welled in Matilda’s eyes. “A joke? What good would lying do me? Declan, you should be ecstatic! One less nagging woman in your life. If I were you, I’d shout it from the rooftops, celebrating Chloe’s good riddance!”

Her words were a knife through Declan’s chest, his hands trembling as he grasped the enormity of his loss.

“Don’t talk nonsense! Chloe can’t be dead! Even if she were, I’d dig her up myself!”

Declan’s composure was shattered as he grabbed Matilda’s blouse. “Tell me, where is she hiding?”

Matilda scoffed, “Her ashes are buried underground, perhaps you should go dig around the cemetery?”

A bone–chilling cold enveloped Declan, his voice quivering with panic. “You… you’re heartless!”

“How many times do I have to say it?” Matilda’s gaze darkened. “Mr. Yeager, let go. Chloe is dead. Congratulations, you’re free from her.”

But Declan felt as though he had been doused in ice water. A lump in his throat choked back his words. He kept repeating, “It’s not possible. Chloe can’t be dead…”

She was so strong, so resilient. How could she just… die?

She was his indispensable secretary. He hadn’t dismissed her yet. How dare she leave?

She always managed to smile through her tears. She couldn’t be dead! He hadn’t even considered what he’d do if she were gone.

Impossible!

Declan’s eyes burned with barely contained fury. “You must be lying. Come clean now, or if I find out the truth myself, you won’t get off so easily!”

Yet Matilda regarded him as one might a stranger, indifferent. “Do you remember what Chloe once told you?”

17:46

“it you think saving my life once is such a big deal, then how about I give it back to you?”

In that instant, Declan’s heart skipped a beat. He had taken her words as a spat a mere jibe….

But Matilda smiled. See, she gave it back, didn’t she?”