A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

“You can’t just pop one every time you feel a little down, Matilda. This isn’t a common cold you’re dealing with. Plus, even a cold might take a few days of medication and rest to get over.” Gideon said, sitting beside her with a concerned frown.

Matilda pouted at her brother. “Gideon, look at me. I’m fine now, and I’m usually… fine.”

“What about when you run into Yvan again?” Gideon asked bluntly, causing Matilda’s heart to skip a beat.

The mere thought of Yvan sent her into a panic, her emotions a mess, leaving her helpless. That man had hurt her deeply, and she had fallen into a shadow from which she couldn’t

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Taking a deep breath, Matilda replied, “Gideon, there are some things no medicine can cure. I have to rely on myself.”

The fear and hatred for Yvan were embedded deep within her heart. Anytime anything related to Yvan came up, she would lose her sense of reason. No medication could ever cure her. The only cure was either her or Yvan’s death.

To truly survive, she had to become stronger, to no longer be wounded by Unis man.

Matilda lifted her gaze, a startling determination in her eyes. “Gideon… I don’t want to live in Yvan’s shadow anymore. I need a fresh start, a new life. Even though I’m ill, I’ll fight to overcome my fears…

Gideon gripped her hand tightly. “It’s all my fault for not being able to protect you.”

“No, Gideon, it’s not your fault. I’m the one to blame,” Matilda said with a bitter laugh. “If I hadn’t blindly trusted him five years ago, our Thompson family wouldn’t be in this mess.”

She had paid dearly for her blind love, causing a disaster beyond forgiveness. She was a sinner beyond redemption.

The next morning, it was Matilda’s turn to drop Logan off at preschool. His face beamed with pride as he entered the classroom, “Today, my mom dropped me off!”

“Wow, Logan, you weren’t kidding!”

“Your mom is so pretty.”

“Pretty lady, can you be my mom too?”

“She’s my mom!”

A bunch of kids surrounded Matilda, and Yvan, pouting, shooed them away, “No one’s allowed to take her!”

“Hmph, stingy! Pretty lady, I really want to be your daughter.”

“That’s Logan’s mom; she’s so beautiful. I’m jealous.”

Matilda crouched down, smiling as she gently tousled the kids‘ hair. “Yes, I’m Logan’s mom. Is Logan a bit of a handful here at school? I hope you’ll all take good care of him, okay?”

“The pretty lady says so; we’ll definitely be friends with Logan!”

“Logan’s already our friend!”

“Yeah, Logan’s even the deputy class leader! The teacher likes him a lot!”

Seeing that Logan was doing well socially at preschool eased Matilda’s mind. It was a rare occasion for her to drop off her son, as Gideon usually handled it. If he was away on business, Logan would go to school all by himself. Sometimes, she felt her child was almost too mature for his age.

Logan reluctantly let go of Matilda’s hand, whispering, “Mommy, remember to pick me up tonight, okay?”

Her heart ached at his words, but she managed a smile, “Don’t worry. M guys take you away again.”

Logan smiled back at her. I’ll always be with Mommy!”

“Bye, Mommy!”

won’t let the bad

As Logan waved goodbye, Matilda left the preschool feeling reassured. Not far away, a man in a sleek black Maybach watched her leave. With sunglasses perched on his nose and a devilish smirk, he exuded an aura of danger and allure.

Yvan’s eyes narrowed as he watched Matilda walk away.

Today, Matilda had a mission to accomplish. An international jewelry design company had approached their studio to collaborate on a limited–edition ring, and she had to get back to help her brother finish the sketches before the deadline.

As she drove to the studio, little did she know that the Maybach was also starting to follow her. Yvan slightly lowered his sunglasses and whistled.

In the back seat, a handsome man named Mason watched Yvan’s almost obsessive behavior and chuckled, “Stalking your ex–wife, are we?”

“Watch your mouth,” Yvan cursed with a laugh. “Keep it up, and I’ll toss you out on the street.” “I’m your business partner, and you treat me with such cruelty.” Mason said, his smile sharp. “You’ve been quite interested in her lately, haven’t you?” Mason added, his tone meaningful Yvan’s long fingers rested on the steering wheel “What makes you say that?”

“Well you’re following her like a crazed fan of some pop star,” Mason said, implying more than

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he let on.

“Have you finally developed feelings for your ex–wife?”

“Feelings? Not really…” Yvan drew out his words. “Just a bunch of issues lately, and we’ve been at odds over the kid.”

Mason teased, “You two have been at odds since the wedding.”

Damn it.

van was annoyed but amused, “Mason, one more word, and I swear I’ll leave you on the oadside.”