A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Matilda had no idea that a storm had hit Mason; she had spent her night in blissful slumber, taking a day off just to celebrate Gideon’s birthday. The siblings hit the town, shopping bags in hand, and by dusk, Matilda was hailing a cab. She flashed Gideon a grin, “Hey, I’m off to the Boyd’s to pick up Logan.”

“You’ve got thirty minutes, tops,” Gideon looked worried. “If you aren’t back in half an hour, I’m heading over to the Boyd’s to find you both!” Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

“Chill, I got this.” Matilda handed her shopping haul to Gideon. “I’ll grab a cake on my way back. You better have dinner ready when I get home!”

“Deal!” Gideon might have agreed, but he was still anxious. He flagged down another cab and added, “Remember to watch your back, and don’t go head–to–head with Yvan. If things get hairy, call me!”

“Don’t worry so much!”

With a reassuring smile, Matilda slid into the cab, taking a deep breath as her eyes hardened with determination.

She gave the driver the Boyd’s address, and they slowly made their way to the destination.

Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at the grand entrance to the Boyd Mansion. The staff, who had seen Matilda several times, all unexpectedly greeted her with a warm “Good evening. Miss,” as she approached.

The last time, a simple “thank you” from her for making way had made them blush. Respect was a two– way street; they initially mistook her for some crazy girl causing a scene, but Matilda had shown such grace and poise. The staff had warmed up to her, and now they exchanged friendly smiles.

As Matilda approached the house, she noticed Yvan was home. Her fingers tightened by her side before she gathered the courage to face him. “Today’s my brother’s birthday.”

“And?” Yvan was lounging on the sofa, skimming the newspaper, his handsome face lifting to meet Matilda’s gaze. His brow furrowed slightly at her presence. “What are you getting at?”

“I’d like to take Logan home to celebrate with Gideon,” Matilda said, her voice trembling slightly with fear. “So, I was hoping tonight…”

“You want to take him away?”

Yvan’s cruel chuckle sent a chill down her spine, his features twisting into something sinister. “Matilda, who gave you the impression that I’m an easy man to talk to? That you can just waltz in here and take my son away?”

Logan was not on the ground floor. Yvan guessed Matilda’s intentions and remarked

indifferently. “He’s up in the study reading.”

10-27

That kid was always sneaking into his study. Yvan wondered if Logan could even comprehend the complex material in there.

Matilda’s face went pale. “Yvan, do you really have to be this cruel? I just want to bring my son home for a family birthday celebration!”

“My no means no,” Yvan’s laugh was more bloodthirsty than a demon’s, “How do I know this isn’t just some new trick? Matilda, you seem capable of fabricating any excuse to take our son away from me.”

Pain ripped through her heart, and Matilda clenched her fists, eyes welling with tears. “I’m not trying to run away with him!”

“I’m not interested in an explanation from a murderer.” Yvan’s words cast her heart into a hellish abyss. “Matilda, who would believe anything coming from a woman with a record like yours?”

Caught off guard, her heart pierced by his words, Matilda cried out with tears streaming. “Yvan, who made me out to be a murderer in the first place!”

“Don’t play the victim,” Yvan sneered devilishly. “If you’re feeling wronged, what about the feelings of the person who died?”