A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

“Truth or Dare,” chuckled someone in the background, “if you can’t speak the truth or do the dare, you gotta plant a kiss on someone. Anyone up for a game?”

Kiss someone?

Yvan’s gaze snapped to Matilda. Her lips, slightly parted, were a vivid shade of temptation, and she was draped over Bennett like a siren, her alluring figure drawing the eyes of every man in the room.

A blaze of fury ignited within Yvan, uncontainable and fierce. He didn’t pause to question his reaction: his mind was overrun with wild thoughts–of taking Matilda home, of keeping her locked away, ensuring she’d never be touched by another man.

She was his possession, and anyone who dared cross that line deserved to die!

When he looked at Matilda, her smile was dazzling, capable of making the world pale in comparison.

Matilda was stunning, and Yvan had known that for five years. But back then, he had despised her, never even acknowledging her presence. He thought such a sultry woman would be nothing more than a trophy wife, fussy and pretentious, not at all like Rachel.

Yes… nothing like Rachel.

Why should this woman… why should she…

Yvan realized he couldn’t control his rage. Seeing her kiss Bennett, he wanted to throttle her–this wretched woman, how dare she let another man kiss her?

Bennett seemed oblivious to Yvan’s expression, still holding Matilda close. As she tilted her chin, revealing the graceful curve of her neck adorned with a delicate necklace, the sight was both enticing and pitiable.

She was so slender; she must feel so light in one’s arms.

Bennett did just that, pulling Matilda onto his lap. She gasped, a flush of embarrassment spreading across her beautiful face.

Bennett wrapped his arms around her waist and murmured, “Care to come home with me tonight?”

Matilda, feigning nonchalance, tucked her hair behind her ear and played coy. “Mr. Fuller, are you teasing me?”

Bennett buried his face in her hair, inhaling deeply. “Teasing? I wouldn’t dare. How about you tell me your name?”

Her name…

Matilda stiffened, suddenly at a loss for words.

15:28

“What’s wrong?” Seeing her turn pale, Bennett joked. “You’re not some terrifying person are you? Don’t scare me, miss.”

Matilda quickly masked her smile and stood up shakily. I’m feeling a bit dizzy. I just head to the ladies‘ room and be right back to tell you.”

Bennett whistled. “Need company?”

“Come on, don’t get impatient now. We’ve got plenty of time.” Matida’s firtatious smile returned. “Just wait for me here. Mr. Fuller.”

The onlookers teased, “Oh man, lucky Mr. Fuller tonight! Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“She’s got a way with words, that beauty!”

Inside the restroom, Matilda steadied herself at the sink, taking deep breaths. The alcohol was hitting her hard, her face flushed from the intoxication

Bennett had asked for her name. what should she say?

I’m Matilda Thompson?

In Ashton City, there was only one Matilda–the heiress of the Thompson family from five years

ago.

How could she face everyone outside? What would their looks say?

After five years. the Thompson heiress had fallen to toasting and flinth for mens ravora laughable idea, all her pretense of pride and strength turning into a joke.

As Matilda was lost in thought, Yvan approached unnoticed. In a swift move he pulled her inc the last stall of the restroom and slammed the door, Matilde falling into his arms.

When she looked up. Yvan’s face held its usual sneer. “You lure a man but can’t tell him who you are?”

Matilda forced a pale smile. “Mr. Boyd, this is the ladies room.”

Yvan, unfazed, locked the stall door and comered her against the wall His hand swect across her lips, smearing her lipstick in a crimson streak. His voice was cold. “You kissed Bernen?

She lowered her gaze. “It’s the rules of the game. I had no choice.”

*Just a game, and you’re all over him?” Yvan lifted her chin fiercely. “Watida, five years, and you’ve really outdone yourself!”

Her laughter was absurd, tears welling up. “Why do you care? Yuan, you’re the one who brought me here! You wanted me to entertain, didn’t you? And look, I did

His hand tightened on her neck. “What if I told you to sleep with him?”

“Then I would. After all I’m just a toy in your eyes, am I not?” Wanica’s eyes brimmed with tears. “You don’t care that, so why should I?”