A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Chapter 7

After dropping off his sister and little nephew at their cozy suburban home, Gideon was all set to head back to his studio to power through some deadlines. Slipping behind the wheel of his car, he gave a half–hearted wave before driving away into the evening.

Matilda, ever the caring sister, grabbed a Tupperware of homemade lasagna from the fridge and handed it to him. “Don’t work yourself to a frazzle, you hear?”

Gideon tossed back a grin. “Keeping you fed is a full–time job. And talk about exhausting–l don’t even have a ring on my finger yet.”

With a playful shove, Matilda locked her brother out, turning to find Logan, her little rascal, giggling on the couch. “Uncle Gideon, the eternal bachelor!”

She joined in the laughter. “Did you have fun today, champ?”

Logan nodded vigorously. “Super fun!”

“That’s the spirit. And remember, when we get back…”

“I know, I know – thank Uncle Gideon.” Logan’s eyes sparkled with a wisdom beyond his years. “Got it, Mommy.”

Matilda couldn’t help but feel like she’d hit the jackpot with such a bright kid–better than winning the lottery!

Just as she was about to call it a night, the doorbell chimed.

the door. He hopped down from the sofa and

saw the face on the other side, his expression

have been cold, indifferent, or

heart tightened at the sight of Yvan. In

Damn!

first house visit, and he gets the door slammed in his face–by a kid,

deep down, a part of Yvan took pride in his son’s spirit, which seemed to mirror his own. He

inside, Logan called out, “Mom, there’s no one there. Must be some neighbor’s

patience wore

did he

Chapter 7

against it and looked back at Matilda. “Mommy… there’s a bad man at

rushed over, scooping Logan into her arms. His frightened expression made her think of all the dangers that lurked for a single mother

it’s

Matilda’s heart plummeted!

was Yvan here? How did he find her and Logan? Was he here

eyes as she clenched her teeth. “Don’t worry, honey. Mommy will never hand you