A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Chapter 22

Bennett’s face went ashen as if he couldn’t believe what was unfolding before him. His eyes widened in shock, the disbelief etched across his handsome features. He stared at Matilda as if trying to peer into her very soul.

Sadly for him, Matilda had long since been devoid of hers. With a laugh, she leaned against his shoulder. “Can’t believe it, huh? Yes, it’s me, Matilda, the very same Ms. Thompson who was branded a murderer five years ago… Yvan’s ex–wife.”

The truth hit Bennett like a freight train. His hands trembled as he held her. “You… are you joking with me?”

“What’s there to joke about?” Matilda’s warmth faded swiftly as she stepped back and poured herself a glass of wine, her laugh now a seductive purr. “Don’t recognize me? Surely you haven’t forgotten this face, Mr. Fuller. My name was quite the buzz in our circles five years

ago.”

Bennett’s breathing quickened. Usually, he wouldn’t give a second look to a woman with a history like hers – divorced and a jailbird? Who would want such a woman

But this was Matilda, the high society belle whose scandal rocked the elit

He gazed at her, his throat suddenly parched, unsure of why. “Why would Yvan send you to keep me company?”

If it was true, then Matilda was Yvan’s ex. Why would Yvan send his former flame to… do this?

Matilda gave him a mischievous wink. “Since we’re divorced, you don’t have to think of me as anyone’s anything.”

Right, she was never Yvan’s anything, not five years ago, not now. She never had a place in Yvan’s heart.

Their conversation was abruptly cut off as Yvan strode forward and, to the gasps of those around, hoisted Matilda onto his shoulder.

to pound on his back. “What are you

you down? To let you flirt with others?”

room was stunned by Yvan’s

the couch, stammered, “C–can we talk this

tonight.

You bring me a lady

flushed with humiliation. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, it felt

1/2

back tears, “Yvan, let me go!”

I

“You’re drunk!”

“Yes, I am!”

his shoulder. She was dizzy with anger. “Let go of me!

words, you’ve got quite the talent. A degree from Evergreen University

drink with others, and now you’re backing out!” Matilda yelled, “Have the guts to let someone else take me! Loser! I did

everyone’s ears, halting their

The

the Thompson family,

who spent five

want to cry, but she couldn’t help it. Fate was cruel, striking just when she thought she’d escaped.