A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

That’s a brilliant idea, Matilda thought, beaming with enthusiasm. “Sure, I’ll swing by your studio when I get a chance.”

Chloe gave Matilda a brotherly slap on the shoulder. “Hey, girl, you gotta come to our studio! We’ve got a designer who’s drop–dead gorgeous!”

“I’m in. I’m in!” Criss was even more excited than Matilda. “She’s sworn off dating, man. She’s practically a nun now. Leave the handsome guys to me!”

Right then, the waitress brought over the array of sushi and sashimi, and the trio dove into the feast, creating a cheery atmosphere in stark contrast to the solemn and quiet demeanor of the two men sitting across from them.

Adrian watched Matilda laughing and chatting with others, and for some reason, he felt a heaviness in his chest as if a stone were pressing down on it. He felt sick. Ever since Matilda got out of the hospital, he found himself snooping for news about her, and learning that she was hanging out with Criss stirred a feeling inside him known as jealousy.

The last time, at a fancy party, she was arm–in–arm with Criss, passing by him like a dazzling couple, and it stung his vision. Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

Mason got up to grab some pastries and, after casting several glances at Matilda, grumbled, “I should bring a date next time.”

Otherwise, sitting here with Adrian, heir to the Simpson family fortune, eating a Japanese buffet, just the two of them… it’s bloody ridiculous.

“Bring one, then,” Adrian said, shifting his attention to Mason’s comment as he picked up a slice of salmon and chuckled. “I heard you got grounded by your mom recently. What was that

about?”

Mason’s face darkened at the mention. “Let’s not talk about it; nothing worth mentioning.”

Adrian’s laughter made his blue–green eyes sparkle, catching the attention of a passing waitress who couldn’t help but steal several glances.

“What, was it over a woman?”

Mason’s gaze turned somber, as though he wanted to say something but held back. Eventually, he let out a sigh. “Forget it; I’ve been let out now.”

But what Mason didn’t realize was that he had already arrived too late in Matilda’s life–so late that no matter what he did, he couldn’t catch up to her.

The meal was a rapid affair. Matilda and her friends were determined to get their money’s worth, attacking the sushi and sashimi with gusto. Criss was tearing into a creamy. cheese–topped Argentine red shrimp, his fifth one, no less. It was all–you–can–eat, after all, and they were determined to eat their fill.

10:52

After polishing off her tenth portion of sea urchin, Chloe frowned. “These portions are too small It’s like I haven’t eaten anything.”

Matilda glanced at her. “With your speed, there’s no way that’s enough.”

Chloe scooped up a spoonful of roe and popped it into her mouth, chewed for a moment, then swallowed. “Ah! I just love all–you–can–eat sushi!*

Right then, her phone lit up.

Matilda noticed the surname on Chloe’s screen–Yeager. It must be Declan Yeager.

Chloe answered, and whatever was said on the other end of the line left her looking deflated. She hung up and turned to Matilda. “Looks like I have to head out early.”

“We’ll go together,” Matilda offered, understanding the demands of Chloe’s job. “We’ll finish up here and walk you out.”

“No worries, I’ll head out now. You and Criss enjoy your meal” Chloe grabbed her coat and cast a glance at Adrian and Mason across the way. “After I leave, if they dare to bother you, call me. okay?”