A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

The door to the Mason residence flew open with a thunderous kick from Yvan..

When the two men locked eyes, neither had expected to find the other in their space that day. Without a second thought, Yvan lunged forward, seizing Mason by the collar, and pinned him against the wall with a force that sent a shudder through the frame.

His eyes, sharp as daggers, bore into Mason. The coldness in his voice sliced through any remnants of their past camaraderie, “You got a death wish or something?”

“A death wish?” Mason’s lips curled into a half–smirk, “Interesting. So getting cozy with Matilda is a capital offense now?”

Yvan’s fury painted his handsome face with an intensity that was almost palpable. His mouth opened to retort but he swallowed the words, releasing Mason instead. Both men were panting, visibly struggling to contain their emotions.

It took considerable effort for Yvan to speak, each word measured and deliberate, “Where is she?”

“The bathroom.”

Mason seemed to regain his composure first, “She’s been drugged by Troy.”

“I know.” Yvan didn’t waste another moment, striding towards the upstairs bathroom of the Mason house, “I’ll settle the score with Troy myself.”

He didn’t hesitate to fling open the bathroom door, and there was Matilda, slumped over the edge of the bathtub. Her fair face flushed pink from the drug, an image of

undeniable allure.

The thought of Mason witnessing her in such a vulnerable state ignited an uncontrollable rage within Yvan.

Snatching a towel from the rack, he wrapped Matilda in it and lifted her soaking body. from the water. As she nestled her head against Yvan’s chest, she murmured unconsciously, “Yvan.”

Despite the softness of her voice, it struck a heavy blow to his heart, crumbling a

piece of his defenses. Knowing full well that her words were clouded by the drug’s influence, Yvan couldn’t help but respond.

He replied, “Yeah.”

As he carried Matilda out, passing Mason who stood outside the bathroom, Yvan’s eyes narrowed slightly. His grip on her tightened involuntarily, yet he managed to say, “Thanks, Mr. Farrell, for stepping in.” Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

“Ha.” Mason’s lips twisted into a smile, unfazed by Yvan’s guarded stance. “I didn’t do it for you. It was all for Matilda.”

“You seem pretty invested in my ex–wife. I’m flattered.”

Yvan’s cold laughter intensified, a chilling aura emanating from his devilishly handsome face. Knowing full well his antagonism, Mason raised an eyebrow and asked, “Done being friends, Yvan?”

“That depends on you.” Clutching the woman in his arms, Yvan looked up, his sharp and beautiful eyes flashing a warning. “I’m telling you, don’t mess with what’s not yours to touch.”

“You sure like to meddle.” Mason laughed on spot, “Your ex–wife is none of your business anymore, so why the clinginess? If you admit you’ve fallen for Matilda, I wouldn’t mind a fair fight.”

“I mind.” Yvan’s eyes narrowed abruptly, his smile belying a sinister undertone. “You’re out of the league.”

With that, he left Mason’s house, cradling Matilda in his arms, his tall figure receding

into the distance.

Mason watched Yvan’s retreating figure for a long time before looking away, scoffing forcefully.

“Boring.” Pulling out his phone, Mason made a call with practiced ease, “Hey, it’s me. I want to dig up what Matilda went through five years ago. And where are her parents.

now?”