A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 209

On the other side, Matilda was freaking out after realizing Chloe had vanished without a trace. She was so worried that she considered calling the cops. But after a brief visit to the station, they told her it was too soon to file a missing person's report and advised her to just go home and wait.

Later that night, deep into the witching hour, Matilda’s phone rang with Chloe's number.

Matilda answered in a panic, "Where the heck have you been after settling the bill? You scared the life out of me! I thought someone had snatched you!"

"I'm downstairs. Let me in when you can."

Chloe's voice was hoarse, devoid of her usual bubbly demeanor. Five minutes later, Matilda opened the door to find Chloe standing there, ghostly pale.

Tears clung to her eyes. "Mat, I..."

The sight of the angry bruises marring her neck sent a jolt of pain through Matilda. Without a word, she wrapped Chloe in a tight embrace, whispering, "It's okay. It's all okay now. You're safe, you're home. I was terrified you’d become someone’s captive."

Chloe buried her face in Matilda's shoulder and sobbed. By this time, Logan had long since retired to his room, and Chloe's return was so late that Matilda, too, was worn out from waiting. She guided Chloe to her room, and they huddled together under the covers, Chloe's tears flowing ceaselessly.

"Enough now," Matilda said with a heavy heart, "Forget about it, Chloe. Hey, how about we both head out to a new city?"

Chloe looked up, her eyes a sea of confusion. "It's impossible. Declan won't let me go..."

"I made it through the tough times," Matilda said, looking into her friend's face, "and so can you."

Chloe stared blankly at Matilda for a long time. "Once we wrap up the studio project, let's quit and leave this place."

Run away. Escape this city that harbors the men they fear.

Matilda nodded firmly. "Deal! You're a whiz at admin, and I've got the design chops. We'll never go hungry, wherever we go. No need to suffer over Declan anymore."

Chloe's tears started anew, "Mat, can feelings really last a lifetime in this world?"