A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 287

The security guard nodded at Matilda, signaling for her to stay put while Adrian hurried off to withdraw some cash.

Adrian scampered away into the night, while the chilly breeze whistled and howled, leaving Matilda sneezing from the cold. What a lousy way to spend New Year's Eve!

Yvan, sitting in his car in the shadows across the street, couldn't agree more.

This New Year's Eve was hands down the worst day of his life.

Watching Matilda set off fireworks on the balcony with another man, then coming down to pay a fine like some lovestruck couple—it was like a punch to the gut every time he saw it.

He was seething with jealousy, an insane kind of jealousy. Adrian was pulling out all the stops to charm Matilda, and Yvan felt an almost primal urge to tear his face off.

But business ties meant he couldn't just rip into Adrian.

Eventually, Adrian came back, paid the fine, and after a lecture from the guard, they were let go. On their way back, Matilda couldn't help but blame Adrian, "This is all your fault... I'm freezing to death..."

"How was I supposed to know they don't do fireworks here...?" Adrian had planned it all so well. Fireworks were supposed to be romantic, and maybe Matilda would've been so touched she'd fall right into his arms!

But now, they looked like fools, having stood in the cold for half an hour, almost frozen stupid.

That was the last time he'd take Rafferty's lousy advice!

Yvan watched them leave, his hands clenching into fists.