A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 300

Mason stood defiantly in the pouring rain, blocking Matilda's path. He was reckless, gripping her shoulders tightly. "I know I'm responsible, Matilda," he said, his voice a mixture of desperation and remorse. "I never meant for things to go this way... I lost control that day because I couldn't hold back, I—"

"Stop," she interrupted him, her voice soft but firm.

With a gentle nudge, she brushed his hands away, a subtle motion he found himself powerless against.

"Let's save ourselves some dignity."

She didn't wait for a response before turning away, disappearing back into the rain-soaked evening. Mason stood there, the courage to reach out for her again evaporating like the rain on hot pavement.

He thought to himself that maybe, just maybe, it was time for him to bow out of Matilda's life.

...

Thanks to Mason's stunt, Matilda ended up catching a cold that quickly spiraled into a fever.

By the time she got to the hospital, it was Keaton, that charming younger brother of Chase, who greeted her. He glanced at the thermometer with a whistle. "Holy smokes, 104 degrees! That's even more badass than last time! Have you picked out your plot yet? I can recommend a good undertaker, because you sure as hell shouldn't be here—might as well find a cozy spot in the ground."

Matilda thought to herself, how could someone so devilishly handsome be such a relentless teaser? But before she could voice her thoughts, she fainted just like last time, with a clatter that echoed through the hall.

Keaton caught her with the grace of a gentleman escorting a queen, shouting down the hall, "Make way, people! We've got a fainter here—get a room ready!"

When Matilda came to, she saw Yvan sitting beside her. She thought she was hallucinating. Hadn't she seen this scene before?

Sadly, the person beside her was no longer the same.

Yvan looked up from his phone, meeting her gaze. "Awake?"

Matilda didn't speak.

With a sigh, Yvan stood up, a picture of reluctant acceptance. "Well, if you're awake, I'll take my leave."

"Thank you, and goodbye," Matilda replied quickly, her response more polished than before.

How many trials must one endure to achieve such composure, to remain dignified even in the most awkward of entrances and exits?

Yvan paused mid-step, looking back at Matilda. She was still feverish, her lips pale, likely parched with thirst.

He bought water for her and placed it by her bedside. She didn't reach for it. The man turned silently and this time, he truly left.