A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 401

Deep within the most hidden chambers of her heart, from the rawest instincts of her brain, the name Yvan was the genesis of all her miseries. Unconsciously, Matilda murmured, "I hate Yvan... Yvan... I hate myself too..."

Carl, watching Yvan through the glass, initially wore a look of concern that transformed into sheer shock in an instant. The shock was soon replaced by a pain so profound that no words could suffice, a pain stemming from being hurt by such a woman...

Even under hypnosis, Matilda still... remembered Yvan. How deep must this hatred run? A hatred so profound that not even love could surpass. The phrase "hatred to the bone" was never just an expression.

Yvan, standing before the glass wall, watched the silently weeping Matilda. She was not awake, yet her face was etched with agony. At that moment, Yvan felt all his defenses crumble. He desperately wanted to rush in and say to Matilda, "Please, let's stop this, can we start over? Give me a chance to make it up to you."

But the Matilda now was no longer the Matilda of the past. She was stagnant, curled up into herself, sealing her heart away from the world. Yvan would rather turn back time to when Matilda hated him; at least then, she was vibrant, like a sharp blade. But now?

Yvan lingered outside for a long while until Dr. Trent supported Matilda out. She stumbled forward, her eyes closed, her mind still in slumber. Yvan, with a heavy heart, stepped forward to assist, "Let me help."

Carl, noticing the tear stains on Matilda's face, felt immense pity. He pulled out a packet of tissues from his pocket, handed one to Yvan, and said, "Mr. Boyd, wipe Ms. Thompson's tears..."

Yvan gently wiped away her tears, then carried her back to her hospital room. Carl watched their retreating backs, feeling as if this journey was as long as a lifetime.

Matilda, without any struggle, rested against his chest, breathing steadily in deep sleep. And as he tucked her into bed, his hands trembled slightly.

Carl knew Yvan was in immense pain, but what could be done? Compensation? The saddest part about this world isn't that you have to make amends for your wrongs— It's wanting to make amends but finding no way to do so...

...

When Matilda woke up the next day, it was noon. The medication Dr. Keaton prescribed had her sleeping straight through to twelve. As she opened her eyes, Carl sat nearby, slurping ramen.

Seeing Matilda awake, Carl instantly slurped up his noodles and swallowed, nervously saying, "Ms. Thompson, you're awake?"

Matilda nodded, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Carl shook his head, "No, it's nothing. Are you hungry? I can order some takeout for you."

Yvan had been swamped with work, so he had asked Carl to stay by her side. Now that Matilda was awake, Carl sent a message to Yvan and then started to look for takeout options.

"I don't feel like eating anything, not hungry." Matilda was already thin, and her lack of appetite wasn't helping. If this continued, her body would break down even if her spirit didn’t.

Carl sighed, "Ms. Thompson, please eat something. The little guy will be home from school soon."