A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 503

Yvan offered a smile, tinged with a hint of loneliness, "After all these years, I've come to realize the gravity of the mistake I made. At first, I was too scared to even dig into it, afraid that the truth would upend everything so drastically, I wouldn't be able to cope. Back then, I refused to admit my wrongdoing. But when all the evidence was laid out before me, I realized... there was no keeping up the self-deception any longer."

Some journalists were already at a loss for words.

"True, five years ago, Matilda and I got married. She was an incredible woman, young and brilliant, choosing to marry me. But I, I failed in my duties as a husband. I was unfaithful, with Rachel."

As Yvan spoke, his voice quivered noticeably.

"Some of the rumors are true. I had feelings for Rachel from the start, but through a twist of fate, I ended up marrying Matilda, and I resented her for it. But I never considered that marrying a woman meant giving her a home, standing by her as her husband. All I knew was how to hurt her, without ever taking the time to reflect on my actions. I hurt two women, and later, when Rachel was in trouble, I even had Matilda wrongfully imprisoned. Now that the case has been overturned, I see just how wrong I was."

"Matilda was a wonderful wife. She'd prepare meals for me three times a day, even though I'd never partake, openly dismissing her efforts. Even when I was out, living it up with other women, she'd wait for me at home. The endurance and strength she showed... I took it for granted back then. Now, I realize all the love I missed out on. I owe Matilda so much, clearing her name is just the beginning. Some might say, Matilda, being the remarkable woman she is, has moved on, that I shouldn't reopen old wounds."

The camera panned over the journalists and onlookers, some with tears in their eyes.

Matilda, watching from her TV at home, was also moved, as memories of her marriage to Yvan flooded back.

Memories... how can they hurt so much?

Yvan looked around at the passersby, his gaze deep, as if peering into an abyss. Matilda felt as if she was drowning in his eyes.

"Why bring up old wounds? Because I was the one who inflicted them. Some amends may be late, but they are necessary. Better late than never."

Noel patted Yvan on the shoulder. Middle-aged, having weathered many storms, Noel was visibly moved, his eyes red, silently encouraging his son to continue.

"I know, my image in your eyes is tarnished. Many thought highly of me, believing I could do no wrong. I'm sorry to have let you down. I'm only human, a human who has made many mistakes. I'm not as perfect as everyone thought. But recognizing my faults, I had to come clean."

Yvan locked eyes with the camera, his words deliberate, reaching Matilda through the screen.

"I'm here to set the record straight because the stories online are many, and some have even attacked Matilda personally. It's essential to present the accurate, truthful account to prevent further harm. I ask that you leave Matilda and her loved ones in peace. Stop delving into her past. As for me..." Yvan clenched his fist, "If there's evidence, I wouldn't hesitate to have Matilda seek justice against me for the wrongs and injustices of the past."