A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 598

Orson felt a twinge of irritation at the remark; perhaps Yvan's very presence had been grating on him from the start. The feeling was mutual for Yvan. The man before them was a formidable rival in love for both of them.

Yvan could clearly see the love Orson harbored for Matilda in his eyes—intense, yet restrained. Ever since the mystery of Matilda's heritage had been revealed, it was clear that Orson and Matilda were never meant to be. She was indeed his blood-related sister—the heiress of the Crowe family. Yet, some emotions, once they begin to sprout, do not concern themselves with consequences or fear of what might come. Even at the risk of utter destruction, Yvan saw in Orson's eyes a willingness to bare all his love, a sentiment... that he found dangerously familiar.

Orson was a man of few words, unlike Yvan's aloofness. Yvan, with his privileged status and ability to turn situations to his favor with ease, naturally carried an air of superiority—perhaps this aloofness was a form of frivolous pride. However, Orson excelled at hiding and enduring, his indifference stemming from a disengagement with the mundane aspects of the world. To him, the world was distant, with Matilda being his only tie to it.

Yvan stood up, unwilling to spend more time with Orson. "Since you're alright, we'll be leaving. If Hadrian wakes up, we'll let you know. There's someone guarding outside; you're safe for now."

"Alright," Orson merely responded and then bowed his head again. The two men had silently clashed countless times. Yvan pulled Logan towards the door, and Logan looked back at the man on the hospital bed.

"Uncle Orson."

At the boy's call, Orson looked up again. Logan smiled, his eyes clear and innocent. "It's good, you're still my Uncle Orson."

That simple statement made Orson's heart stir, a rare feeling of being touched accelerating his heartbeat. So this is what it feels like to have someone to care for...

After Logan spoke, Yvan led him away. R7CKY and Ventus didn't stay long either, following them out. Soon, the door to the hospital room closed, leaving behind a silence.

...

In the hallway, Logan looked up at Yvan, his earlier innocence gone. "When do you think we can end this?"

He was referring to completely dismantling Chad's influence.

"As soon as Hadrian wakes up." Yvan's pace didn't falter, but he made an effort to match Logan's smaller steps. "We can deal with him right away."

"I don't want my mom to live under threat any longer." Logan, led by Yvan to the hospital entrance, added, "My mom might start wondering why I've been running out so much lately, Mr. Boyd. I'm on a tight schedule."

The young boy's tone carried an adult-like authority.

Yvan smirked. "I'm on a tight schedule, too."

"Once this is over, do you plan to keep in touch with us?" Logan glanced at Yvan. "Or let my mom live her life freely?"

"Whatever she prefers." Yvan looked down, meeting the gaze of the young face so similar to his own. "I ask for nothing."

"I understand. This is where we part ways." Logan let go of Yvan's hand, speaking softly. "No need to see me out."