A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 607

Mom's smile was the treasure he vowed to protect for as long as he lived. No matter the circumstances, he wanted his mom to laugh freely, without a care in the world.

...

That evening, Yvan found himself lost in thought, staring at the magazine cover featuring Matilda.

He could never have imagined seeing Matilda, radiant and full of life like this. The magazine's theme was "Rising from the Ashes," and the cover art was infused with classical elements. Matilda, dressed in a flowing red gown, stood barefoot in the midst of a vast desert. The fierce wind and the relentless sun bore down on her, yet there she was in her crimson dress, sleeves fluttering, a vision of grace and power.

In another era, she could have been the downfall of an empire, her beauty stirring the hearts of kings and generals alike. But here, she stood alone in the desolate wilderness.

Like a tombstone marking the end of time.

She faced the camera without the need for exaggerated expressions. Her eyes alone cut through the chaos and filth of the world, sharp as a drawn sword. From afar, her entire being seemed to rise like a flame, blooming in a place where only death was expected.

Everything around her was desolate and ancient, yet her red silhouette was a striking splash of color against the bleak backdrop, like blood, like a beating heart. Amidst despair, her vibrant figure stood alone.

What does it mean to rise from the ashes? This was it.

The stark contrast of colors on the cover struck everyone who saw it. The pallid background against the blood-red dress was a powerful juxtaposition, a testament to Eugene's genius in capturing such breathtaking imagery.

Yvan gazed at the magazine Carl had brought back, placing it carefully on his desk as if it were a precious artifact.