A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 267

It had been a long, stifling day at the office, and for the first time in ages, Orson clocked out before Matilda. Usually, she was the one who zipped out the door in record time, but today, he just slammed his keyboard and stormed off without even bothering to punch out.

"Man, what's got his boxers in a twist today?"

Yoshi, lounging in his pajama bottoms with the cartoon tail, gaped as Orson made his exit. "Who rubbed him the wrong way?"

Baxter and Luna silently shook their heads in unison, while Hala let out a sigh. "Probably the strawberries Mr. Simpson dropped off."

Matilda, who was still tidying up her desk, looked puzzled. "What's he got against strawberries?"

With a chuckle, Hala said, "Orson's got a thing for you, sweetie. Mr. Simpson bringing you strawberries probably got under his skin."

Matilda froze, processing Hala's words. Her face flushed a deep crimson as she nearly jumped. "What did you just say?"

"I'm saying Orson likes you. Otherwise, why would he get so bent out of shape?" Hala spread her hands. "Besides, you two live together, commute together. It's hard to believe a guy wouldn't catch feelings for a gal he sees day in, day out."

Matilda muttered, "I genuinely haven't noticed any romantic vibes from him..."

Luna burst into laughter, clutching her stomach. "With Orson's reserved nature, I'd be shocked if he ever admitted he liked you!"

Their coworkers were a straight-shooting bunch, never making snide comments even when they sniffed out a hint of office romance. To Hala and Luna, having a crush was no big deal.

Matilda rested her chin on her hand thoughtfully. "So, how do I get Orson to stop being so grumpy?"

"You don't like him back?" Yoshi's eyes widened in shock. "But our Orson is such a catch!"

His words made Matilda laugh. "Being handsome doesn't mean I have to fall for him. Honestly, I've got zero romantic interest in him."

To prove her sincerity, Matilda even raised both hands as if taking an oath.

Luna pouted. "Boring. I was hoping for a love story straight out of a rom-com. This isn't going how I imagined."

Matilda gave her a knowing wink. "Real life isn't a game, after all."

"You've got that right," agreed Hala, snapping her fingers. "Since you're not into him, let's just be upfront with Orson. I know Matilda's not the type to lead someone on."

Straightening her hair, Matilda decided, "I'll talk to him tonight. Matters of the heart shouldn't be left to fester."

"Ah, what a goddess!" Baxter clasped his hands together in admiration. "Even your rejections are so refreshing! Goddess, consider me?"

Yoshi playfully kicked Baxter aside and turned to Matilda. "Ignore him; he's a gaming nerd. Goddess, consider me? I'm loaded, no other perks but money."

Matilda and Luna giggled in each other's arms, but as the laughter faded, Matilda felt a complex web of thoughts settling in her mind.

She really needed to have that talk with Orson.

His gaze narrowed, and he smiled at Matilda with a predatory edge, "Who gave you the guts to prance around a man in just a nightgown, talking about topics that could be taken the wrong way?"

Matilda flinched and pushed him away. "Stop it, I'm seriously trying to have a conversation..."

"I don't like you."

After what seemed like an eternity, Orson pinched the bridge of his nose and said irritably, "Argh, I don't know. I'm just irritated. Sure, I was annoyed that Adrian brought you strawberries, but I don't like you. Rest easy."

He sounded like a child throwing a tantrum, spilling out his feelings in one breath. Matilda was speechless.

The room fell silent, and a flurry of thoughts raced through Orson's mind, but it was Matilda who broke the ice.

She said simply, "Oh, okay, then. Goodnight."

With that, she fled the living room like she was escaping a crime scene, her slender figure casting a shadow that flickered like a flame in Orson's eyes.

He reached out to her retreating back but caught nothing but air.

The door clicked shut, and darkness enveloped the world.

Orson sat in the dark living room, silent as a statue, as the night stretched on interminably.