A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 323

A group of us ended up hanging out late into the night, grabbing some food and just chilling. Ever since Matilda found out Asuka was actually a girl, she kinda let her guard down. But every time she caught a glimpse of Asuka's strikingly handsome face, she couldn't help but do a double-take.

It's funny how the world's filled with so many unique folks, Matilda thought, feeling a sense of wonder.

As we were calling it a night, Asuka offered to get us a ride. "I'll hitch a ride back with Todd. Your Uber should be here any minute," she said.

"Thanks," Matilda replied, feeling a bit awkward but grateful.

Asuka just laughed it off, "No worries. Guess you don't see me as a threat anymore, huh? My bad for not making my gender clear from the get-go."

It's kinda hilarious when you think about it. Most people introduce themselves with their names, but Asuka's gotta start with her gender.

The Uber arrived quickly, and Matilda and Chloe hopped in, waving goodbye to the others. Chloe, buzzing with excitement, said, "Pretty wild, right?"

Matilda nodded, recalling how she initially mistook Asuka for a troublemaker. "I was totally shocked. I thought she was just some kid..."

"Did you know she made it big on the international stage when she was just 17?" Chloe whispered, as if sharing a secret. "She's the go-to stylist for Lord, handling everything from makeup to fashion design!"

Young and accomplished, a true prodigy.

"That's incredible," Matilda admitted, still in awe. "She really is something else."

"You'll see," Chloe said with a smile. "The world's full of hidden gems. The quieter they are, the more skilled they tend to be."

Matilda's thoughts drifted to the friends she left back in Sea City, missing the connection they shared. People tend to hold onto memories, especially the good ones.

And Yvan? Does she still miss him?

She found herself gripping her shirt tightly at the thought. No, she hadn't forgotten him. Especially not in her nightmares, where he often appeared, leaving her in a cold sweat.

As Godfrey and Matilda followed at a slower pace, Matilda remarked, "Seeing her so carefree and childlike with you, it's really comforting."

"Yeah," Godfrey replied, a soft smile on his face. "Keeping her safe and happy, letting her keep that childlike wonder, that's all I want."

"It's perfect as it is," Matilda agreed as they entered the apartment to find Chloe already devouring the salmon Godfrey had prepared. Matilda began to remove her shoes, telling Godfrey, "If you two could just stay happy together, that'd put my mind at ease."

"Was Chloe unhappy before?" Godfrey frowned, concern in his voice. "Last time at my restaurant, I noticed she seemed scared of one of the guys there."

Matilda sighed, remembering the painful encounter with Yvan and Declan, the thorns in their sides.

"Yeah, that's why seeing her so joyful and childlike with you makes me feel lucky. I hope that guy never hurts her again. Take her far away from here, where she'll never have to face him again."

"I'm ready whenever she is," Godfrey assured, locking the door behind them. "Anywhere she wants to go, far away from all this, we'll leave and never look back."