A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 526

Logan eyed Orson's wound with a mix of concern and annoyance. "Who did this to you? Was it that Chad guy?"

Orson didn’t dodge the question. Faced with Logan's mature demeanor, he opted for honesty. "Sorry for dragging you guys into this mess."

"It's not dragging us anywhere."

Logan glanced up with a serious look on his face. "Just... don't let Mom find out you're hurt, alright? She’d just worry herself silly and then insist you stay a few extra days to 'recover'."

"I know."

Orson's voice was rough, betraying his unease. Logan had a clear understanding of the situation. If Matilda decided to have Orson stay longer, it could very well paint a target on her back, compromising her safety.

In Logan's world, his mom, Matilda, came first, no question about it.

So when he told Orson not to linger, what he meant was: heal up and hit the road as soon as you can, try not to bring any trouble to Mom.

Orson got the message but had no comeback.

Logan, wrapping Orson's waist with bandages, was clearly experienced. "You've done this before?"

"No, first time." Logan's response was indifferent, his demeanor unexpectedly reminiscent of Yvan.

Like father, like son – both shared a calm and rational disposition.

"I've told you before."

Finally done with the bandaging, Logan whimsically drew a heart on it with a marker, a mischievous act that almost made Orson smile despite the situation.

"I said, once you're out there, alive or dead, cut all ties with us."

Matilda's happiness and well-being were his guiding principles.

Orson managed a weak smile. "If Matilda knew about this, she'd be over the moon."

"No, don’t let her know, please," Logan whispered back, his voice barely above a murmur. "If I want to protect her, I'll do it from the shadows. Mom doesn't need to do anything, doesn't need to know anything. The last thing I want is for her to worry. I just want her to retain her innocence forever."

The boy's maturity belied his age, his thoughts intricate. In the shadows, he built a strong wall to shield Matilda from all harm and sorrow.

In that moment, Orson truly understood the dense, profound emotion in Logan's eyes.

It was an emotion he had once seen in Yvan during a fleeting moment of connection.

It was named duty.