A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 786

As Yvan made his way back home, the heavens opened up, drenching the streets with a sudden downpour. Matilda couldn't help but worry about Logan getting caught in the rain. Her phone rang halfway through her fretting - it was Logan, calling to ease her mind. "Mom, Uncle Eugene's going to drive me over, so don't worry. We'll meet at the usual diner," he assured her.

"Alright," she replied, her voice carrying a mix of relief and concern.

Rain or shine, the dinner was still on.

After hanging up, Criss, who had been quietly observing, piped up. "Did you catch Yvan's reaction just now?"

Matilda looked down, her eyelashes casting shadows on her cheeks. "I didn't," she admitted softly.

"Man, you've got a heart of steel, just like Yvan," Criss remarked with a click of his tongue, a mix of awe and concern in his voice.

Matilda offered a small smile, "Not quite."

"Oh, but you are," Criss suddenly shifted from his usual jesting demeanor, adopting a more serious tone as he looked Matilda in the eyes. "You and Yvan are becoming more alike by the day."

Matilda froze.

"It's like... you're Yvan's reflection," Criss said, his voice laced with empathy as he reached out to gently touch her face. "You've molded yourself into his image, adopting his traits, his temper, even his strategies."

Everything about her seemed to be cast from Yvan's mold.

Taking a deep breath, Matilda found herself unable to deny it any longer. "I know, maybe, after being in that position for so long, I've started to resemble Yvan. But deep down, I'm still Matilda, right, Criss? Don't you think so?"

"No matter what," Criss sighed, "I just hope you don't hurt yourself. If being this way protects you, then it's not a bad way to live."

And indeed, it wasn't bad at all.

"Embezzling for diner food, huh? Classy," Criss teased.

"What's it to you?" Eugene shot back with a playful glare. "Let's go in, it's chilly out here."

Laughing and joking, they entered the diner, which was styled after classic Americana, complete with a jukebox and neon lights. The servers hustled back and forth, their sneakers squeaking against the checkered floor, carrying trays laden with burgers and milkshakes that looked like they jumped straight out of a 50s' diner ad.

As they took their seats, a cheerful waitress came over to take their order, effortlessly switching between English and a few phrases of Spanish to accommodate another table, showcasing the diverse skills of the diner's staff.

After ordering their favorite comfort foods, Matilda let the others decide on the rest. Glancing outside, she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure passing by the window.

Matilda frowned, puzzled. When she looked again, the figure was gone.

This wasn't the first time she felt like someone was watching her, a shadow trailing her steps. She wondered if it was just her imagination running wild...