Chapter 4


    At twelve, Matilda jokingly told Yvan she’d marry him someday, and at twenty–two, she did. However,


    that same year, Rachel swept into Yvan’s life as if she owned the ce, and Matilda’s heart shattered


    as she realized she had always been nothing but a ceholder.


    Rachel was his muse, his love.-


    And Matilda? She was just a shadow in their light. On their wedding night, Yvan jetted off overseas to


    vacation with Rachel, leaving Matilda


    light crept in.


    Sitting in quiet torment until dawn’s


    At that moment, she finally understood that some people just don’te back, no matter how long you


    wait.


    She endured five long years of solitary matrimony, learning the hard way that hitting rock bottom hurts


    more than any fable could capture.


    “Yvan, I could wait for an eternity, ignoring time and pride, but you’ve caged me in a five–year marriage


    that’s felt like a prison. How can you repay this shattered life. Yvan? How?”


    Matilda awoke from the nightmare, chest heaving as she fought for breath. The past haunted her every


    unguarded moment, forcing her to relive the pain anew.


    “Mom, did you have a nightmare again?” Logan Thompson had warmed a ss of milk for her and held


    it out with a story offer, the wisdom in his eyes belying his years. “Should I tell you a bedtime story?”


    He was wa


    way too wise and obedient for his age, and Matilda’s heart couldn’t help but ache. She stroked Logan’s


    cheek gently. “How about I tell you a story? What would you like to hear?”


    “I don’t need a story, but if you want one, I’ve got plenty Uncle shared with me,” Logan replied, referring


    to Matilda’s elder brother, who had done everything he could to rescue Logan from the prison where


    Matilda gave birth.


    “It’s my fault for not being there for you, sweetheart. Uncle’s been amazing, hasn’t he?”


    After finishing her milk, Matilda suggested, “How about we join Uncle tomorrow and head to the


    amusement park?”


    Logan’s face was a youthful echo of Yvan’s, but his eyes were different–beautiful and full of a warmth


    that Yvan’s cold gaze never held.


    of life that even some adults


    At his age, the ways hadn’t learned were already deeply ingrained in his heart. That wisdom came with


    a price, and Matilda knew it all too well not to feel


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    guilt–ridden.


    The prospect of the amusement park thrilled Logan, and Matilda held him close, breathing in his


    youthful exuberance.


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    apler


    The night was long, and dawn, elusive.


    The next day, Matilda dressed Logan like a dapper little gentleman, taking pride in his charming


    appearance.


    “There can’t be a girl in the world who wouldn’t adore our Logan!”


    “I agree!” Logan preened, touching his chin yfully. “It’s all because my mom is beautiful; she made


    me this handsome.”


    “Such a charmer! Let’s go find Uncle.”


    Matilda buckled Logan into the car and set off toward the highway.


    Gideon Thompson, Matilda’s elder brother, had set up a sessful independent design studio and was


    buried in a big project, even sleeping there to meet deadlines.


    After Matilda’s release, Gideon had taken her in. Together, they supported each other while searching


    for news about their parents.


    Matilda had once been a rising star, her youthful talent impressing Noble Blue Brand abroad, securing


    her a spot designing their spring haute couture line. Her future had sparkled brightly before the fall.