A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

“Really?” Criss squinted, trying to gauge any hint of discomfort on her face, but Matlida delivered her line with such smoothness that there wasn’t even a hint of awkwardness.

Sheesh, women are as mysterious as the ocean’s depths!

Criss unfolded his legs and propped his chin lazily. “What’s taking your friend so long? Shoot her the diner’s address and tell her to start getting dolled up.”

“Probably tied up with something.”

As Declan’s personal assistant, Chloe had to be available for him at the drop of a dime, which meant her hours were anything but typical. Even though it was the weekend, she might still be caught up helping Declan with work matters.

“No way Declan’s working her to the bone on a weekend. Doesn’t the guy ever take a break?” Criss tapped his fingers on the table. “Give her a ring: at least let her know.”

Matilda figured it was a good idea, so she casually dialed Chloe’s number. But as soon as the call connected, a faint groan came through the line.

The sound sent a shiver of unease through Matilda. “Chloe, where are you? You coming for brunch?” she asked.

There was no reply, just a man’s cold chuckle before the call was abruptly ended.

The dial tone left Matilda dazed. It wasn’t like Chloe to be unresponsive: she was usually upbeat and outgoing. This was highly unusual.

Having experienced her own share of troubles, Matilda’s concern for her friend’s safety spiked. She didn’t bother with the menu any longer and stood up, clutching her phone.

“Let’s go, we’re heading to her place!” Matilda’s heart raced with worry. “I’m afraid something’s happened to Chloe…”

“Ok. We better check it out. It’s not like her to not answer calls on a weekend. Could be something serious,” agreed Criss.

The two of them left the diner in a hurry, clutching their cell phones. They flagged down a cab outside the mall, and Matilda gave the driver the name of an upscale neighborhood. The taxi sped off in her direction.

wha” Cric

“Chloe’s got a nice place, huh?” Criss remarked when he heard the address. “Is it her own, or did Declan set her up there?”

“It’s hers,” Matilda replied vaguely, unsure whether Declan would be at Chloe’s place today.

Declan always seemed aloof and unpredictable, and with his powerful background, Matilda had her concerns when Chloe became his personal assistant.

But upon arriving at Chloe’s doorstep, they encountered another man.

It was Horatio Yoakum, Chloe’s ex–fiancé.

As Matilda and Criss climbed over the balcony, they saw Horatio pinning Chloe down on the couch, her mouth covered and her body struggling.

The disparity in strength between men and women was evident, and Chloe was easily overpowered. Her back had been laid bare as Horatio had effortlessly torn through her clothes, revealing skin that was undoubtedly alluring to any man.

It was at this moment that Matilda and Criss, having climbed over the balcony outside, saw the scene through the curtains of the dimly lit living room. Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

Matilda’s body tensed with shock. Without thinking, she grabbed a flowerpot from the balcony and hurled it with all her might at the glass!