A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Matilda jerked awake from a nightmare in the middle of the night, her breath ragged and her heart racing.

Logan, ever the thoughtful son, fetched her some medicine with the same care and concern that belied his young age. He might not have understood the complex words on the pill bottle, but he knew these were the magic beans that would soothe his mom’s troubled mind.

Her hands trembling, Matilda took the pill from him.

Logan, attuned to her needs, hopped out of bed to pour her a glass of water.

With the pill swallowed down with the tepid water, she caressed Logan’s head, her touch gentle. and loving.

The little guy seemed to bask i

the reliance his mother placed on him, cuddling up to her. “Momma, don’t be scared. I’m here, and so is Uncle.”

The hand resting atop his head quivered, and Matilda’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Logan, I’ll always be here for you, too.”

Looking up at her with clear, innocent eyes, Logan’s gaze brought back a flood of memories for Matilda. She remembered the first time she met Yvan, the rebellious heartthrob on campus, wearing his school uniform like a badge of defiance, loose and carefree. The whistle he blew upon seeing her had been playful and full of youthful arrogance.

Back then, Yvan’s face was striking, his eyes sparkling like diamonds when he laughed–free from the shadows of deep thoughts, the complexities of life, as clear and transparent as a mountain spring, brimming with the boldness and vigor of youth.

Lost in the reflection of those memories in Logan’s eyes, Matilda zoned out.

“Mommy,” Logan asked in a soft voice, “did Daddy… did something happen again between you two?”

Her son’s precocious sensitivity weighed heavily on Matilda. She hated that Logan, at his tender age, was burdened with such adult worries. It was cruelty he shouldn’t have to endure.

She opened her mouth to speak, deciding on the truth. “Your daddy wants to take you back to live with him.”

Logan didn’t seem surprised by her answer, giving her a comforting smile. “I guess you said no, right, Mommy?”

Matilda forced a smile though her heart was heavy. “Yeah… Your dad offered us a lot of money.”

The transfer had come through that afternoon.

Five million, not a cent less.

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When Matilda saw the notification, she stared at the screen, tears spilling down her cheeks.

Her lost love, her shattered life, and her precious son–all of it was reduced to an insult by Yvan with five million dollars.

“Mommy, don’t be upset. Money’s good, right? Logan tried to cheer her up. “With the money, we can go on a trip with Uncle!”

Matilda nodded, not revealing her true feelings.

Yvan would probably not let go. Next, he might play hardball in the business world. This five million was just the beginning of an endless stream of insults.

She hugged Logan tightly, whispering into the night, unsure if she was comforting him or herself, “Logan, Mommy won’t let anyone take you away…”

Even if pushed to the brink, she would never hand over her son to anyone. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

If Yvan wanted to take Logan away, he’d have to take her life first.

In the darkness, Logan lay with his eyes wide open–clear and deep, as if he didn’t understand or perhaps he understood all too well.