Mathilda’s POV

I never even expected to get Fredric’s permission — or maybe I should rephrase that: I never expected to have the courage to even ask him if I wanted to go with Frank.

Time barely matters anymore. If Frank and I could spend the evening together, maybe I’d stay a little longer.

I still remember the thrill that ran through me when Frank asked if I wanted to explore the island and find a new place to stay. No man had ever asked me something like that before — it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and I wasn’t about to let it slip away.

Like I said, I deserve happiness too. The world doesn’t just revolve around Fredric and Paula. There’s me — Mathilda — who also deserves to feel what joy tastes like, even if just for a fleeting day.

“Thanks for agreeing to come with me today, Mathilda,” Frank said, smiling as we walked. “I didn’t expect the woman who first looked at me like I might rob her to end up being such good company.”

“You don’t need to thank me,” I said with a l