(Ruby)We stopped at a fast food joint on the way back because I hadn’t eaten breakfast and only now I felt hungry.Jack looked at me amused as I excitedly ordered chicken nuggets along with a spicy chicken sandwich.“You sure you don’t want some fries?” I asked him one more time before ordering only for myself.While we waited for the greasy meal to arrive, I sat across a cozy booth from him and looked at him with a narrow gaze.“What?’ he asked with a laugh.“Have you been eating alright lately?” I asked him, genuinely concerned about the state of his well-being.Over the course of the week during which he had ignored me, Jack’s cheekbones have become more prominent and his stubble remains unshaven when he absolutely hated having a stubble.“Ruby, I’m okay,” he reassured me but I was still not convinced.Silence followed between the two of us. It was odd because previously we could not shut our mouths whenever we were together.After we patched up, it still felt like there was a wal
(Lydia)It felt like the vein in my head would burst from the amount of commotion Clara had caused. The leader of our management team had come over, and more air hosts and hostesses were trying to calm down Clara by bringing her water and asking her to just take a seat so they could see what could be done next.Nathan had somehow been pushed behind all the commotion. By the look on his face, that’s what he’d prefer anyway.This mess would have been avoided if Clara wasn’t present at all. There was something off about the entire situation anyway. Was Clara here as some kind of a replacement for the role I was supposed to play?I was done with all this bother so I stood up from my seat, glad that I only had my purse with me, and loudly announced, “Excuse me, everyone, I can just change seats with Miss Clara, if that’s okay.”Silence resounded in the small space and then the initial air hostess nodded in my direction, “Follow me, ma’am, I’ll take you to your seat.”I picked up my purse a
(Jack)I think I could say that I was officially lost.When I had accepted my mother’s proposition, it felt like I still had some semblance of control over the situation. I hadn’t thought much about the consequences of it all – most of all Ruby’s heartbreak.You have to believe me when I say that I never wanted to hurt her. I wanted to protect her from everything she might face. Who would have thought that one day I would need to protect her from my own actions?I should have refused mother’s offer, but every time I try to think about how that conversation would go, I remember her pleading face as she tried to guilt me into agreeing with her and I just don’t have it in me to experience that.I try calling Ruby, but she doesn’t pick up. I don’t know what to do. A part of me wants to chase after her right this moment and another part of me wants to give her space so she can come to terms with this whole thing.I sit in my car and groan out loud.A notification pops up on my screen and m
(Thomas)I park the car in front of the kids’ preschool and wait for the tell-tale bell to ring, after which the entire area at the front will be filled with kids laughing, screaming, and running.I leaned against my car door and decided to ignore the stares I knew I was getting. Most of the local people know who I am, and if they don’t then they think I look vaguely familiar to a celebrity.Either way, I am used to getting stared at wherever I go. It has been like that since I was very young and my father used to take me to work functions and engagement parties. People used to come up to me and praise me just because they wanted to get into my father’s good graces.I know it worked mostly.The experience has left a lasting impact though, because now whenever anyone tries to compliment me, it makes me feel like they want something from me.Perhaps that’s why Lydia was the one I fell for. She never tries to suck up to me or be nice to me just to get into my good graces. Thinking about
(Lydia)I had to take a painkiller before the plane had even landed in New York City. I could not stop thinking about Clara’s words.Was she misleading me on purpose? Was that why she said what she did?I’m obsessed with you because he’s obsessed with you.The words just kept repeating again and again in my head. I thought about all the possibilities and the only plausible meaning behind her cryptic words was that she was talking about Nathan.However, there was a very glaringly obvious point that I just could not ignore. Clara had lied about me previously as well, in front of the whole world might I add.Could I trust someone who had a penchant for exaggerating? I don’t think so.If I were to explain her motives for lying, then she could have taken such a drastic approach because of the way Nathan was treating her and she was somehow thinking that it was my fault. Perhaps that’s why she lashed out like she did.I don’t know what changed for Nathan to bring her here like this, but it
(Ruby)After I had some time to cool off, I realized that I may have overreacted a bit.I don’t know what came over me but in that moment, after having somewhat of a spat with Jack, I felt like I needed some space.It's evening now and I know Jack called multiple times, but if he really wanted me to talk to him then he could have come here, to my home.There was no sign of him though. I tried not to let this thought consume me as I went about my work while waiting for Lydia to call.Now that I knew that she had been the one to push Jack to tell me the truth, I felt infinitely more grateful to her. Sometimes, all you needed in life to protect you was your older sister.I don’t know how long Jack would have kept it from me if Lydia didn’t give him an ultimatum, or didn’t talk to him knowing I could be watching it all play out and grow suspicious.I didn’t know how to bring up this subject before she left so I just kind of hugged it out with her. Now that I have gone and fought with Jack
(Jack)I clicked my phone shut, pissed off at the sheer amount of notifications that kept bugging me, each one making me think it might be Ruby but every single time I was disappointed.“Got some news you don’t like?” the girl sitting opposite of me said, playing with her straw in her drink as she made eyes at me.I grimaced, “Something like that.”I’m going to be very real when I say that I haven’t the faintest clue what to talk to about the women my mother had set me up with. I already knew about most of them because we grew up in the same social circles, but I never really talked to any of them growing up because most if not all of my attention was given to either Thomas or Amanda.I know these girls only on the surface and to think that mother makes me go with them on a single date as if I would have some kind of epiphany and change my mind about Ruby in a heartbeat was a funny concept if it wouldn’t hurt Ruby’s feelings.This was the reason why I didn’t want her to know in the fi
I woke up the next morning with a clearer head than I had gone to sleep with. Talking with the kids always made me feel happier and that was exactly what I had done after talking to Ruby the night before.Thinking of Ruby made me sad about the state of her love life. I don’t think Jack and Ruby have ever fought like this before so this was definitely a first for both of them. When I first found out about their dating, I knew Margaret would have some thoughts about their relationship but I never imagined her to do something like this.She had been opposing Thomas and me as well and what happened to our marriage and relationship must have given her some kind of vindication.Not to mention, not too long ago, she was partial to Sarah as well and only backed away when she found out that her family had been behind her almost losing her son.I went through my morning routine and focused on my schedule ahead for the time being. There was a photoshoot at noon which was expected to go on until
(Ruby)I stood outside Jack’s apartment door, my hand hesitating over the knocker. I shouldn’t be here. I’d already done more than enough, stitched him up, watching him avoid my questions like he always did. But despite every logical reason to stay away, I was here. Because this wasn’t just anyone, it was Jack. The Jack who had once made me laugh so hard I cried, who had shared countless quiet evenings with me in this very apartment. The Jack who, despite all the hurt and chaos, still managed to make my heart skip a beat when I thought of him. I pressed my lips together, pushing the memories aside. This wasn’t about rekindling anything; it was about making sure he was okay. He had shown up at my door injured and vulnerable, and no matter how much time had passed or how complicated things had gotten, I couldn’t ignore that. Taking a deep breath, I knocked. When Jack opened the door, his surprise was clear, though he quickly masked it with that practiced cool demeanor of his.
(Jack)I sat on the edge of my couch, staring at the bandage on my side, frustration boiling just beneath the surface. The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen. The family doctor had left about an hour ago after re-dressing my wound. He was efficient and professional, as always, and I appreciated the care. But damn it, why hadn’t I thought to call him in the first place? The moment I got injured, my instincts hadn’t pointed me toward practicality or logic. No, instead, I’d ended up at Ruby’s apartment, bloodied and in desperate need of stitches. I didn’t even remember the exact route I’d taken to get there, just that I had. Like my brain had been hardwired to seek her out, even when it made no sense. It embarrassed me now. Ruby had been nothing but calm and steady as she stitched me up, but I could tell how unsettled she was underneath that brave exterior. And I’d put her in that position, dragged her into something she had no business being
(Lydia)The drive back to the mansion felt electric, charged with an energy I couldn’t quite put into words. Thomas’s hand rested on my thigh as he navigated the quiet streets, his fingers brushing gently against my skin. Neither of us said much; the connection between us was palpable without needing words. By the time we reached the house and stepped through the door, it was as if the air around us crackled with anticipation. Ruby had left a note on the counter saying the kids were asleep and she’d see us tomorrow. I smiled, grateful for her support, but my focus was entirely on Thomas. As soon as the door to our bedroom clicked shut behind us, it was like a dam broke. His lips were on mine in an instant, hot and urgent, pulling me into him as if the space between us was unbearable. My hands found their way to his shoulders, then his hair, as I pressed closer, feeling the hard lines of his body against mine. “Lydia,” he murmured, his voice low and thick with desire. I didn’t
(Lydia)When I woke up in the morning, I felt completely refreshed. Today was special. Thomas and I had a date planned, just the two of us. It had been far too long since we’d had an evening to ourselves, and the thought of spending uninterrupted time with him filled me with excitement. Thomas was already awake, sitting on the edge of the bed as he adjusted his tie. His usual morning routine was precise, and I admired how calm and collected he looked, even when I knew his day would be busy. “Good morning,” I murmured, leaning up on my elbows. He turned, smiling warmly, “Good morning, love. Sleep well?” I nodded, sliding closer to him, “You’re leaving early today.” “Lots to do before tonight,” he said with a wink. I couldn’t help but smile at the playful glint in his eyes. Recently, he had been waking up looking like he didn’t get much sleep the night before. But today, he looked like he rested well. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I kissed him passionately, savoring the
(Thomas)The drive back to the mansion was quiet, the city lights a blur as they passed by the windows. My mind replayed the events of the day, the chaos with that one candidate, the interviews that went nowhere, and then Jack. That wound, the tension in his voice, the possibility of Marco being involved, it all left a sour taste in my mouth. But I pushed it aside for now. I didn’t want to bring that storm home with me.By the time I pulled into the driveway, the mansion was bathed in soft light, welcoming and warm. I exhaled deeply, the weight of the day slowly lifting as I reminded myself of what mattered most, my family.Inside, the familiar sounds of home greeted me. Miles and Mabel’s laughter echoed from the living room, where they were playing with a set of blocks. Lydia sat nearby, her eyes flicking between them and her phone. When she looked up and saw me, her face brightened in a way that made the tension in my chest ease instantly.“Daddy!” Miles and Mabel shouted in unison
(Thomas)The hallways of the office were unusually quiet as I left the disaster of the last interview behind me. My steps echoed faintly as I made my way toward Jack’s office, needing a moment to vent about the absurdity of the day. Jack always had a way of grounding me, even when the world felt like it was spiraling out of control.But when I arrived at his office, it was empty. The blinds were drawn, the desk cleared except for a mug of cold coffee. I frowned, pulling out my phone to call him.He picked up after a few rings. His voice was low and somewhat strained when he spoke, “Thomas?”“Jack,” I said, glancing at my watch, “Where are you? I just came by your office.”“I’m at my apartment,” he replied, his tone clipped. “At your apartment?” I repeated, my frown deepening, “It’s the middle of the day, Jack. What’s going on?”There was a pause, long enough to make me suspicious. “I had to step out for a bit,” he finally said, “I’ll be back soon.”“Jack-”“Thomas, I’m fine,” he int
(Lydia)As we pulled into the driveway of the mansion, I couldn’t help but glance at Ruby in the passenger seat. Her face was calm, her usual cool composure firmly in place, but I could tell she was exhausted. Whatever had happened earlier was still playing in the back of my mind, but I didn’t press her further. Ruby had always been good at deflecting, and I knew better than to push when she wasn’t ready to share. The front door opened before we even reached it, and there stood Mama, smiling weakly but genuinely. She leaned on her cane, her movements slower since the surgery, but her spirit was intact. Ruby was by her side in a flash, steadying her and guiding her gently back into the living room. “Ruby, you didn’t have to come all the way here if the boutique was busy,” Mama said softly, though her eyes betrayed how much she appreciated the gesture. “I wanted to,” Ruby replied simply, her voice steady, “And you know me, I don’t trust anyone else to make sure you’re properly ta
(Thomas)The office felt unusually stifling today, as if the walls were closing in on me. My desk was piled with documents, but my attention was split. Half of my mind churned through what would happen when I met Nathan again.I had not seen him face to face since the last time, the night I found Lydia after he had kidnapped her. My blood boiled just thinking about that moment. I would have made a rash decision if it wasn’t for Lydia’s hand in mind and the thought of our kids, their smiling faces flashing through my mind.They had already spent so much time without me, their dad, I wasn’t going to make a horrible decision by harming Nathan and landing myself behind bars.I was glad that I hadn’t acted out of emotion, but that was also due to the fact that Lydia was right in front of me, looking relatively unharmed. If he had done something to her…then I would have taken it into my hands.Apart from this, there was also the added stress of finding another personal assistant for myself.
(Lydia)By the time I reached Ruby’s apartment, I could hardly breathe. My legs burned from climbing the stairs two at a time, but I didn’t care. My mind was racing, filled with every worst-case scenario I could imagine. Ruby’s phone going unanswered and her not showing up at the mansion had sent my thoughts spiraling into dark territory.I pounded on her door, my fist landing hard against the wood.“Ruby? Open up! It’s me!”The hallway was eerily silent, my frantic knocks echoing off the walls. I pressed my ear to the door, hoping to catch even the faintest sound of movement inside.“Ruby, please! Are you okay?”The seconds stretched unbearably. Then, finally, I heard the muffled shuffle of footsteps. Relief surged through me, but it was fleeting.The door opened just a crack, and Ruby appeared, peeking through the gap. Her face was calm, but her eyes held a flicker of something…annoyance? Discomfort?“Lydia,” she said, her voice carefully even, “What are you doing here?”I pushed th