Stephan's words hung heavy in the air as Ruby processed the implications. The idea of their peaceful haven being invaded by prying eyes sent a shiver down her spine. She glanced at Ethan, playing innocently with his blocks on the floor, unaware of the potential threat lurking outside."We need to be careful," Ruby said, her voice tinged with concern. "I'll make sure all the doors and windows are locked."Stephan nodded in agreement, his mind already racing with strategies to ensure their safety. He couldn't stand the idea of anyone or anything disturbing the calmness of their time together. As they locked up the house, Stephan couldn't shake the unsettling feeling gnawing at his insides. Who was behind this intrusion into their lives, and what were their motives? These questions churned in his mind like an impending tempest, endangering the delicate serenity they cherished. Resolute to uncover the truth, Stephan dialled a number on his phone, pressed it to his ear, and waited for some
Amelia spent the rest of the evening wandering up and down her room devising a perfect scheme not to spill the beans out while still keeping tabs on Stephan.She was aware that one mistake could cause everything she had dedicated herself to unravel. As the night progressed, she felt a disturbing feeling of unease gradually enveloping her, she could feel her airways get clogged and suffocating.She glanced at her watch and noticed it was way after midnight, still, she was not able to sleep. Moments later she was ready to give up any hope of having a restful night when a notification popped on her phone coming from Stephan. She stared at the message in unbelief, rereading it to understand that she was not dreaming. It was his offer of lunch tomorrow in his penthouse.Typically, she would be out there dancing all happy because she was the one who had been reaching out to Stephan but now that she had a private investigator who was compromised she has been feeling uneasy.Her mind raced a
Soon the day slipped away faster than Amelia had expected, and it was night already. She had to go home. Still, she was holding back, giving time for Stephan to invite her for an overnight. She had never spent a night at his house and she was eager to spend tonight with him. He just used to be so private and guarded, never letting anyone too close. Amelia couldn’t help noticing the time but at the same time, she was combatting herself, trying to think of a reason to stay just for a little while. Nevertheless, before she could come up with a proper idea, Stephan spoke “Did you drive here?” he asked, breaking the comfortable silence. “No, I didn’t,” Amelia answered, knowing that she had purposely refused to drive. She wanted an excuse to stay longer. “Well, I can give you a ride home if you want,” Stephan offered, surprising Amelia with his generosity. “Thank you, but you don’t have to, I can other a cab,” she replied politely trying not to sound too eager “Come on, I’m going hom
Ruby could feel her heart racing at the thought of moving in with Stephan. The idea both terrified and comforted her. She knew Stephan was doing everything out of genuine concern for their safety, but taking such a big step felt overwhelming. She was now facing the biggest choice of life as she gazed between Naomi and Stefan.The words of Naomi sustained in the air, which just made the situation seem even more taut. Initially, the fact that Stephan was proposing the idea of staying with him astounded her, but slowly his approach became logical for her. The most important thing here was Ethan’s safety, but also, their right to live their own lives and have privacy.Following a deep silence, it was Ruby who broke the maintained silence. “Stephan, I’m glad you’re here for us and want to keep us safe, but I need some solitude to think about this critically.” A big decision has to be made, and I need to be sure that this is the right one not only for Ethan but for me too. Her voice was st
"Hello my love," Ruby greeted with a tired but satisfied tone. "I'm sorry I didn't call sooner; today has been tough.""It's okay, I grasp. Moving can be stressful," Naomi responded. How are you holding up? Is Ethan settling in alright?" Naomi's concern was evident even through the phone. "He's doing great. Stephan has been so generous and thoughtful, he even had Ethan's room decorated so beautifully," Ruby shared, feeling grateful once again for their new living arrangement. Naomi let out a relieved sigh. "I'm glad to hear that, Ruby. And how are you feeling about everything? Is it starting to sink in that this is your new home now?" Ruby paused for a moment, pondering on the events of the day. "It's beginning to feel real. "Stephan has been understanding, and I'm starting to feel hopeful about what's to come," Ruby shared."I'm thrilled for you, Ruby. You deserve every bit of happiness," Naomi responded sincerely."Thanks," Ruby replied with a slight smile.Ruby paused as s
“Thank you once again, Stephan, this is very generous of you” Ruby said lifting the bag slightly. Stephan simply smiled and inclined his head. Leaving the shop, Stephan’s phone rang halting their stroll. Stephan picked up the call and placed the phone on his ear listening intently to the caller on the other end. After a brief conversation, he ended the call and turned to Ruby with a furrowed brow “It seems there is an urgent matter that has come up at work, I would drop you at home before heading out” The look on his face was so disturbing. “Stephan, what’s wrong? Is everything okay at work” Ruby inquired“Yes everything is fine, nothing serious” Stephan lied looking above Ruby’s head and trying to avoid her gaze. Everything isn’t fine, the call he just received was from his security intel, and they suspect Stephan is been followed. He lied to Ruby because he didn’t want her to worry. Stephan and Ruby hurriedly went home. On arrival, Stephan dashed into his room to prepare for the
Amelia felt her heart pounding as she looked at the report her investigator had put together. Ruby had moved into Stephan's house. The evidence was undeniable – photos of them laughing over dinner at his place, strolling together in public and even shopping. Doubt and confusion clouded Amelia's mind as she grappled with the revelation. Stephan hated shopping but the pictures showed that he was enjoying shopping with her Amelia walked nervously into her office, repeatedly checking the report for any evidence that could kill her suspicion. However, everything was clear and undeniable Taking a deep breath, Amelia made a decision. Amelia decided to talk to Stephan in person, looking him in the eyes and asking for answers. She wanted the truth, refusing to make assumptions or let her emotions affect her judgment. Even if it hurt, she needed to hear it directly from him.On reaching Stephan's house, Amelia could feel her hands shaking with a blend of fear and anger. She tapped lightly
“Why is a workaholic like you at home on a weekday?” Amelia inquired. She had been so consumed by her own emotions and assumptions that she didn’t stop to think about the fact that he wasn't working.“My security team thinks it best to work from home for a while because of the stalker” Amelia felt stupid, everything she has done so far has only succeeded in bringing Ruby closer to Stephan. Because of the private investigator she set up, Ruby and Stephan have to live together and he can't even go to work so they are stuck together all day. It was like some cruel joke played on her by fate.“Where is your guest?” Amelia’s question hung in the air as she scanned the living room area.“I think she's upstairs in her room” Stephan replied with a soft tone“My regards to her,” Amelia said as she prepared to leave. She was too vulnerable to be around Stephan.“Leaving so soon? Thought you'd stay for lunch”“I’m sorry, I can’t, I have some errands to run” She lied. Stephan saw her off to the d
Stephan ignored their surprised look and went over to Ruby. He helped her clean up and took her to the room. “Stephan what are you doing here and how did you become the stripper Naomi hired?” she asked once she was settled. “I will explain later, for now, you need to get yourself checked by a doctor”“Stephan don’t be dramatic, I’m fine” She insisted she was all right but Stephan went ahead and contacted their family doctor and asked him to come over to the penthouse. The doctor replied that he was close by and would be there in a few minutes.Naomi went back to the living room and removed David’s mask, staring at him angrily, “David, care to explain why you are the stripper at Ruby’s bachelorette party?”David was sweating nervously “Uh, well... it’s a long story. But I swear I had good intentions!” The doctor’s arrival interrupts their conversation, shifting their focus to Ruby’s well-being.Naomi directed the doctor to the room “Doctor, Ruby's in there." She said gesturing toward
Naomi promised Ruby a bachelorette party to remember and she intends to do just that. She quickly picked up her phone and began to punch numbers. Naomi pressed the call button and waited for the receiver to pick up."Hey, Rita! It's Naomi. Can you swing by my place after work? I need to talk to you about something important.""Hey, Naomi! Sure, I can drop by. Is everything okay?" Rita's voice is full of worry and her eyebrows are slightly furrowed as she thinks of what could be troubling Naomi.Yeah, everything is fine. It's just... I want to provide Ruby with an unforgettable bachelorette experience, but I need your assistance to make it happen. " Naomi's voice is filled with excitement, a sly smile emerging on her face as she discloses her secret scheme."Ooh, a surprise? I'm intrigued. Count me in! I will be there the moment I finish work." Rita's eyes brighten up with curiosity and enthusiasm, she is ready to be a part of the surprise for Ruby."Perfect, thanks, Rita. See you soon
When she got back, Ruby couldn’t stop herself from telling Naomi right away about the proposal. Overflowing with excitement, she skipped her way to her friend with the shimmering ring on her finger, she held up her hands.“Look, Naomi! Stephan proposed!” Ruby squealed, and her voice sounded really happy.Naomi’s eyes flashed with delight as she looked at the ring. “I told you!” she exclaimed, unable to contain her joy.David joined in the celebration, offering his congratulations to Stephan with a warm smile.As the initial excitement began to die down, Naomi couldn’t help but tease Ruby gently. “You know, normal people usually meet first, date, and then get engaged,” she quipped, a playful smirk on her lips.Ruby laughed, nodding in agreement. “That’s exactly what I said when he proposed” she replied, her laughter mingling with Naomi’s.Naomi’s expression turned serious for a moment. “Well, I guess that makes me your maid of honour,” she declared with a grin.Ruby’s eyes lit up with
After a few weeks in therapy, Ruby began to feel better also she began to learn how to manage her fears. Finally, the day came when her therapist cleared her, declaring her ready to face the world again.To celebrate, Stephan suggested they take a trip to the island Ruby won the ticket for at the auction. The girls were excited about the trip, Stephan began to make preparations hoping to make the trip one to never forget in a hurry, especially for the girls.“Please can I bring a plus one? I don’t want to be the third wheel on this trip” Naomi asked politely “Sure! I don’t see why you can’t” Stephan replied with a kind smileNaomi’s face lit up with excitement, “Really? That would be amazing! I would ask my friend if he can come” she exclaimed eagerly “He? A friend? Just say you want to come with your boyfriend” Ruby teased “And would that be a bad thing?” Naomi retorted “Not at all my friend. As for me, I’m definitely bringing Ethan’s nanny because I need to relax and be taken ca
Amelia went over every detail of Ethan’s whereabouts with the detectives. A team of police officers were hurriedly sent to the scene to retrieve the baby. While Stephan was asked to sit and wait, his heart was pounding with mixed feelings of anxiety and hope. Each passing moment seemed like an age as he was waiting for the update.Finally, the moment arrived. Immediately the door opened, a police officer walked in holding Ethan. Stephan was filled with joy as he made his way to them. "Thank you,” Stephan uttered in a choked voice, and his tears started falling as he hugged Ethan.The officer nodded with a little smile. “He’s safe now,” he pointed out to Stephan with a grin on his face. Stephan hugged Ethan tightly as a wave of gratitude engulfed him.As Stephan held Ethan tightly in his arms, his heart still racing with the rush of relief, a call suddenly pierced through the moment of peace. Naomi’s voice crackled through the phone, urgency evident in her tone as she relayed Ruby’s re
Stephan couldn’t sleep a wink, he was so worried and confused, he kept thinking of the possibility that someone would come into his house and kidnap his child without being seen by anyone. He wished and prayed that Ethan would be okay. Twenty-four hours after the kidnap and no call for any ransom demand has been received. He hoped they would be contacted that way they would know what the person wanted rather than keeping them in the dark.He kept tossing and turning till a new day dawned. His phone kept ringing showing an incoming call. He quickly picked up his phone in case it was a call from the kidnappers but it wasn’t. It was Amelia. With a heavy heart, he answered, trying not to sound disappointed “Hello?”“Hello? What’s going on? You don’t sound good” Amelia’s voice crackled through the line, filled with concern. “Ethan is missing,” Stephan replied, his voice trembling slightly. “We’ve searched the whole house but can’t find him.” "Oh, my goodness. When did this happen?" she
Ruby began to panic as she frantically screamed Ethan’s name, sending the domestic staff to emotional agitation. “Has anyone seen Ethan? She cried out, her voice trembling with fear. The utterly confused staff shook their heads, unsure of what was happening. With a racing heart, Ruby dashed from room to room, desperately calling out for her son, but there was no reply. Fumbling with her phone, Ruby dialled Stephan’s number, her voice trembling as she screamed, “Ethan’s missing!” Stephan was confused and before he could respond, she ended the call and dialled Naomi’s number. As Stephan attempted to call her back, the line remained dead, fuelling his growing sense of fear. He decided to call his housekeeper to find out what was really going on."Hello! What's going on at home? Ruby just called me, but I couldn't understand what she was saying," Stephan exclaimed, his voice filled with concern."Ethan is missing. We've searched the whole house, but can't find him," The housekeeper repli
As the auction drew to a close, Stephan leaned in close to Ruby, his voice a soft murmur “Congratulations, Ruby” he whispered, a warm smile lighting up his features. Ruby returned the smile. She felt grateful towards him because she could never have been able to afford to bid that high without his help. Now she is looking forward to going on a vacation with Ethan, Naomi and maybe Stephan too if he wants to. The music started playing and guests commenced dancing, some were standing in groups and discussing as Stephan offered a hand to Ruby for a dance with a smile on his face.Accepting his proposal, Ruby placed her hand on his, their hands a perfect fit as they headed to the dancing area.The both of them were dancing in perfect harmony, the rhythm of the music dictating the swaying of their respective bodies.They danced their way through the evening and suddenly everyone around became engaged with their laughter, happy for them because their happiness was clear. The dance floor sud
“What? A ball?” she began to panic, her voice trembled with urgency as she confronted Stephan. "Why are you just telling me now?" she demanded, her eyes wide with alarm. Stephan’s brows furrowed in confusion, his voice calm as he explained, "I just found out myself, Ruby."But Ruby’s hysteria only intensified as she bombarded him with questions about her appearance for the ball. “What am I going to wear? How should I style my hair? And my makeup?” she exclaimed, her voice bordering on frantic as she handed Ethan over to his nanny and rushed away.Stephan called after her, his voice gentle yet firm. “Where are you going?” he inquired, concern etched into his features. “To my room to figure out what to wear!” Ruby replied hastily, disappearing upstairs in a flurry of panic.Moments later, as Ruby frantically rummaged through her closet, a knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Opening it, she was surprised to find Stephan standing there. “You have guests” He informed her “Me?” sh