"Where are you going?" As he saw Liz leaving the house wearing a long coat and high heels, Ed asked. Ed had just come home, and they met at the front door.
Liz glanced, her eyes already adorned with glitter. "None of your business!"
Liz retorted harshly, then turned away, but Ed grabbed her hand.
"Liz, stop this! Haven't you punished me enough? It's been almost six months. Come back to me." Ed pulled Liz's hand away, trying to hold her close.
Ed restrained himself, letting Liz do whatever she wanted. He never forbade her. The only thing Ed did was have his men keep an eye on her to make sure nothing bad happened.
Ed could be patient, but six months should be enough. He wanted, at least, for Liz to stay and talk to him.
But Liz was completely untouched; she pushed Ed away, rejecting his comforting gesture with anger.
"Enough? Even now, you're still trying to stop me. Will you only be satisfied if I fall down again?! Do you want m
Ed wiped away the dust that covered Javier's name. The rainy season made the tombstone look dirty, especially since Javier's was black.“I’ll arrange for it to be cleaned,” said Otiz. He had been standing behind Ed all this time, and now he handed over the bouquet of flowers he was carrying. His hands were full. He also had an umbrella for Ed, because it was indeed cloudy that day.Ed placed the predominantly yellow bouquet on the grave. Javier never mentioned what kind of flowers he liked, but Ed brought yellow ones, a bright and cheerful color. Because that was what Javier was. Bright and happy.Ed then wiped Javier's name again, but not because of the dirt. He was just trying to find something to touch. Something that wasn’t a shadow that could disappear.“It’s hard... not fun without you,” Ed muttered. He didn’t want to complain. Usually, he never talks about heavy stuff when visiting Javier, but today w
"AJ! Don't read while eating! You'll be late!"Ruby scolded him a second time because her only son had not yet finished his breakfast, even though it was just bread with peanut butter.AJ, who had sneaked one of his books onto the table, slowly set it aside. He didn't argue and immediately started chewing the rest of his breakfast."I am aware of your ability to read and your love for it. That's not a terrible thing, but it shouldn't happen right before you leave for school. If you eat like a snail, we'll be late."Ruby, of course, felt awful after scolding him, and she gently comforted AJ while stroking his small, curly-haired head. She also gave him a kiss on the forehead, not wanting her son to pout all day.AJ was generally cheerful, but when he got upset, he would be very quiet. Ruby would panic because she had no one else to talk to at home until AJ felt better."Come on, hurry up." Ruby hurriedly locked the door, then zipped up the th
"I'm getting married today." Ruby muttered to herself, while pinching her thigh hidden beneath the billowing skirt of her white wedding dress. Making sure she wasn't dreaming.She was indeed getting married today, even though just two days ago she didn't have a boyfriend."Remember, if you want your mother to receive care and that money, you must not withdraw or annul the agreement between us."Ruby, who had just held her breath—calming the nausea in her stomach—turned to look at the bald-headed old man who was currently holding her arm. The words were only whispers, but they were clear enough amidst the buzz of the guests in front of the altar."I have promised; I will not break it." Ruby whispered back, affirming that she would fulfill her part of the deal they had agreed upon.Ruby agreed to marry a stranger she had only seen in a photo in exchange for money. That was the essence of her role. Ruby was aware of all the risks, and she believed they were worth it."Remember it for the
"Stupid girl!"Ruby, who had just lost consciousness, opened her eyes after receiving an insult and a slap on her cheek.Ruby rubbed her sore cheek, and instantly her blurry vision cleared. She realized she was now lying on a large bed after her body went limp upon seeing her husband's hideous face."Do you want to get us all killed or what? You just needed to kiss him! You're a fool!" Esli, Liz's father, said so. He appeared furious, occasionally glancing toward the door, concerned that someone might overhear.Ruby was too shocked to respond to the insult from the father of a woman who should be in her position. She hadn't expected to receive such harsh anger. After all, it wasn't her intention to faint. Who would've thought that the man who became her spouse would look like a monster?"You screamed in his face and fainted? You just insulted him, fool! Why didn't you just throw shit in his face?!" Esli rubbed his face in panic.Ruby's fainting after seeing Eduardo Rosas' face could c
"Don't expect you can run or try to escape, because this face will always haunt you in your nightmares!" Ruby jerked as Eduardo pinned her against the wall behind her. Ruby bit her lip hard, closing her eyes tightly to hold back the sobs of fear. Unfortunately, no matter how hard Ruby tried to hold back, tears still managed to escape from her chocolate orbs. How could they not? The intense gaze of her lawful husband seemed to pierce her heart. "Wipe those tears away and do your duty as a wife properly! Don't let them think I'm mistreating you!" Eduardo barked, tossing a box of tissue toward Ruby. Esli picked up the tissue, pretending to help Ruby clean her face to appear good in front of Eduardo. Just as the man made sure Eduardo had left the room, Esli leaned in close to Ruby's ear and said, "If you still want to see your mother, make sure you do everything right."Ruby nodded, steeling herself. She had to endure for her mother. She didn't need to take to heart all the insults s
The tug on Ruby's arm made her flinch in fear. The man was clearly not affectionate towards her, as evidenced by the cold stare and rough grip on the woman's arm that made her hiss."What, are you trying to escape?!" Eduardo snapped as he tugged on Ruby's body, nearly causing her to stumble. There was no warmth in his assistance at all."Don't be rough, Ed," the pastor tried to calm, but the warning merely passed by."How dare you try to run away!" Eduardo dragged Ruby inside, while Ruby trembled in fear. Eduardo was intimidating, not just because of his face but also because of his demeanor. Ruby was more afraid of his nature than of his current appearance."I'm not running. I just..." Ruby tried to defend herself, but it was futile. Eduardo didn't want to hear any words coming out of her mouth. The impulsive decision Ruby made earlier is now endangering her safety.Eduardo continued to drag Ruby, who stumbled because of her flowing dress, into the living room, passing by several peo
Clang!The fall of Eduardo's belt, which stared at Ruby as if she were prey, broke the silence in the room.Ruby tried to ignore it, but she was still struggling with the last two pieces of cloth clinging to her body. Ruby attempted to reach the clasp on her back, but failed repeatedly. Her hands were trembling, a mixture of fear, cold, and reluctance.Despite the obvious difficulty, Eduardo's desire clouded his mind, focusing only on Ruby's provocative body displays. Provoking his lust."There, that's better. Don't cry and act all innocent—it's not fitting. You and your father are the same! Hypocrites."Before Ruby could interpret the confusing statement, Eduardo suddenly stood up, causing Ruby's entire body to shiver.Ruby had no experience whatsoever with men. Her mother had made sure Ruby didn't know adult things before her time. Ruby only knew in general—she had to undress, but not the details. Yesterday, she contemplated buying her virginity with fifty million pesos, but her mor
"What is that!?"A man's loud voice jolted Ruby awake, still feeling tired after a long night that left her sore down below.As Ruby opened her eyes, she was startled to see her husband towering beside the bed, looking at her with furrowed brows.Ruby forced her head to turn as her brown eyes met Eduardo's accusing finger. At that moment, Ruby saw the dark red stain tarnishing the bedcover where they had 'wrestled' all night."Bloody." Ruby answered in a murmur, unsure if her response was correct. The stain was clearly blood; there was no need to ask. Ruby suspected the question was just a trap."I know it's blood! But why are you bleeding?! You're not menstruating, are you?!" Eduardo's shout grew louder. Ruby naturally flinched, her face slowly reddening—embarrassed.She knew exactly where the blood came from, and Eduardo should too. That thought made Ruby fall silent. Could it be that he thought she was some cheap woman who slept around with random men?Ruby continued to keep her he