Chapter 9

On the day of Ruby's trial, as I passed by the courthouse's back entrance, I heard a familiar voice. It was Zachary.

"Ruby, I can't help you this time. You shouldn't have gotten involved," his voice sounded worn and weary.

"Zach! How can you say that, after all that my father had done for you in the past?" Ruby's tone was sharp, laced with disbelief. "What did you promise my dad?"

Zachary's tone turned icy. "I've done all I could to help you—letting you stay with me and even work in the hospital."

He paused, his voice steady but firm. "You simply shouldn't covet what isn't yours."

"What?" Ruby's voice rose an octave in anger. "Are you saying it's been a one-sided love all along?"

Suddenly, her voice softened, tinged with a hint of tears. "That night, you told me you loved me!"

I couldn't help but let out a cold laugh; I had anticipated this confrontation long before.

Just then, my father approached from behind me. His complexion was pallid, and his gait unsteady. He looked clea