CHAPTER 13

Julian's POV

“It’s an important occasion, and I have to attend it!” I insisted, my voice firm as I explained to Dr. Smith.

I had been begging him for what felt like hours now, pleading with him to let me go. But he remained unmoved, his expression serious, as he continued to insist that I couldn’t leave the hospital yet.

All I could think about was Ruby. The thought of being there for her, helping her, was consuming me.

I had already rented the hall, made all the arrangements, and told my assistant to go get her this morning.

Everything was set, but the one thing that kept me from being there was this damn hospital bed.

I couldn’t even remember what my old self had discussed with Ruby before, but that didn’t matter.

All that mattered now was being close to her. This was my chance,a second chance I never thought I’d get. I wouldn’t let it slip away. Not this time.

“Please, doctor. It’s urgent!” I pleaded, my voice stronger now, frustration mixing with desperation.

Dr. Smith shook his head, still looking worried. “But you’re not fully healed yet. What if something happens again? You’re not ready.”

His concern was understandable, but my mind was already made up.

“Nothing is going to happen to me,” I insisted, my voice steady despite the frustration building inside.

“Once I’m done, I’ll come back for a check-up. Please, just do me this favor and discharge me now.”

The doctor hesitated, his face a mixture of concern and doubt. I could see he was struggling with the decision, but I refused to show any sign of giving up.

Finally, after a long pause, Dr. Smith sighed and reluctantly agreed.

“Alright. But you better come back for that check-up like you said.” His tone was stern, but I knew he could see how serious I was.

I got discharged and went straight home. As I stepped through the front door, I couldn’t help but take in the sight of my house.

Everything was so different from what I remembered. The place was well-furnished, elegant, and spacious.

Nothing like what I had lived in during my past life.

In my past life, everything I had was stripped away from me by the Thompsons. They took it all,the wealth, the luxury, even my sense of security.

I felt a surge of determination rise within me. This time, I would claim what was rightfully mine, no matter what it took.

I wouldn’t let the Thompsons take everything from me again.

I made my way to my room, the quiet of the house giving me a moment to collect myself.

After a quick shower, I dressed quickly, my mind still on Ruby and the plans we had set. I grabbed my phone and dialed her number to remind her of everything.

"Everything’s going according to plan," I muttered to myself as I hung up.

It felt good to know I was able to help Ruby, and it made me happy to see the pieces falling into place.

“I can’t wait to see her,” I said softly, a smile pulling at the corners of my mouth.

I drove myself to Chris Hall, needing to make sure everything was in order. As I arrived, I saw workers moving quickly, arranging chairs and decorations, making sure every detail was perfect.

The hall was beginning to look just like I’d imagined.

What really made me smile was that Sophie and Logan had no clue about the plan Ruby and I had set up.

They didn’t know what was about to hit them, and I felt a strange satisfaction knowing they were walking into this blind.

The workers were too busy with their tasks to say anything to me, but I could feel their eyes on me as I walked through.

As I scanned the hall, I couldn’t help but be impressed. The place looked incredible.

Logan and Sophie had truly put in a lot of effort for this event. It was everything they had worked for, everything they had planned.

“Can’t wait to see their faces when I break the news to them,” I whispered to myself, a small smirk tugging at my lips.

The thought alone made the excitement surge within me. I was going to enjoy every moment of this.

Then, I noticed a car pulling up outside. Curiosity piqued, I moved closer to the window, trying to catch a glimpse of who it was.

It was my assistant, pulling in as expected. But then, Ruby stepped out from the back, and I froze.

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her. My breath caught in my throat as I took in her appearance.

She was more beautiful than I remembered, even more stunning than she had been in my past life.

They started walking toward the entrance of the hall, and I knew it was time for me to meet them.

I stepped out, moving swiftly, and caught sight of them just as they approached.

Ruby looked happy, and I could see it clearly in her face. There was a certain glow about her, a quiet excitement that seemed to radiate from her. She was eager, just like I had hoped.

“Thank you for bringing her here,” I said to my assistant, my voice low but filled with genuine gratitude.

He nodded and took his leave, disappearing quietly as I turned my full attention to Ruby.

She was smiling, and when our eyes met, I felt a flicker of excitement.

“Are you ready for it?” I asked, my voice soft but with a certain intensity behind it. “Because the game has just begun.”

Her eyes sparkled with determination, and without hesitation, she replied, “Of course I am.”

We both entered the hall, and I watched as Ruby’s gaze swept across the space. The look of amazement on her face was exactly what I expected.

Suddenly, a question that had been nagging at me since the first time Ruby mentioned her desire for revenge slipped from my lips. I needed to know the answer.

“Umm... I need to ask,” I said, my curiosity getting the best of me.

“Why are you getting revenge on your husband, Logan? What did he ever do to you?”

The moment the words left my mouth, I saw her expression change. Her eyes flickered, and she stared at me as if weighing how much to reveal.

I could tell she was choosing her words carefully, almost like she wasn’t sure whether to trust me with the truth.

“You won’t believe me if I tell you,” she said, her voice quieter, more uncertain than before.

I wasn’t about to back down now. I leaned in a bit, my tone more insistent. “Just tell me. I promise, I’ll understand.”

Before she could answer, something caught my attention,a sound. The echo of heels clicking sharply across the floor filled the hall.

Both of us turned at the same time, instinctively looking toward the entrance.

“It's Sophie,” Ruby whispered under her breath, her voice barely audible.

The moment felt like pure drama, and I couldn’t help but appreciate how everything was unfolding.

It was like a scene out of a play, the tension thick in the air. But what really caught my attention was Logan.

His face, full of shock, said it all. He hadn’t expected to see me, and the confusion was written all over his expression.

Both Logan and Sophie looked completely puzzled, their faces showing a mix of surprise and uncertainty as they tried to make sense of the situation.

They were staring at Ruby and I, clearly wondering what we were doing here, so early, and together.

“Ruby, what are you doing here so early?” Sophie asked, her voice edged with confusion.