001. Scar from the past...

"And the award for Best Fashion Designer goes to... Ruby Blackwood!"

My heart stopped. I heard the applause, but it was distant, muted, as if I had momentarily detached from the present. 

Me? Ruby Blackwood, Best Designer of the Year? It felt surreal.

I stared at the stage in disbelief. 

The host smiled brightly, waiting for me to claim the award. The room, full of clapping and cheering people, seemed to blur as I tried to process what was happening.

Suddenly, a small hand tugged at mine, snapping me back to reality.

"Mummy!" Rhett’s excited voice pulled me back to the present as he grinned up at me, pointing toward the stage. "Aren’t you going? They’re waiting!"

I blinked, my pulse quickening. "Oh my God," I whispered under my breath, shaking off the daze. How could I forget? I had won! I had won.

With shaky hands, I stood up from my seat, smoothing down the fabric of my black gown as I tried to compose myself. 

I could feel the eyes of the entire room on me, but amidst the sea of faces, my gaze landed on Rhett and Ruby—my twins. Their bright, beaming smiles grounded me, giving me the courage I needed.

"Go, Mummy!" Ruby urged from the other side, her chestnut-brown eyes shining with pride.

I nodded, my heart swelling as I took a deep breath and made my way to the podium. 

Every step I took felt like a journey—one that spanned the years of struggle and sacrifice it had taken to get here. 

Seven years ago, I was a woman cast aside, lost, and broken. 

But now, I was someone else entirely. 

A mother. A survivor. A success.

The host handed me the award, the cool metal heavy in my hands as the cameras flashed, capturing the moment I never thought I’d live to see.

"I..." I began in a shaky voice as I looked out at the sea of faces. "I don’t even know where to begin."

More applause filled the room, encouraging me. I cleared my throat, letting the pride I felt wash over me. "To be standing here today is a dream I never thought possible. But I didn’t get here alone."

I paused, feeling a lump rise in my throat as memories of the last seven years swirled in my mind. 

Every late night, every sacrifice, every moment of doubt and fear had led me to this. I glanced back at Ruby and Rhett, their matching smiles giving me the strength to keep going.

"I want to thank everyone who believed in me," I continued, "especially those who stood by me when I didn’t even believe in myself. This award belongs to everyone who has been part of my journey."

The applause grew louder as I stepped back from the podium, and to my seat with my kids. 

A couple of awards later, the ceremony continued. I mingled with the crowd, exchanging handshakes and warm congratulations from fellow designers and industry figures. 

Seven years ago, I never would have imagined being in this position.

"Looking forward to working with you, Ms. Blackwood," said a distinguished man, one of the judges, as we shook hands.

"Likewise, Mr. Blake," I replied with a polite smile, feeling the excitement of new opportunities ahead. 

But as I turned away from the conversation, something shifted in the air. I felt a tug in my chest, like a string pulling at the remnants of something long forgotten. 

My skin prickled as if I were being watched.

On instinct, I turned around, and there he was.

Roman D’Angelo.

He stood a few feet away, his dark emerald eyes locked on mine. Time seemed to stop, and for a moment, everything around us faded away. 

My breath caught in my throat as old memories—of rejection, humiliation, betrayal—rushed back like a flood. 

I hadn’t seen him in seven years, but now here he was, looking as if no time had passed. His sharp jawline, the same intense gaze, and the commanding presence that had once made my heart skip now filled me with nothing but a cold, detached recognition.

"Ruby," he said lowly, almost a whisper.

For a second, I didn’t know how to respond. 

The last time I had seen him, he had thrown me out, rejecting me as both his Luna and his mate. But I wasn’t that broken girl anymore. I had rebuilt myself—piece by piece. 

And this man, this ghost from my past, no longer had any power over me.

I forced a smile, though it didn’t reach my eyes. "Hi."

Roman blinked, clearly taken aback by my calm demeanor. He seemed at a loss for words, just staring at me as if searching for something—perhaps expecting me to react differently, maybe with anger or pain. 

But no, I wasn’t giving him that satisfaction.

"Ruby," he began again, his voice slightly hoarse. "It’s... good to see you."

I crossed my arms, raising an eyebrow. "Unfortunately, the feeling isn’t mutual."

My words were sharp, and I saw Roman shift, his expression tightening, clearly not expecting my cold response. 

“It’s been a while. How have you…” He was still speaking, but I cut him off.

"How have I been?" I repeated sarcastically. "It’s been seven years, Roman. And as you can see, I’m doing just fine. Perfectly fine, in fact."

He flinched at the mention of time, his jaw tightening, but he kept his composure. "You’ve—"

"Changed?" I finished for him, meeting his gaze directly. "Yes, Roman, I have. And I can’t say the same for you."

His emerald eyes darkened, but he said nothing. 

Instead, he exhaled slowly, his face showing a rare vulnerability I hadn’t seen before. 

But I didn’t care. Not anymore.

"If you don’t have anything meaningful to say," I added, taking a step back, "I’ll be taking my leave."

Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and walked away. I didn’t look back. I wouldn’t give him that satisfaction.

As I moved through the crowd, I took deep breaths, hoping to calm my racing heart.

"Mom! Where were you?" Ruby’s voice called out as I turned the corner.

Rhett was close behind her, both of them running toward me with bright smiles. I smiled back, a warmth spreading through my chest as I bent down to meet them. 

"Told you I’d find her first!" Ruby declared triumphantly, nudging her brother.

Rhett scowled in response. "You cheated."

I chuckled, ruffling his hair. "It doesn’t matter who found me first or second. I’m here now."

They both nodded, and I stood, gazing at their faces. 

Ruby’s soft features mirrored mine, while Rhett’s dark hair and piercing eyes were eerily familiar. They looked so much like their father... just like Roman.

As if summoned by the mere thought of him, I heard Roman’s voice behind me.

"You have kids?"

I stiffened, quickly turning to face him, my heart pounding. His gaze flickered between Ruby and Rhett, confusion—and something deeper—swirling in his eyes.

Before I could think of a response, Rhett stepped closer, eyeing Roman warily. "Mommy, who is this?"

The world seemed to freeze for a moment. Roman’s face paled, his eyes wide as he stared at the twins. 

He took a step forward, his voice barely a whisper. "Ruby, why do they look like me?"