ArcherSitting across from the investor from Spain who wants us to partner with them, I zone out as he goes on and on about the advantages of the partnership. I haven't had time to speak with Ruby for days now. I haven't told her about wanting to bury the hatchet or asked her for forgiveness.I know I'm only delaying because I'm afraid that I've pushed her too far and that I could never win her back. Be that as it may, I miss her badly enough that I'd rather risk doom than spend another hour talking to her. The investor is still talking, and I stifle the urge to yawn.My phone vibrates to announce an incoming message. I sneak it out and take a peek. What I see makes me jump up from my seat, startling everyone at the table, including the investor."Um, I'm sorry. I have to use the restroom. Excuse me," I say. I get out as quickly as I can. "Shit, shit. I can't believe Sophia would do this," I murmur, walking quickly to the front of the building. I call Ruby's phone; it rings and rings,
RubyI hear a knock at the door, and I know it’s my friend, Julia. She has been visiting ever since the last time she came. It was a memorable event where I got to hang out with the kids from the orphanage and also be free around her, now that Archer isn’t in town. We definitely have a lot to catch up on. I take a deep breath and open the door.Julia sees the look on my face and rushes over to me, giving me a big hug.“Oh my God, are you okay?” she asks, and I can feel the concern in her voice.“Yes, I am,” I assure her.“You sure don’t look fine to me; you’ve got dark circles around your eyes,” Julia says.“It’s just stress. You know, I’ve been doing some work at home,” I explain.“You should get help to assist you at home. I don’t like to see you stress out yourself,” she suggests.“Don’t worry; I’ll be fine. It’s nothing that I can’t handle,” I reassure her, gesturing for her to come into the living room.We both sit on the big cushion, and she looks happy as she runs her eyes all
Archer“Mr. Archer? Are you still there?”“Yeah... yeah! I’m here. Go on,” I say quickly, the director’s voice snapping me out of my thoughts.“Are you sure? ‘Cause you seemed a bit distracted for a moment there.”“I’m fine, director. Please continue.”I am distracted. Ever since I got the call from Julia, my heart hasn’t stopped racing. Why is she at the hospital? Julia is saying something about her slipping and falling. I’m not so sure if I heard her right with the sound of my heartbeat filling my ear.Ruby looks okay when I leave the house, I am sure of that. What I’m not sure of is the state she is in after probably seeing those pictures. She ignores all my calls, all twenty-three of them. Yes, I count, my agitation mounting each time the phone goes unpicked. I quickly grab the phone when I see her calling, only to find out its Julia.I would totally cancel this meeting like the others if it wasn’t scheduled by the committee. I can’t let them think I’m slacking or they’d pounce on
RubyI lay on the sterile hospital bed, my gaze fixed on the plain, off-white ceiling. The harsh fluorescent lights flickered intermittently, casting a cold glow that seemed to accentuate the sterile environment.The air was heavy with the unmistakable scent of antiseptic, a clinical aroma that permeated every corner of the room. It clung to my nostrils, invading my senses and evoking a sense of unease. I despised that smell. It reminds me of illness and vulnerability.The room itself was stark and functional, devoid of any personal touches or warmth. The walls, painted in an uninspiring shade of pale blue, were barren except for a few nondescript medical charts and a clock that ticked away the seconds with ruthless efficiency. The linoleum floor squeaked underfoot as nurses hurried past, their footsteps echoing through the sterile corridors.I closed my eyes momentarily, attempting to shut out the sterile environment that surrounded me. Instead, I focused on the sounds that seeped th
ArcherI sat in the waiting area, my mind racing with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. It had been incredibly hard for me to leave Ruby's side, even for a short while. She was carrying our child, and the weight of that responsibility weighed heavily on my shoulders. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was to blame for her current condition, despite her assurances that I wasn't.The kind-looking doctor called my name, and I followed her into the examination room. I discarded my shirt as instructed, exposing the wound on my shoulder. The doctor went to work, cleaning and stitching it up with practiced precision. In no time, the wound was covered, and she provided me with instructions for care."Just make sure to keep the wound clean and dry, and it should heal nicely. If you experience any pain or swelling, don't hesitate to reach out to us," the doctor advised, offering a reassuring smile."Thank you, Doc," I expressed my gratitude before hastily making my way back to Ruby's ward. Ev
RUBYAs I lay on my hospital bed, thoughts raced through my mind after Archer's revelation. A part of me wanted to be angry, upset, and even violent. Yet, the reality sank in—I'm having a baby with him. I want to forgive him, but I seriously doubt his story. How can I confirm it? Should I question Sophie? Press him for more details? Or should I investigate?These thoughts consumed me until a light tap on my shoulder jolted me back to reality. It was the nurse, informing me about my discharge requirements and the need to register at the obstetrics clinic for regular checkups."Your husband is at the reception, filling out your discharge form and getting briefed on everything he needs to know. You need to come with me now so I can register you at the obstetrics clinic." She noticed my confused look, realizing I had completely forgotten I was in the hospital due to my pregnancy. "Mrs. Ruby, you do remember you're pregnant, right?"Once again, my current reality hit me—I was about to beco
ARCHERI had just received amazing news about our upcoming baby, and I began to feel a whirlwind of mixed emotions. The drive home was slow and quiet. Initially, I refrained from saying anything to Ruby, not wanting to upset her.But the thoughts racing through my mind since seeing Diavolo at the hospital had become overwhelming. He had no valid reason to be there; he didn't appear ill, and certainly not pregnant.I couldn't contain my silence any longer and finally broke the deafening quiet of our car. I asked her if she had invited him to the hospital, but she burst into laughter."Archer, do you really think I invited my ex-boyfriend to the hospital on a day like this?" Her reaction irritated me; it felt as if she was dismissing my concerns and missing how much I care about her. What if he had harmed her? But then, what if Ruby was jealous about what happened with Sophie and was seeking revenge?Struggling to articulate my thoughts, my words came out so quietly that she could bare
RUBYI'm curious why he's avoiding my questions and keeping a secret. He promised to tell me everything when we got home, and I'm very hopeful. I pray he doesn’t change his mind and decide not to tell me anymore. Predicting Archer's behavior these days is like trying to forecast the weather, but there's a greater chance of being wrong.Finally arriving at our private condo in the estate, I hurriedly got out of the car, slammed the door, and stormed inside, ignoring the stream of workers there to welcome me. I just wanted to be left alone to clear my head. I quickly strode upstairs, my foot thumping loudly. Archer kept calling after me, but I couldn't care less.I jumped onto my bed, sighing with relief. I wondered why Julia didn't return to the hospital. Did Archer send her away, or did my father scare her off? I searched in my purse for my phone, but it was with my husband. Getting up, I opened the door, and he rushed toward me, enveloping me in a tight hug, rolling me around as if c