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
ArcherMy driver drove into the hospital compound and parked in the parking lot. The doctor had called and informed us that there were still some tests to be carried out, so we had to come back to the hospital.I alighted and went to the other side of the car, opening the door for Ruby.She stepped down and we walked into the hospital building.I couldn’t help but laugh.“Seems you love your teddy more than me.” I asked, she paused and turned to me.“Maybe”The smile on my face disappeared.Ruby burst out laughing as she walked into the changing room with the teddy bear, to change into the hospital gown. I wonder how she can lift that thing.That must have been a joke, right?I mean that thing isn’t even alive.I ran my hand through my hair in exhaustion.My stomach grumbled angrily.Damn! I haven’t eaten anything all day.Chinese food wouldn’t be bad.I reached into my pocket for my phone and dialed my driver. He picked and I ordered for two Chinese takeout and get whatever he wanted
RubyI lay still on the bed, a smile on my lips as I stared at the white ceiling above me. I’d sent Archer home to go freshen up, but not after teasing him that he stank. But to be honest, I didn’t want him going after Diavolo and causing trouble.I shrugged off the thought of Diavolo finding me. Even I wasn’t certain I was safe from him but I had to calm Archer down somehow. Put his mind at ease, at least.The thought of what Julia said about Diavolo hovered around in my mind.Who would have thought, someone I once loved with all my heart was a huge scam! No wonder papa never accepted him.I sighed and shut my eyes.The door opened and I turned towards it. Two nurses walked in, they were both dressed in green scrub. One had on a face mask that prevented me from seeing even the bridge of her nose while the other carried a little metal tray containing some hospital equipment. They both walked to my bedside.“Good day Mrs. Petraki” The nurse carrying the tray greeted with a broad smile.
ArcherI was in my home office, going through some files I’d brought home from work when the landline sitting on my table rang. I reached for it and picked up.“Yes?”“Sir-” It was my driver. “I just got to the hospital now and the nurse here said Mrs. Patraki has been discharged”I guess they ran those tests faster than I thought.“Alright then, bring her home.” I responded and made to drop the call.“Sir-” There was a long pause at the other end which made me feel somewhat worried.“What’s the problem? Speak!” I growled into the phone.“The hospital said you were the one who ordered for her discharge. Mrs. Patraki isn’t here, sir”“What, what do you mean by you can’t find her?!” I screamed into the phone, my blood began boiling.I only left there a few hours ago, how come she’s missing now?And what do those people mean by, I ordered for her discharge?Did they think that if I was aware that was a thing, I wouldn’t have done it?!I felt a mixture of feeling run through me.I clench
Archer“Really?” Ruby asks while she continues what she’s doing. She stops for a while and looks up at me, giving me a naughty smile.“What are you thinking?” I ask.“Anything you’re thinking, that’s what I’m thinking,” she says while letting out a light giggle.I look at her, still marveling at how she got to be so beautiful. Her hair falls off from her shoulders, and it is silky and dark. It smells of fresh olives, which turns my insides on.“So, tell me, what are you thinking? I want to know,” she inquires.“I’m not a man of many words, I’d rather show you what I’m thinking than say it out,” I reply back.“How will you show me?”“Just let me do my thing. You’ll know when I’ve shown it fully,” I say with a wide grin“Well, I just can’t wait already,” she says as she giggles and lays her head on my chest while I still hold her firmly by the waist.My nose picks up the scent of her perfume as I draw her closer to myself, and it is like a warm hug.It is soft and subtle, but it is unmi
RubyMany women want flashy or flamboyant weddings, not me. I always want to have the opposite, a quiet wedding with a few close friends as guests. I have also always imagined getting married to a man who would be head over heels in love with me.Today, I am getting one out of those two wishes. I am going to have the quiet, serene wedding of my dreams but to a man who can’t stand me, Archer Petraki. Most women would give anything to be in my position right now. They would be happy and excited to be his wife, not fidgety and nervous like I am.I stare at my reflection in the mirror, thinking I look pretty enough. The white wedding gown snugly hugs my shape, then tapers down and flows out. I have white roses braided into my hair. A tiny necklace with an A initial nestles on my chest.I am happy with how the makeup turns out. I told the guy I wanted something natural. I turn around to get a better look at the back just when the door swings open without a knock, and my sister walks in.“Y
RUBYMoist heat trailed up the side of my neck. I sigh, more asleep than awake. A gentle suction just under my ear draws a shudder from my body. I give myself over to the feel of his mouth against my skin and the warm strength of his hard body behind me. The backs of his fingers brushed over the bare skin just beneath my navel. My body tense with need. His fingers slid beneath the waistband of my panties, teasing curls of hair as he seeks my clit. I'm so hot and swollen. How had he gotten me so worked up so quickly? His fingers stroke me with the speed, pressure, and rhythm required to bring me to orgasm in seconds.“Oh God!” I cry as her body convulse with release. I have never climaxed so quickly before. I turn my head to seek his mouth with mine. I reach for him, my hand finding the warm skin of his arm. He must have removed his shirt while I was sleeping. A little more exploring finds him still wearing his pajama bottoms. Damn. He kisses me, and then shifts me back against his che
ArcherI tried to convince myself that my steadily tapping feet were not an indication of my excitement at her return. Yes, I was angry, furious even, but also relieved.I glance at my watch again.“Why isn’t she here yet?” I mutter irritably.Her sister said she’d be here an hour ago.I stand from the couch, pacing around, then sit down at the thought of her walking in and seeing that I was not totally aloof to her absence, that her running away had bothered me more than anything had ever bothered me before. Someone like her didn’t deserve to know she had that kind of power over me.I cross and uncross my leg for the sixth time. I’d missed her. I could admit that to myself alone, but to no one else, especially not to Ruby. Another thing I’d never admit was staying home just because she was coming back.The doorbell rings, and I stand up, hurrying toward the main entrance, pausing briefly to take a deep breath before unlocking the door.“Hi.”“Hi,” I breathe out, her beauty knocking t
Archer"Sit down Archer,all that pacing is making me nervous" I ignore Aolo's statement as I keep walking around the office space. We suddenly lost connection with Mirabel and with it,my faith in the mission. I'm left feeling adrift ,unsure of what is happening. Unsure if she was able to get Ruby and herself out of the house fast enough."I can't relax,bro. How can you even be so chill about all this? For all we know they could be in trouble now." I suddenly pause my pacing as a thought flashed in my head"We need to go over there" Aolo begins to shake his head in disagreement but I press on"We have to,they might need our help now.""You would be risking everything you've been trying to avoid Archer. What if the sight of you triggers him into hurting her? Can you really be able to live with the idea that you might have been the reason why she got harmed?" " Didn't think of it that way" I say after another pause"Of course you didn't" he replies calmly"I'm losing my fucking medula
RubyI hear the door being unlocked and I don't even bother to turn. I already know who it is."Hello darling" Diavolo greets cheerfully as he walks into the room. I ignore him "Still being stubborn?" He asks and this time I sit up from the bed and glare at him"You need to let me go. I'm having terrible pregnancy illnesses and I have to go to a hospital. I need supplements and vitamins"He laughs harshly then stops as his eyes travel down my body, briefly stalling at my slightly protruding stomach. "You really think I give a shit if you lose that baby? Heck! I want you to lose it. It's a liability honey,a setback. So no….you won't be getting any vitamins or supplements.""Fuck you!" "Well that can be arranged" he responds again,the smile still on his face."Look Ruby,you really have limited options here,you can't keep being headstrong,it will cost you". I scoff and give him a look thickly laced with disdain" I would rather die than submit to you Diavolo. You can't always have what
ArcherI stare absently at the wall as the phone rings. I make no move to answer it, lost in my own thoughts. The sound of the phone becomes nothing more than background noise, drowned out by the thoughts swirling in my head. Whoever it is will have to call back later or never again. I get up and walk towards the connecting door between the master's bedroom and the room I am in. The room I've been spending my nights and most of my days.I have not been sleeping in our room ever since Ruby was kidnapped. It's a kind of punishment to myself for not being able to protect her enough. I stare longingly at the double bed as memories of our happy memories threaten to overwhelm me . I step towards the closet and reach for the handle, opening the door to reveal her neatly organized clothes, taking a moment to look at them.I pick out a blouse, holding it close enough to inhale her lingering scent. "I'm so sorry baby" I whisper into the silence,my voice slightly raspy from all the emotions cour
RubyI stared absently at the television, my whole mind in turmoil. In the space of one hour, I had thought about ten different escape options, and all of them had massive loopholes. "I hated it here," I said to myself; I had been doing that a lot more often these past few weeks. I froze slightly as I heard the telltale sound of the doorknob twisting and the door swinging open. And there he was, standing in the doorway with an unreadable expression that made my heart skip a bit. "Hello beautiful, how are you today?" "Fuck off!" I snapped, ignoring the fear twisting my gut. His face broke into a wide smile as he walked into the room and shut the door. "Always feisty, that's one of the many things I love about you, Ruby." I reflexively jumped up from the bed, not wanting him to meet me on top of it. "What do you want from me, Diavolo?" I asked, my voice surprisingly calm. He didn't respond until he was standing right in front of me. "Isn't that quite obvious now, Ruu?" he said while
RubyI lay still on the bed, a smile on my lips as I stared at the white ceiling above me. I’d sent Archer home to go freshen up, but not after teasing him that he stank. But to be honest, I didn’t want him going after Diavolo and causing trouble.I shrugged off the thought of Diavolo finding me. Even I wasn’t certain I was safe from him but I had to calm Archer down somehow. Put his mind at ease, at least.The thought of what Julia said about Diavolo hovered around in my mind.Who would have thought, someone I once loved with all my heart was a huge scam! No wonder papa never accepted him.I sighed and shut my eyes.The door opened and I turned towards it. Two nurses walked in, they were both dressed in green scrub. One had on a face mask that prevented me from seeing even the bridge of her nose while the other carried a little metal tray containing some hospital equipment. They both walked to my bedside.“Good day Mrs. Petraki” The nurse carrying the tray greeted with a broad smile.