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