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167: It Is What It Is
Last Updated:
2025-03-21 21:08:53
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Will You Marry Me? 168: Blue Pill
Hector slowly opened his eyes, his vision still blurry from the pain. As the world around him began to come into focus, he noticed Carlos sitting beside him, his expression calm but attentive. Hector’s mind was racing, and the first thing he needed to know was whether Ruby was okay. Weakly, he reached out and placed a hand on Carlos’s arm. “How did it go?” Hector asked, his voice barely above a whisper. “Is she safe?” Carlos nodded, his face hardening slightly. “Yes. I got to her just in time. She's fine now. We got her away from the danger.” He paused, then added, “I sent your right-hand underling to the hospital because he was shot. He'll be treated, and he'll live.” Hector closed his eyes in relief, the tension leaving his shoulders. His mind had been a blur of panic for the past few hours, but hearing that Ruby was safe helped to soothe the storm inside him. “Thank you,” Hector whispered, tapping Carlos’s hand lightly in gratitude. His eyes shifted toward Hunter, who stood n
Last Updated : 2025-03-21Will You Marry Me? 169: Stay With Us
Carlos sighed, a faint, thoughtful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Well, I guess I understand to some extent." Hunter turned toward him, his brows lifting in surprise. "Really?" There was a hint of disbelief in his voice, as if he hadn't expected Carlos to be carrying something close to his chest. "Have you fallen in love or something?" Carlos exhaled slowly, as though weighing his words before letting them out. "Well, I wouldn't really call it love," he admitted, his voice low and distant, as if he was still figuring it out himself. "There’s just... someone I can’t get off my mind these days." Hunter gave him a knowing look and nodded. "Good for you," he said simply, not pressing further, respecting whatever boundaries his brother had just drawn. Manuel, however, was less impressed. He shook his head with an exaggerated roll of his eyes and muttered, "You guys are impossible." He pushed himself away from the wall where he had been standing and crossed his arms tig
Last Updated : 2025-03-21Will You Marry Me? 170: I've Got This
During the following week, Hector dedicated himself fully to recovery. He stayed within the walls of his apartment, watched closely by his brothers, who took turns staying by his side every single day. None of them trusted the underlings enough to leave Hector unguarded. They all knew the kind of enemies Hector had made over the years, and with news of his injury already circulating through the underground, none of them were willing to take any chances. Manuel, especially, made sure he was there every second of his watch. They had already come too close to losing Hector once. They could not take chances. While Hector’s days passed slowly in pain and silence, his mind often drifted to Ruby. Despite everything, he missed her. He would catch himself staring at his phone, tempted to call his underling just to hear how she was doing. But he never did. It was better this way, he told himself. She thought he was dead, and for now, that was safer for her. At least, that was what he tried
Last Updated : 2025-03-23Will You Marry Me? 171: A Dead Man
At this time, Ruby was at home, out in the yard, taking precise shots at the targets she had set up. The sound of each bullet firing echoed sharply, matching the determination etched on her face. Her focus was razor-sharp, but beneath it burned a restless impatience. She couldn’t wait any longer to take her revenge on Eduardo and Selena. Every pull of the trigger felt like a small release, but it wasn’t enough. Not yet. She needed to strike them down herself. The late afternoon sun was beginning to dip when Camila returned home. The sound of her car in the driveway snapped Ruby out of her trance. She unloaded her gun, secured it, and wiped the sweat from her brow as she walked toward the house. By the time she stepped inside, Camila was already locking the front door behind her, an unreadable expression on her face. But Ruby caught the faint smile on Camila’s lips. She didn’t need to hear a word yet—she already knew. “It went well,” Ruby said, her voice low but filled with a kn
Last Updated : 2025-03-23Will You Marry Me? 172: To Meet
Hector stood in front of the full-length mirror, buttoning his black shirt with practiced ease. His movements were slow but sure, each button secured with a firmness that said he had completely recovered. He smoothed his hands down the front of the fabric, adjusted his watch, and reached for his coat hanging neatly on the chair nearby. His underling, who was still recovering with his arm in a sling and faint bruising along his jawline, stood against the doorframe. He had been watching Hector quietly for a while but finally spoke when Hector reached for his gun. “Boss, do you want me to arrange for a few of the others to follow you?” the underling asked, shifting his weight carefully as he spoke. His tone was serious, but there was an undertone of concern present. Hector glanced up briefly. “No, it won’t be necessary,” he said. His voice was final, leaving no room for argument. “I’ve fully recovered, and I can take care of things on my own.” The underling exhaled slowly, saying
Last Updated : 2025-03-24Will You Marry Me? 173: Promise Me
Camila's phone vibrated on the bedside table, interrupting the momentary silence between them. She picked it up absentmindedly, but the moment she answered the call, her eyes widened and her face changed. “Shit,” she cursed, her tone sharp and frustrated as she stood up quickly. “I almost forgot it's tomorrow. Damn it!” Ruby, who had been lying back against the pillows with her hands on her belly, turned to her with concern. “What happened?” she asked, her brow furrowed. Camila exhaled loudly and ran her fingers through her hair. “I have something important to do,” she said, already pacing as she spoke. “It’s a training course. Mandatory. A three-day police course that I completely forgot about because of… everything going on.” Ruby nodded slowly, understanding creeping into her expression. “It’s okay,” she said quietly, sitting up straighter on the bed. “I get it. You should go and start getting ready. I mean, it starts tomorrow, right? I’m sure there’s a lot you need to do.”
Last Updated : 2025-03-24Will You Marry Me? 174: Tonight
Ruby sighed deeply, glancing toward the end of the parking lot as if searching for the right words in the distance. “To be honest,” she said at last, “that’s the least of my worries right now.” “That’s better,” Camila said, but her gaze lingered on Ruby, suspicious of her sudden shift in tone. Ruby turned toward the car, reaching for the door handle. But just as her fingers brushed the metal, someone caught her eye from the corner of the street. She froze, her hand slipping away from the door as her gaze sharpened. Standing a short distance away, half-hidden by the shadows, was a man. His posture, the way he stood, the tilt of his head—it was all familiar. Too familiar. Her heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, her breath caught in her throat. She took a step forward, her chest tightening as she tried to make sense of what she was seeing. But in the blink of an eye, he was gone. He turned and disappeared behind the building before she could move closer. Ruby stood there, s
Last Updated : 2025-03-24Will You Marry Me? 175: Ruby
As Ruby stood in front of the mirror, her reflection was as cold and calculated as the mission she was about to undertake. Dressed in a fitted pair of black pants and a sleek black top, she adjusted the black cap over her head, ensuring not a single strand of hair was out of place. She looked herself over one final time, silent rage burning beneath calm eyes. Her bag was already packed with weapons and tools, everything she needed for the night’s job. She flung it over her shoulder. At the door, she paused and lowered a hand gently to her stomach. Her fingers lingered there, almost uncertain. “I’m sorry, child,” she murmured, her voice low and shaky. “That your mother has become this kind of person.” Then she stepped out into the night. No sooner had she locked the door behind her than her phone began to ring. She picked it up immediately. “It’s done,” came the voice on the other end, one of the people she had hired to carry out a different plan. “Your stepmother just chec
Last Updated : 2025-03-25
Latest chapter
Will You Marry Me? EPILOGUE
THREE MONTHS AGO Maya Suarez sat cross-legged on the carpet, helping her 12-year-old sister, Star, with her homework. Laughter bubbled between them as they joked over math problems in Star’s brightly colored room. For a brief moment, everything felt normal and safe. Then came a knock on the door. “Maya,” her stepmother’s shrill voice called. “Come out here. Now.” Maya stood up, exchanged a glance with Star, and stepped outside. Her heart sank the moment she saw him. Standing beside her stepmother was a man nearly twice her age—big-bellied, sweat-stained, and grinning beneath a thick mess of unkempt gray beard. His eyes were beady, too close together, and he looked her up and down with undisguised hunger. “What is this?” Maya asked flatly. “Cat?” Cat, her stepmother, beamed. “Maya, you remember I told you about the handsome man you’re going to marry? This is Angel. He came to see his bride. We’re going to start planning the wedding.” Maya recoiled. “What marriage? Liste
Will You Marry Me? 190: Because Of You
After Ruby accepted Hector’s proposal, he stood up, taking her with him, and crashed his lips against hers, pouring every ounce of love, pride, and joy into that kiss. Around them, the room erupted in claps and cheers. Carlos whistled, Hunter grinned and clapped with both hands, while even Manuel gave a crooked smile and joined in. And to Ruby’s surprise, Anya clapped the loudest. The moment Hector pulled back from the kiss, Anya squealed in delight and rushed toward Ruby. “I’m so excited! Welcome to the family!” she said, throwing her arms around Ruby. Ruby blinked, caught off guard. She’d seen Anya earlier, tucked slightly behind Hunter, but now seeing her up close, she was stunned by how young she looked. She smiled as she gently pulled back and glanced at the ring on Anya’s finger. “Wait… you’re married?” Ruby asked with a surprised laugh. “But you look so young!” Anya giggled. “I am! Nineteen years old and married to Hunter Steele.” She said it with pride, like a girl
Will You Marry Me? 189: One Month Later
Ruby couldn’t stop smiling as she held Hector’s hand, their fingers intertwined like they’d been molded that way from the start. The past one month had felt like a fairytale—a soothing balm to every scar life had left on her. She had never known peace could feel like this. Being with Hector was like waking up to sunlight after years of cold storms. He treated her like the most precious gem in the world, never raising his voice, never letting her lift a finger when he was around. He always knew exactly what she needed—even before she said it. He was soft with her in ways no one else had ever been. The man the world feared—the cold, ruthless mafia boss known for his brutality—became someone entirely different when he was with her. He was gentle, warm and patient. Even Camilla, who had once pointed a gun at Hector’s head, eventually had to admit that Hector brought out the best in Ruby—and perhaps, Ruby brought out the best in him too. Her father had adjusted well to the ne
Will You Marry Me? 188: Drenched And Devoured
Ruby clung to Hector’s chest, holding him tightly as sleep slowly overtook her. With her arms wrapped around him and his steady heartbeat beneath her ear, she drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep. By the time she opened her eyes again, the morning sun had already begun streaming through the curtains. She blinked a few times and reached across the bed—only to find it empty. She sat up immediately, heart racing. “Hector?” she called out, glancing around the room. “Hector?” Her voice wavered. Was it all a dream? Her hand flew to her lips—the place he had kissed her the night before. The warmth of his touch, the passion, the softness of his voice... it had all felt so real. Her eyes welled up with tears. “No,” she whispered, “It felt too real to be a dream.” Just then, the bathroom door opened. Hector stepped out with a towel slung around his waist, his hair damp and messy from a shower, water glistening across his chest. His skin was golden under the light, his sharp jawline
Will You Marry Me? 187: Get Out
When Camila arrived home, the last thing she expected to see was Antonio leaning casually against her front door, arms crossed and a soft smile playing on his lips. For a moment, her heart softened at the sight of him—tall, and familiar. She walked up to him with a smile of her own and pulled him into a warm, slow kiss. He leaned into it, surprised but pleased. When they parted, he raised an eyebrow. "Okay," he said. "What was that for? You’re unusually sweet today. Should I be worried?" Camila chuckled as she fished out her keys. “I don’t know,” she said. “Maybe I’m just catching some of Ruby’s happiness. It’s contagious, I guess.” Antonio followed her inside, closing the door behind them. “Hmm. Ruby… happy,” he repeated with a dry laugh. “That’s good. Really good. But sometimes I wonder if you two came out of the same womb, with how strongly you feel about her.” Camila snorted as she dropped her bag by the couch. “You wouldn’t understand,” she said, walking into the kitche
Will You Marry Me? 186: The Way Love Tastes
Seeing Camila standing there with a gun pointed straight at Hector, Ruby instinctively stepped in front of him. “What are you doing?” she asked, her voice sharp and protective. Without hesitation, she moved forward and snatched the gun from Camila, tossing it across the room. Camila’s eyes widened in disbelief. “I should be the one asking you that! Why is this monster in your room?” Hector smirked from behind Ruby. “Camila,” he said calmly, “you know, I never got the chance to say I admire your loyalty. It’s… impressive.” Camila glared at him, then turned to Ruby. “What the hell is going on here? Are you seriously sitting with a ghost?” Hector, unbothered, sat down and crossed his legs, silently watching the drama unfold. Ruby took a breath. “I’ll explain everything. Hector survived, Camila. He’s been alive… and he’s been protecting me. He’s not here to hurt me. He saved me.” “I still don’t get it.” “The bottom line is…” Ruby hesitated, then looked straight at Camila.
Will You Marry Me? 185: Pregnant?
After the passion was spent, Hector pulled away and slowly reached for his clothes. The heat between them had cooled, leaving behind an echo of everything they’d shared—everything they’d lost and what still lingered in the air like a ghost. Without a word, he began to dress, his movements quiet, detached, as though what had just happened didn’t exist or had never meant anything. Ruby lay there for a moment, watching him. Her heart pounded against her chest—not from desire anymore, but fear. Fear that this would be the last time she'd see him. Fear that this was goodbye. She quickly got out of bed, wrapping the sheet around her as she rushed to him, throwing her arms around his torso from behind, pressing her face against his bare back. “Please, Hector,” she whispered, her voice already breaking. “Please… don’t go.” Hector froze. He didn’t move and said nothing. She clutched him tighter, her arms trembling. “Don’t walk away from me. Not like this.” He gently pried her hands
Will You Marry Me? 184: The Man At The Door
The house was quiet. The kind of silence that didn’t bring peace but stirred everything he was trying to bury. Hector stood by the window of his study, arms folded tightly across his chest, staring out into the vast backyard that once reminded him of freedom. Now, it only reminded him of Ruby. A knock came on the door. “Come in,” Hector said, his voice flat. The door creaked open, and one of his trusted men stepped inside. He looked hesitant, like he wasn’t sure if he should speak. “Well?” “She came, boss,” the underling said quietly. “Ruby.” Hector didn’t flinch, but inside, something shifted. “She said… she needs to see you. Just once. She said it’s important. That if she sees you one more time, she’ll never bother you again.” He turned away from the window and sat on the edge of his desk, one hand rubbing his jaw. “Did she say what it was about?” “No. Only that it was important. She seemed sincere. Sad.” Of course she did."I told her you were dead, just as yo
Will You Marry Me? 183: Just Once
Hector gently pried Ruby’s trembling hands away from his body, even though every cell in him ached to do the opposite—to turn around, pull her into his arms, and hold her close like he used to. But he didn’t. His voice was clipped, and unreadable. “I need to get rid of these bodies,” he said flatly, without looking at her. The moment she heard his voice, Ruby gasped sharply. It was like the air had been knocked out of her lungs. Her knees weakened, and her heart thumped wildly in her chest. It was him. It was really Hector. Alive. Breathing. Standing just inches from her. And yet… he wouldn’t even look at her. While her thoughts spun out of control—memories, regrets, guilt crashing all at once—Hector raised his phone to his ear and gave a cold order. “Come in. Bring two body bags with you.” Ruby remained frozen where she stood, staring at the blood pooling near her feet and the lifeless bodies of Eduardo and Selena. But none of it moved her. The shock that Hector was still al
