All Chapters of The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

RubyI don’t hate him.Despite the fact that he practically makes me a prisoner in my own home, and despite the fact that he makes passionate love to me one moment, then chucks me away the next. I don’t hate Archer, no matter how much I want to. It’s a jarring realization, maybe because I’m beginning to see things from his point of view.I hurt him, led him on, and then stood him up at the altar. His ego is bruised. Of course, he won’t just believe I have pure intentions now. If roles were reversed, I wouldn’t believe it either. His indifference is painful, yes, but that’s probably his coping mechanism. He probably doesn’t know he’s hurting me like that.But what to do? I need him to stop running away from me. I want his warmth, I can see it peek out sometimes from behind the cold mask he has on every time. I need a way to break the ice without shattering it, and there’s only one person I can turn to for help.I pick up my phone and dial.“Hey Ethel, are you free today?”“Yeahhh, kind

RubyI rub at my eyes as I lie awake the following morning. I’m not even surprised Archer left the bed. But for a moment there, I think I see even the tiniest glimpse of contrition beneath his facade. The way he kisses me, holds me like I’m delicate.I exhale, causing my tousled hair to flutter across my forehead. I must have been mistaken thinking I saw a glimpse of the old Archer. I am definitely being delusional. But it doesn’t make it any less worse. I look around the large room, feeling lonely. Archer will not spare me even the slightest bit of his time. I get up and stretch lazily.I can’t afford to be hungry and sad; I think as I make my way to the bathroom. I freshen up quickly and then I put on the next thing I can find, which is a grey shirt. I roll the sleeves unceremoniously and put on grey sweatpants. My gaze lands on a yellow floral dress. It reminds me of sunshine and the peace and tranquility I long for. But I’m not feeling warm or sunshiny, so I close the closet with

RubyWatching Archer hurry away for work as usual breaks my heart. How much longer are we going to continue like this? How much longer before I become a shadow of myself?I blame myself every day for the strain in our marriage. I blame Archer more for not wanting to fix it. We could book couples therapy and try to work through our problems, but broaching that topic with Archer will require him to actually talk to me.I'm still in the kitchen when Sophia walks in; she's wearing her usual clothes, just a shirt. I grit my teeth and clench my fist. This is my house; she can't continue to dress like that, or I'm kicking her out."What are you wearing, Sophie? Or not wearing?" I ask casually."None of your business," she responds."Actually, it is. This is my house, and Archer is my husband. I'd really appreciate it if you stop dressing like that. Because if you don't, you're out of here," I threaten, hoping Archer will back up my words if it comes to it. Briefly wondering if he'll choose m

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

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