Chapter 18
In the quiet hospital room, Gabriel sat deep in thought, his expression heavy.
“Ruby, my mom has a bit of a temper. I hope you won’t take it to heart,” he said. “She’s always liked Vivi. Now that Vivi’s gone, she’s having a hard time dealing with it.”
Ruby clenched her fists tightly, though she kept a smile on her face. “It’s fine. She’s your mother–an elder. I won’t take it personally.”
Seeing how understanding Ruby was, Gabriel couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt.
He still had feelings for Violet, but he knew she no longer belonged in his life.
1/6
Chapter 18
+ 5 Points
He’d already hurt one woman–he wouldn’t hurt another.
“Ruby,” he said, “once I’m discharged, let’s get married. Don’t worry–I’ll take responsibility for you.”
Ruby was stunned.
Gabriel might want to marry her now, but she had no intention of spending the rest of her life with a man who was physically broken. That wasn’t the future she wanted.
Still, she didn’t dare tear off the mask just yet. Forcing a smile, she replied, “Gabriel, you just got divorced. Getting married so soon wouldn’t look good for you.
“I know you have feelings for me, and I do, too. There’s no rush–we can wait until things settle down.”
2/6
r 18
+ 5 Points
9d–060
abriel felt a warmth in his chest. Grateful,
salsaid, “Ruby, thank you. You’re the only one
No stayed!
At a café, Violet sat across from Gabriel’s mother.
The older woman sighed again and again. “Dear, I heard everything about you and Gabriel. You two grew up together… are you really-?”
Before she could finish, Violet calmly interrupted, “Aunty Clarise, his childhood sweetheart was never me. It was always Ruby.
“I tried for three years. But in the end, the one he loved was still her. I did my best.
“And besides,” she added, her voice steady,
3/6
apter 18
+ 5 Points
erlo don’t love him anymore. Xavier is my yousband now.”
Clarise knew Violet well. From the look on ener face, it was clear–she’d made up her mind. The older woman could only sigh.
“That boy… No eyes at all, completely taken in by that wretched.”
Violet took a card from her wallet and slid it across the table. “Aunty, I’m sorry about Gabriel’s injury. This doctor specializes in treating leg injuries. He’s very good. You can reach out to him–just think of it as a small gesture from me.”
She didn’t do it for Gabriel. She did it for
Xavier.
After all, the Bennetts were still part of their social circle. There was no avoiding them.
4/6
18
+ 5 Points
sm
se didn’t play coy–she took the card but hesitation. “Thank you, dear.”
blue such a shame..” She sighed again. “You e married for years, and still never had a
yood!”
olet raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t Gabriel tell 9 bu? I was pregnant just a month ago. I lost Vinne baby.”
Tool
st was like lightning struck Clarise. “What… What do you mean? Oh, sweet child, could that happen to you?”
Violet briefly explained the circumstances. When she was done, the older woman trembled with rage.
“Ruby. It’s her again. Even if you’ll never be with Gabriel again, I swear–I’ll never let that
5/6
Chapter 18
+ 5 Points
woman set foot in my family!
“Vivi, dear, Gabriel wronged you these past few years. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask me.”
This would likely be their last private meeting, but Violet still nodded politely.
Clarise stormed out of the café, fuming with anger. Just as she left, Violet said one last message.
“Oh, and Aunty–Ruby left the states back then ‘cause she found someone richer than the Bennetts. As for why she came back now–I honestly have no idea.”
6/6
