To the Love of My Life

Ruby didn’t know why, but when she heard these words, she felt a tingling pain at the bottom of her heart.

Mrs. Taylor didn’t notice anything unusual and continued to say: “Ms. Gregory, you should know that men are creatures ruled by their lower half. Even when they encounter a beautiful stranger, they can be moved. If they meet someone they like, they would wish to be with her every single moment.”

“Ms. Gregory, think about it. Men will do those things with a woman they don’t even like, or with someone they just find visually appealing, without having any deeper feelings for her. If, as you said, a man would never touch another woman, it’s not just a matter of not liking her.”

Ruby found Mrs. Taylor’s words more and more alarming. Silently, she tightened her grip on her dress, trying hard to maintain a calm expression on her face. Lowering her eyes, she thought for a moment and then softly asked: “What else could it be?”

“The reason may vary from person to person…” Mrs. Taylor paused for a moment, picked up a fruit with a toothpick, and handed it to Ruby. She casually listed a few examples: “It could be that the man finds the woman repulsive, so he doesn’t feel anything and naturally wouldn’t touch her. Or, the most straightforward reason could be that the woman is too ugly, making the man feel disgusted just by looking at her, let alone getting close. Or, maybe the man has grown tired of the woman’s body after being together for a long time, gradually losing interest in her and not wanting to touch her any more. Or, the man may have someone else he likes, occupying his thoughts, so he loses interest in other women…”

Ruby listened to Mrs. Taylor’s analysis and quietly compared it to her own situation.

Steve shouldn’t find her repulsive, otherwise, why would he marry her? She was also considered attractive… That leaves the possibilities that Steve grew tired of her body or had another woman on his mind…

At this thought, Ruby’s hand trembled, causing the toothpick to fall, and the watermelon on it hit her bare leg, leaving a cold, red mark.

Mrs. Taylor quickly fetched some tissue to wipe Ruby’s leg clean, picked up the toothpick and watermelon from the carpet, and threw them in a nearby trash can. Then she raised her head and noticed Ruby’s face looking rather uncomfortable. Her expression also turned more solemn: “Ms. Gregory, why are you suddenly asking me about this? Could it be that the person you’re talking about is…”

Although the situation was indeed about herself, Ruby still didn’t want anyone to know. She shook her head and softly smiled, interrupting Mrs. Taylor’s words: “No, it’s not about me. I was just bored in the day and read about this in a book. I couldn’t understand it, so I thought I’d ask you.”

Mrs. Taylor suddenly realized and said “Oh.” She then laughed and said: “I knew it couldn’t be you and Mr. Steve. You are so beautiful that Mr. Steve probably can’t bear not to be with you all the time, even in bed!”

If it were any other time, Mrs. Taylor’s words would have been a compliment that would make Ruby blush and her heart race.

However, at this moment, Ruby found these words extremely ironic. It felt like two slaps across her face, harsh and merciless.

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