To the Love of My Life

Steve was being considerate of Ruby with his words, but she vaguely noticed that his jawline, which was flowing like a river, seemed a little tense as he spoke.

Ruby knew this was a sign that Steve was in a bad mood.

She couldn’t help but feel that the reason behind it was the rumours brought up at the class reunion about her and Edric, and that Steve was angry with her because of it.

The car sped along the dark streets at night. Steve did not speak or even glance at Ruby, making her premonition grow increasingly intense. In the end, her fingertips began to tremble, and she found herself holding her breath as she sat next to Steve.

With the excellent road conditions at night, they arrived at the Gregorys’ home in less than half an hour.

As the driver parked the car, got out, and opened the door for Ruby, he said respectfully, “Ms. Gregory, we’ve arrived.”

Ruby unconsciously glanced at Steve: “I’m home.”

It was as if Steve had not heard Ruby’s words at all. He just continued to face forward, maintaining the posture he had taken when he first got in the car, and showing no reaction whatsoever.

In the quiet winter night of the West Suburb Villa District, even the chirping of insects and birds could not be heard. The only sound was the occasional whistle of the north wind passing through.

Seeing Steve like this, Ruby hesitated, still sitting next to him and not daring to get out of the car.

The driver, sensing that something was amiss, also remained silent as he stood by the car door.

After a while, Steve finally shifted his gaze slightly and pushed open the car door on his side.

Ruby apologetically looked at the driver, then got out of the car through the door Steve had opened.

Steve smoothed out Ruby’s hair and handed her bag to her. Turning his head, he softly kissed her temple and whispered gently against the night, “It’s cold. Go inside and get some rest.”

Looking at Steve, everything seemed normal, a perfect gentleman, warm and attentive. Yet Ruby couldn’t feel the usual sense of warmth and sweetness, instead filling her with growing anxiety. She stared at Steve for a while, then nodded slightly and whispered, “Goodbye.” After a moment’s hesitation, she turned and entered the Gregorys’ home.

Steve stood just outside the main entrance, staring straight ahead as Ruby entered the villa. He remained motionless.

The driver whispered a reminder, “Mr. Burton, shall I take you home?”

Steve did not shift his gaze from the Gregorys’ Villa, merely shaking his head in response to the driver behind him, “You can go ahead.”

“Yes, sir.” The driver acknowledged, paused for about two seconds, closed the car door, got back in, turned around, and left.

Left alone in the spacious street, Steve stood at the entrance of the Gregorys’ home.

After standing for a long time, he finally lowered his head, turned around, and walked towards the Burton Mansion.