To the Love of My Life

It’s just a pity that for Ruby Gregory, who was forced since childhood to accept the idea that she must marry Steve Burton, she came to understand this truth only a little too late.

–

Ruby had an unhappy weekend. Since parting with Steve on Saturday after the class reunion, she felt as though he seemed annoyed with her. She couldn’t even pinpoint when she had become so sensitive.

Finally, at nine o’clock on Sunday night, Ruby received a call from Steve.

On the other end of the phone, he told her that he had a conference early the next morning and would head to the company earlier, so he wouldn’t be able to pick her up. He asked her to go to bed early.

Steve’s words were filled with concern, which put Ruby’s restless mind at ease.

That Sunday night, Ruby had a good, solid sleep – and even slept through till she woke up naturally. When she opened her eyes, it was already eight o’clock in the morning.

As Ruby came downstairs to eat breakfast, Lady Gregory was sitting at the table with a joyful expression on her face, watching the news. Seeing Ruby coming down, Lady Gregory smiled and instructed the servant to prepare breakfast for her.

Ruby sat next to Lady Gregory, took the porridge the servant handed her, stirred it with a spoon a couple of times, then lowered her head to take a sip. At that moment, the phone in the living room rang.

The servant immediately went to answer the call and handed the phone to Lady Gregory.

As they say, good fortune makes a person spirited. With the imminent engagement of Ruby and Steve and the rising success of the Gregorys, Lady Gregory was in an exceptionally good mood. She chuckled before even speaking on the phone.

Ruby was drinking her porridge nonchalantly, but then suddenly heard Lady Gregory say with a serious tone, “What?” Ruby instinctively looked up at her to see Lady Gregory’s pale face, gripping the remote control and changing the TV channel in disbelief.

Ruby opened her mouth, her whole body tensing up. She looked over at the TV and saw that Lady Gregory had switched to the news channel – it was reporting on a newly-built residence in the Ciawell suburbs collapsing due to poor construction. The accident had injured two passersby, one of whom had died despite rescue efforts.

Before the news could finish, Lady Gregory was already on her feet, asking, “Which hospital?” as she tugged at Ruby’s arm.

Even though Ruby had no idea what was happening, she had a sinking feeling in her heart.

Lady Gregory only said the word “Okay” on the phone before hanging up. As she turned to Ruby, her voice trembled slightly, “Ruby, your dad just fainted and has been hospitalized.”

Ruby’s face turned pale in an instant, “What happened?”