To the Love of My Life

He was so angry yesterday, so furious that he seemed to want to kill her. Why would he visit her father?

Could it be that he was no longer angry?

Because the date of their engagement was approaching, even if Maxwell Gregory not suddenly fainted and been hospitalized, Ruby had requested leave in advance and did not need to go to work. Therefore, after the day when Steve Burton vented his anger at her, the only contact between them was the occasional times he came to visit Maxwell Gregory.

Each time Steve came, he would bring some tonics and fruits. He did not talk much and did not stay long. Most of the time he just talked to Maxwell Gregory about business matters. Occasionally, Lady Gregory would chime in. Ruby spent most of her time quietly sitting on the side, listening to them chatting. Sometimes, under Lady Gregory’s instructions, she would pour a glass of water and hand it to Steve.

When Steve finished visiting Maxwell Gregory and left the hospital, it was always Ruby who saw him out.

Every time, Steve walked in front, Ruby followed two steps behind. The two of them did not converse much on the way.

When Steve reached his car, he opened the door and got in, never leaving a word of “goodbye” or “I’m leaving” for Ruby. He started the car and drove away, leaving Ruby alone, standing blankly at the hospital’s entrance, watching his car disappear from sight.

It was only at this time that Ruby realized, Steve was not done being angry, but was only maintaining a superficial façade. In reality, they were clearly distancing themselves from each other, not interfering in each other’s business.

Lady Gregory was a meticulous person. Initially, she did not notice anything amiss between Steve and Ruby. But as Steve visited more frequently, she began to notice some irregularities. Finally, one time when Ruby was seeing Steve off, she silently followed them.

As always, Steve got into his car without a backward glance, as though Ruby was invisible. He started the car on his own, smoothly turned the steering wheel and drove away from the hospital.

Ruby watched as his car grew smaller in the distance, her hand unconsciously clenching into a fist.

If Steve could maintain this façade, it seemed like he really meant what he said, she would still be Mrs. Burton. In theory, she hadn’t lost anything. But, every time she saw him treating her like a stranger, a sense of deep loss would well up in her heart.

“Ruby.”

Just as Ruby was lost in thought, she suddenly heard her name being called from behind her. She was taken aback, snapped back to reality, and turned her head to see Lady Gregory standing behind her, a serious expression on her face.

Ruby stiffened for a moment, pulling a smile on her lips: “Mom, why did you come down?”

Lady Gregory did not respond to Ruby. She just looked around, then walked towards a small, deserted garden not far away.

Ruby stood in place for two seconds before following her.

They walked until they reached a place where no one else was around. Lady Gregory finally stopped, turned around and waited for Ruby to come in front of her. Then, she couldn’t wait any longer and asked urgently, “Did you upset Steve again?”