Ruby
It was the 20th of July—Aveline's big competition day.
I stood in front of my full-length mirror, fixing my cufflinks, adjusting the sharp edges of my black blazer. Adam strolled in, leaning against the doorframe with a smug smirk.
> "Hmmm... looking hot enough," he said proudly.
I rolled my eyes and grabbed my car keys.
> "Dude, after the competition, I'm heading straight to the airport. Just handle things for me while I'm gone."
> "Sure, sure, Ruby," he said with a salute. "I'll take care of everything."
> "Just don't mess it up. That's all I ask."
And with that, I left.
---
I pulled up in front of Aveline's villa, already anticipating the chaos. A deep sigh escaped me as I stepped out and walked toward the door.
> "Hello, Mrs. Vale," I greeted with polite formality.
> "Ruby, dear? How are you?" she smiled. "Still alive, I see."
> "I'm good, Auntie. And please, just call me Ruby. No need for formality."
She waved her hand and motioned me to sit. I did—calm, composed, like I belonged there.
> "I'm here to take Aveline, Auntie."
> "Take her? For what?"
> "Today's her competition," I said gently. "I came to pick her up."
Her face shifted. That look of disapproval I'd memorized from women like her—old money, old rules.
> "Ruby, she shouldn't be dancing. She's a girl—she should focus on business, like Mireline."
There it was. That caged mindset. I'd heard it too many times.
> "And sacrifice her dreams for the family name?" I cut in, my voice sharper now. "Auntie, that's her passion. She deserves to live her life, not be locked in someone else's definition of it. No one's going to shame her. Not while I'm around."
Mrs. Vale was silent for a beat.
> "She's your responsibility then," she finally said, her voice low. "Take care of her."
> "I will."
That's when I saw her—Aveline, standing quietly nearby. She had watched the whole conversation. Her eyes shimmered, like she couldn't believe what just happened.
> "Auntie, I'll take my leave now."
I turned to Aveline, offered her my hand, and without hesitation, she took it. We walked out together.
Just as we reached the car, her mother called out.
> "Aveline!"
She turned back, eyes wide.
Mrs. Vale walked toward us and gently held her daughter's hands.
> "Come back early... and win. Come back with pride. Show them who you are—show them you're Aveline Vale."
Aveline's eyes filled with tears as they hugged. I looked away for a second, pretending I wasn't emotionally compromised.
---
Once we were in the car, Aveline turned to me and whispered,
> "Thank you so much, Ruby. In my 20 years of life, she's never said anything like that about my dance. But today... she hugged me. She said my name like I mattered. Just because of you."
> "I didn't do anything," I replied softly. "I just reminded her of the truth."
She leaned over and kissed my cheek. My heart stuttered.
> "Don't distract me, Aveline Vale," I teased, glancing at her. "We've got time for all that later."
She blushed and nudged my arm.
> "Focus on the road, Ruby. Not me."
Too late. She looked too damn good. That black dress hugged her body like it was made for her. Her soft bun, her bare shoulders, those curves...
I wanted her. God, I wanted her badly.
> "You're looking hot, Aveline," I murmured. "That dress is criminal."
> "Wow, Ruby complimenting me? That's rare," she grinned. "Guess I am unfortunately hot."
> "So what's this, a confession?" I smirked. "From my little hot rabbit?"
> "Absolutely not," she shot back. "Drive."
---
We arrived at the venue. The energy was electric. Aveline's emotional support bestie, Alia, was already there. The solo part of the competition went smooth. Now it was time for the partner dance.
We stepped onto the stage.
The music began. Our bodies moved like we were born to dance together. Every step, every turn—we were in sync. We barely practiced, but it didn't matter. We knew each other by heart. Our rhythm was natural, effortless.
As the final notes approached, I grabbed her waist, pulling her close. My forehead rested gently against hers. She didn't flinch, didn't push me away.
> "Aveline," I whispered. "I like you. I want you."
And then—delicately, dangerously—I bent her back and kissed her neck.
She gasped, clutching my shoulders, stunned. The dance ended. We stepped away, returning to Alia and my assistant who'd come to pick me up.
That's when I saw him.
Kai.
Holding flowers.
He walked over to Aveline and hugged her. My jaw clenched. I stood still, silent, a little away, talking to my assistant but barely hearing a word.
Why was my blood boiling?
Before I did something reckless, I turned and left. I couldn't stay.
Even as she called my name, I didn't look back.
---
At the airport, I sat at the gate, seething. My phone buzzed. I ignored it.
Then a voice note came in from her.
> "Hey, Ruby… thanks a lot for today. I'm really, really happy. I don't know why you're mad, but next time I see you, I'll kill you—and then treat you to a meal as a thank-you.
Thanks for helping this little rabbit of yours.
Thanks for standing up for me… Mr. Hot Red Killer Eyes."
The last line was whispered, soft like a secret meant for no one else but me.
I smiled.
Damn her. She always knows just how to get to me.
---