Ruby
When I came out of the bathroom, she was already fast asleep.
I mumbled under my breath, "Can't believe she let her guard down so easily."
I sighed, noticing her awkward sleeping position. It'd probably hurt in the morning.
I'm not in love with her—not that traitor rabbit.
Still... I'm her "husband."
Guess the word does suit me better, huh?
I picked her up.
She's pale, slim—not heavy, but not exactly the feather all those romance books love to exaggerate about.
"'She weighed nothing.'" Please. She's human, alright. Just light and tired.
I gently laid her down, covering her with the blanket.
Then sat beside her, back against the bedframe.
As I watched her sleeping, peaceful and warm, I swear—she looked like the most beautiful thing that's ever belonged to me.
Mine.
I sighed, remembering my mother's words:
"She'll change you, Ruby. She's your destiny. Don't be stone for her—she deserves love. Give it."
My fingers grazed the necklace Mom left me—the lion-shaped pendant.
"My lion… don't let the world make you heartless. Not for her. Not with her."
Tears gathered at the corners of my eyes… but I refused to cry. Not in front of Aveline.
---
The next morning, I asked Mr. Han, "Has she been eating? Taking care of herself?"
The butler shook his head. "No, Master. She refuses to eat without you."
I sighed, massaging my temple. Then I saw her coming down the stairs. She sat beside me and started eating quietly.
I handed her some bread, fruits, and poured her juice.
"I'm leaving. Eat properly."
I grabbed my coat and walked out. She just stared at me, confused.
---
At the company, I was in a meeting with clients from abroad when someone brought her up.
"Ruby Sun… I heard you married Vale's younger daughter?"
"Yes," I replied flatly. "I did."
"She's very beautiful. You've got taste. Any plans for an official event with your wife?"
"She's busy," I said. "I'll ask her."
They nodded politely.
Even my assistant chimed in after they left.
"We've all been curious to meet her, too."
I groaned and packed up my things.
It was already 10 PM.
And I was sure she hadn't eaten yet.
---
As I entered the house, rain poured outside like a scene from some tragic romance film.
And there she was.
Dancing.
Hair down. Eyes sparkling. Spinning barefoot in the rain like a fever dream.
She looked... breathtaking.
The staff said, "Master, Madam will catch a cold."
I stood near the window and replied, "Let her. I'll take care of her."
They bowed and left.
I stepped outside, letting the rain soak into my shirt.
She hadn't noticed me yet.
But the moment she did, she froze.
Then suddenly shouted, "Pervert!"
And laughed.
I just smirked, unable to scold her when she looked this alive.
She grabbed my hand and gestured for me to join her.
So I did.
She moved—I followed.
She twirled—I held her hand.
She spun in circles, pulling me into her rhythm.
I leaned in and whispered, "You'll catch a fever, Aveline."
She only giggled, gently pushing my chest, shaking her head in defiance.
Still dancing.
Even Leon joined, running around us like a royal fool.
I kept watching her—just watching.
For the first time in a long while… she smiled freely.
---
Later that night, she took a bath and went to bed.
Still wet hair. No towel. No care.
The next morning, she didn't come to breakfast.
I walked into her room.
She was still sleeping.
I checked her forehead.
Burning.
She stirred weakly. "Ruby… you didn't go to work?"
"Damn it, Aveline," I muttered. "You're burning up—and you're worried about me?"
I scolded her, "Are you an idiot? I told you not to dance in the rain, but you didn't listen. Now look—fever. Can't even sit up. Do you want me to babysit you all day?"
She looked down and whispered, "I'm sorry, Ruby."
I turned away for a moment.
Then sighed and bent down, pulling out my phone.
I called my assistant.
"I'm not coming today."
I called Mr. Han next.
"Towel. Cold water. Now."
"It's winter, and you still wanted to play in the rain?" I grumbled.
But when she clutched my shirt, refusing to let go… I stayed.
I held her hand. "I'm here."
After an hour, her fever eased up.
She looked calmer. Softer.
Still shivering a little, though.
I had no choice.
I lay down next to her, pulling her close.
She buried her face into my neck.
I sighed. "You're so clingy, rabbit—damn."
Wait. Did I just say rabbit?
She mumbled, "I'm your wife, even if you don't love me. Taking care of me is your responsibility."
I didn't answer.
I just held her closer.
---
By evening, she finally woke up.
"You're warm, Mr. Hot," she teased.
"Shut up, Aveline."
She grinned.
"I'm feeling better. You can go now."
I stood to leave.
"No!" she shouted suddenly, hugging me tight.
She was 100% blackmailing me with her sick-card.
And I let her.
Because if I scolded her now, she'd cry. I could already tell.
We stayed like that.
She drifted off in my arms.
And I just stared at her.
Did I deserve her?
Did I?
I brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I wanted to be stone for you, Aveline," I whispered.
"I wanted to hate you… but every time I tried, you found your way back to me."
"You're driving me insane."
...Mom, you were right.
Even now…
I can't hate her properly...
---