Ruby
I jolted awake, heart pounding. Another dream.
This time, Mom was leaving me. I was drowning in the dark, and she just... left.
A single tear slipped down my cheek, and I buried my face in my hands.
But Aveline—my Aveline—was sleeping beside me, peaceful, unbothered. The calm in my storm.
I brushed a stray hair from her cheek and quietly slipped out of bed. She needed her sleep.
I took a cold shower, trying to freeze the pain. After that, I did my workout, trying to drown the guilt.
Mr. Han brought breakfast. I sat there, eating in silence—until Adam burst in like a wrecking ball.
"Ruby! Let's do some shooting. I got a new piece, just came in—legal, don't worry."
"My wife is sleeping," I replied flatly.
"Ooooh, so the mighty Ruby cares about wifey's sleep now? That's romantic." He teased with that stupid grin.
"Whatever. Let's go."
We headed to the backyard. Mr. Han set up the bottles. Adam went first—missed every damn shot. I laughed.
"Too bad."
"Show-off," he muttered.
I stepped up. One breath. One pull. All six bottles shattered.
"K.O.," I smirked.
Then I heard her. Barefoot, sleepy, messy-haired, gorgeous.
"Wow. That's impressive," Aveline said, voice soft, eyes wide.
Adam winked. "Your hot mafia CEO hubby is a literal sniper, Mrs. Aveline."
"Shut up, Adam," I muttered, slapping his arm.
He faked cry like I really care.
"Did we wake you?" I asked Aveline.
"Nah, I'm fine," she said gently.
I just nod
Then Luna called Adam. His face turned serious.
"Ruby, those overseas jerks showed up again. Kim Da Hyun's crew. I need to go."
I nodded. Kim. That piece of trash still trying to kill me.
After he left, I brought Aveline inside.
"Ruby?" she asked. "Why did Adam get so serious? Something happen?"
"Nothing for you to worry about," I said firmly. I wasn't dragging her into this world.
She just nodded, feeding Leon like it was any other day. How does she look that beautiful still half-asleep? She's just... my wife, right?
Nothing more than that... Right?
Later that afternoon, while I was cooling down from my workout, Mr. Han appeared.
"Master, your grandmother is here."
"I'm coming."
Aveline and I went to greet her.
She sat across from us, scrutinizing.
"Grandma, why are you here?"
"Can't I visit my granddaughter-in-law?"
"Didn't say you can't. Just wondering why today."
Aveline nudged me. "Grandma, leave Ruby. She's just tired."
Grandma's voice softened. "Aveline. Are you happy with Ruby?"
I looked at Aveline. Was she?
"Yes, Grandma," she said without hesitation. "She takes care of me."
That caught me off-guard.
Grandma nodded. "You married a woman, but I know she'll protect you."
Protect her—from what? Myself?
After a while, I retreated to my study. My thoughts were crashing into each other.
Aveline. The girl I swore I'd never fall for. And now? I'm lost in her.
Mom. I hated her all my life. But in the end, she tried to save me. Everything she did was for me.
Grandma. She's never this soft. Not to me.
But with her she's not that old cold women.
Suddenly, she entered the study.
"Why is the lion broken?" she asked.
I looked at her.
I couldn't stop the tears.
"Mom died because of me. If I'd just loved her instead of hating her... maybe she'd still be here."
Grandma it's my fault if I tried to understand her she might alive.She cupped my face, forcing me to look at her.
"Ruby Daniel Sun, listen to me. You are our lion. Don't die with your pain. Live. Love. Protect that girl. She's the one your mother believed in. She's your anchor. Your cure."
I broke. Fell into her arms, sobbing.
She hold me let me cry.
That evening, she left.
Aveline was dancing. I retreated to the library. Needed quiet.
Leon came running, barking like mad. I followed him to the art room—and there she was. On the floor. Crying.
"What happened?!"
"I fell. It hurts. I can't stand."
I walk towards her and kneeled I examine her ankle.Swollen. Twisted.
I picked her up. She clung to me. I muttered, "Idiot," but I couldn't yell. She was already crying.
And I can't handle anymore drama I know she's a good actor when it's come to act, I can't take any risks.
I laid her on the couch, bandaged her ankle, brought her something warm.
"It tickles," she whispered.
"Shut up, Aveline."
She looked beautiful even while crying. I wiped her tears. "You clumsy girl."
"Guess you'll have to babysit me," she giggled, playing with my hair.
"Don't, Aveline," I warned.
She pulled away, hurt.
Yes I'm idiot I shouldn't scared her not like that but...why, I'm worrying about her feelings?
Then Leon, her royal damn dog, jumped in my lap like I was the enemy.
"Am I a servant now? In my own house?"
Mr. Han smiled. "She's your wife. I'm not confronting her."
Traitor.
"Let's go," I muttered, scooping her up. "You need rest. And maybe I'll tie you to bed. Permanently."
And I wasn't kidding.
Because this girl? This wild, reckless, dancing little storm?
She owned me. Fully.
And I wasn't running from it anymore.