An hour later they're all talking then Mr Gabriel brought up Dhruv name
How's your boyfriend doing..he asked
He's fine, just the usual..she respond
Please apology to him that we'll stop to dislike him because he's poor ..he said
*Ruby:* "Okay, and about that, there's something I need to tell you all… something Dhruv confessed."
*Gabriel (frowning, concerned):* "What is it, baby?"
*Ruby (steady, a hint of a smile forming):* "He… he told me he pretended to be poor. He's actually from a rich family. He kept it hidden because he wanted to know if people loved him for who he is, not his money."
*Silence for a beat. Then Cassandra's eyes widen, she bursts into a playful grin.*
*Cassandra (teasing, nudging Ruby):* "Girl, you got a secret billionaire and didn't even know it?!"
*Samantha (growing mischievous):* "So all that 'baker's son' story was just a cover-up? We need a name for his fake bakery—'Sweet Lies Pastries'!"
*Rose (laughing):* "And we thought you were the broke one. Turns out you're the richest couple in town!"
*Ruby (blushing, shaking her head):* "Stop, y'all! It wasn't a joke to him. He was scared, and it hurt… but I love him."
*Cassandra (wrapping an arm around her):* "We know, we know. We're just messing with you. You deserve a love that's real, even if it's a little messy."
*Samantha (pretending to swoon):* "Secret rich boyfriend? I need a side hustle."
*Gabriel (chuckling, pulling his wife closer):* "Alright, alright. Laughter's good. But Ruby, we owe you another apology. We let fear and pride get in the way. We're sorry for pushing you, for doubting your choices. You're our daughter, and we just want you happy."
*Mrs. Gabriel (eyes gloving with tears of relief):* "Forgive us, sweetheart. We see how much he cares for you, and we should have trusted your heart."
*Ruby (tears turning to joyful smiles, hugging her parents):* "I forgive you. I love you both. And I love Dhruv. Let's just… be happy together."
*Cassandra (raising an imaginary toast):* "To Ruby and Dhruv—rich in love, poor in drama!"
*All laugh, clinking mugs of tea, the house filling with genuine, unfiltered laughter, the kind that stitches broken pieces back together.*
Later, when the house quieted, Ruby slipped her phone out and typed a message to Dhruv:
_"Home now. My whole family is here. They're sorry, they're with us. I want to stay, fix everything together. I love you."_
His reply came instantly:
_"I'm smiling so hard right now. I love you, Ruby.