Ruby pov
There was going to be a party tonight. Our fourth wedding anniversary A marriage lasting four years is a testament to love, dedication, and unwavering support.
Ramsey gave me a small silver necklace for our first anniversary, which I adjusted while I stood in front of the mirror. I had picked out my attire specifically for him.
It was a midnight-blue gown with an elegant pattern that matched my body well. For our good. A nice smile appeared on my lips as I considered the amount of progress we had made.
Even though we were not the wealthiest couple in New York, I had always had faith in Ramsey.
I stood by him when his business failed, cooking late at night just to support the family while he worked on deals.
I never once gave him the impression that he was a failure. And now he has arrived at last.
One of New York's up-and-coming entrepreneurs, Ramsey Cole, had landed a billion-dollar deal with the Phillips Group.
Despite his recent distance, I was proud of him. But I would remind him of us tonight.
After taking a deep breath and adjusting my attire, I went downstairs to the Blue Royale Hotel's magnificent dining hall, where our wedding reception was held four years prior.
Brilliant chandeliers glistened in the room as calming violin music drifted over the background. Everything was flawless.
Except the gnawing sensation in my stomach. Ramsey was standing at the far end of the room, looking dapper in his black suit. He wasn't alone, though.
A beautiful brunette in a stunning crimson gown stood next to him. Who might that be? But when they got closer, they saw a familiar face—it was Rita Miller.
I went cold. Ramsey introduced her to me as a business associate, and it was the only time I had ever met her. What brought her to our anniversary meal, though?
What was the reason behind her proximity to him? Despite the aching in my stomach, I faked a smile and walked over.
"This is lovely, Ramsey," I said warmly as I greeted Ramsey.
"I appreciate you setting everything up". Something was strange about the way his blue eyes flicked to me.
There was no excitement, no warmth. Rather, he appeared... anxious.
"Ruby," he snapped.
I scowled. "What's wrong?" Rita grinned and stepped forward before he could say anything.
"You look beautiful, Ruby," she said quietly, but there was also sympathy in her eyes. pity?
Something cold swept over me. Ramsey lifted his drink and faced the audience. He said, "Thank you all for coming. For me, tonight is a special night. I must make a significant announcement".
I grinned, thinking he would appreciate my help. Perhaps we should even reaffirm our vows from three years ago.
However, his subsequent remarks completely upended my universe. "I'm asking the person I love the most to marry me." Confused, I blinked. My heart hammered my ribs.
What?
Ramsey looked at Rita. Then he dropped to one knee and pulled out a velvet box in front of everyone.
The whole room let out a gasp. Hot tears threatened to spill under my eyelid, but I stopped them before they could. My breath froze in my throat.
He whispered, "Will you marry me, Rita?"
My vision became hazy. My legs were numb. I felt the breath rush out of my lungs. This was not taking place.
This was a nightmare—perhaps he was kidding, but it was reality rather than a nightmare.
Rita covered her lips in fake fear and giggled. "Oh, Ramsey!" she said in a theatrical whisper. Indeed! Yes, a thousand times!
The room exploded in applause. I shuddered. Did nobody notice this? Did I go unnoticed?
I approached Ramsey, examining his face and pleading for a response. But instead of offering an apology or an explanation, he pulled out a second, immaculate white package.
"This is for you, Ruby," he said, taking a step forward. I took it and opened it with unsteady hands.
I could not get the words at the top of my head. AGREEMENT FOR DIVORCE The space whirled. The man I had built a life with and loved was divorcing me. in front of a large gathering. For another woman.
A hushed chuckle escaped my throat. There is no way this could be real. I glanced up at him.
"Why?" I muttered. With a groan, Ramsey scratched the back of his neck as though he didn't like this.
"Ruby, thank you so much for everything, but you no longer belong in my world."
My entire world fell apart. Do I not belong in his world? His universe had been me. When he was nothing, I was there for him. And I was being thrown aside like a worn rag now that he had succeeded, now that he was truly wealthy?
I clapped my hands together, making my speech sound firm. "And Rita does, too?"
He clenched his jaw. "She assisted me in negotiating the Phillips Group deal." She has been with me. My breath caught.
Did he think so? It was me who had made sure his deal with the Phillips Group was completed. But he thought Rita had done it because I worked behind the scenes and never pursued fame.
I resisted letting the tears that were simmering beneath my eyes fall. Not in this place. Not before him.
I gritted my teeth and raised my chin. "I understand," I whispered.
Ramsey scoffed as though he thought I would cry and beg. I wouldn't give him that satisfaction, though. Rita's remarks stopped me as I turned to go.
"Oh, Ruby," she replied, her voice full of phony pity.
"One day, you'll meet someone. Someone... better suited to you".
I swallowed the anger that was building inside of me and clasped my hands.
This woman was making fun of me after stealing my life and my spouse?
I looked directly at Ramsey as I turned around to face him. "Are you certain of this?"
He hesitated. His jaw, however, hardened abruptly. "Yes."
Something broke inside of me. In one smooth motion, I signed my name at the bottom of the divorce papers after accepting them, all the while maintaining eye contact.
The room was filled with gasps. I could sense that everyone was watching me and waiting for me to lose it.
However, I wouldn't. With a smile that stopped short of my eyes, I put down the pen and returned the papers to Ramsey. "Congratulations on getting engaged," I said calmly.
"Hopefully, she was worthwhile."
I turned and left without saying anything more.
My heart was broken.
My marriage had ended. However, Ramsey was unaware of... Was everything he had, his success, his fortune, owed to me?
And I'm gone now. How long can he survive without me?