Ruby sighed, not liking Elena's tone. But she didn't interrupt her either as Elena continued to lash out at her.
"You want to go to the house of the man you dumped at the altar for a change of clothes? Why don't you also bathe there and probably take a nap in his bed? Maybe he can make you lunch while you sleep and give you a neck massage when you wake up."
"Don't be cynical, Elena. I never said any of that." Ruby brows knitted.
"You didn't have to. I'm just painting the big picture. Come on Ruby, you're smarter than that." Elena's tone softened a little. "You do not put yourself in danger thinking a croc won't bite. Derek wants you back and will do everything to get you where he wants you. Remember, he doesn't know you are carrying another man's child. He still thinks you're a naive virgin."
Ruby sank into one of the visitor's seats, raking her finger through her hair, her stomach twisting from the hunger.
"So what do you suggest I do, mummy? I have to change to something nice. But all my working and functional clothes are at his house."
"Don't you have money in your account?"
"Yes, I do."
"Good...then stop by the closest boutique and buy something nice to wear. Over the weekend, you and I can go to Derek's house and get all your stuff once and for all. He won't dare mess with you while I'm there."
"How do you expect me to convince him to stop at the Boutique when he'll be the one driving us to our meeting location?" Ruby pointed out, her stomach growling even louder.
"Were you also planning to get into his car?" Elena half screamed and Ruby winced. "Oh, Ruby... It seems I'll have to come down there and give you a slap to reset your brain."
"Okay...this is the hunger speaking and I don't think I have enough strength to trek down to the main road to get a cab, unless..." Ruby paused, an annoying idea crossing her mind.
"Unless what?" Elena asked.
"Kai sent me a brand new car with a personal driver. The last time I checked, the driver was still parked outside by the roadside. I asked him to take the car back, but he refused, saying he could get fired if he didn't perform his duty."
"Girl...are you high on some cheap weed. Your husband and the father of your unborn child sent you a brand new car to make your life comfortable, and you are willing to hitch a ride with your unscrupulous ex. Are you f*cking kidding me?"
Ruby sighed. "So you think I should..."
"I am not thinking anything, Ruby. I am authorising you to get your ass into that car and flex it like you own it, baby. Don't let me teleport over to that office and give you a knock on the head."
"Yes ma'am." Ruby exhaled chuckling.
"And while you are at it, please take a picture of the car and send it to me on WhatsApp. I am dying to see our new ride."
"Bye." Ruby ended the call laughing.
Just then, Derek arrived at her office in high spirits.
"Shall. We?"
"Sure." Ruby stood up, her sharp eyes catching something she had not seen all this time.
Instantly, the smile vanished from her face and was replaced by a crippling rage. She met Derek's confused gaze and asked coldly.
"You said the venue is Blooming Rose Garden right?"
"Yes, dear," Derek replied softly.
"And the time is 3:00 PM."
"Yes... But what's with the question?" Derek frowned slightly, observing a swift change in her demeanour.
"Let's meet up at the venue," Ruby said calmly, locking the door behind her.
"Aren't you going home with me again. If it's about you being hungry, I could make something quick for you to eat before we leave."
Ruby chuckled bitterly, recalling what Elena just said.
"I have changed my mind. I'll get something presentable from the boutique." She said bluntly and made her way to the exit door while Derek followed behind her, trying to find out what had gone wrong in a space of three minutes.
"Ruby, you don't have to waste your money buying new clothes when you have a lot in your wardrobe. Please let me take you home. I promise, I'll do whatever you want."
"Like I said, I'll find my way," Ruby replied without sparing him a single glance.
Stan hopped out of the car at the sight of Ruby stepping out through the glass door.
"Can you stop and listen for once?" Derek was at the point of losing it as he watched the uniformed chauffeur boldly walk up to them.
"Good afternoon..."
"Do you mind?!" Derek roared at the driver. "Who are you and what are you doing here, loitering around private property?"
"Stan, please wait for me by the car. I'll join you shortly." Ruby said in an apologetic tone while flashing Derek a displeased look.
"Okay, madam." Stan gave a curt bow and walked away, after giving Derek a meaningful look that sent a chill down his spine.
"Who is he, Ruby?" Derek growled. "Is this another one of your many flings disguised as a driver? Answer me?"
"And what if he is?" Ruby snapped. "You have no right to question me. We are not married and neither are we in a relationship anymore. You should be more concerned about your pregnant lover and not me."
"Ruby..."
"Didn't you say we should hurry up?" Ruby cut him off, anger rising in her tone. "I'm sure you'll need a change, too, from that red lipstick stain on the collar of your shirt." She hissed and walked away.
"Lipstick stain?!" Derek's eyes widened as his head turned to the left and then to the right in search of Bailey's malicious attempts at foiling his plans of reconciliation.
His eyes darkened as he saw the conspicuous stain on the left side of his neck collar.
"Bailey!" He growled in a suppressed voice, clenching his fist, as he stormed back into the building.
Ruby didn't prepare herself for the delicious surprise waiting for her inside the car until stan opened the rear door.
A tray of assorted delicacies sat on the far end of the seat – the rich aroma and elegant garnishing teasing Ruby's senses and leaving her salivating.
"Courtesy of my boss, ma'am. He already made a pre-order for dinner take out too." Stan smiled politely as Ruby's eyes moistened.
"Thank you." Ruby managed a smile and got into the car, her initial anger melting away as she sank her teeth into a juicy chicken thigh.