Ruby exhaled heavily, rubbing her forehead in frustration at the mere thought of having to justify herself to Elena and even to Kia, – about her choice to attend the birthday party while posing as Derek's wife.
She could already picture Elena lashing out at her. But Kai's reaction was difficult to predict.
"Madam Ruby..." Stan's soothing tone snapped her out of her crippling thoughts. "... Do you want me to take you back to the office or somewhere else?"
"Take me to the mall supermarket," Ruby replied softly. "I need to pick up a few items before heading home."
"Okay, ma'am."
"And Stan..." Ruby leaned forward, her eyes brimming with gratitude. "Thank you for everything. Despite how I treated you at first, you've been very nice to me."
Stan met her gaze through the rear-view mirror. "It's my pleasure ma'am. I'm here to serve you and only you."
Ruby smiled. "Can you please stop calling me ma'am and just address me by my first name?"
"I'm afraid I can't do that ma'am. My boss would be very displeased."
Ruby frowned slightly. "How about you just call me Miss Ruby?"
"I think Miss Ruby is perfect."
"Also, about my ex, please pay him no attention. Pardon him on my behalf. He can be a handful sometimes."
"You don't have to apologise, Miss Ruby. I can handle him professionally."
"Good." Ruby leaned back in her seat, exhaling. She picked up the iPhone and hesitated briefly before dialling Kai's number, her palm a bit itchy as she waited for the call to connect.
"Hello, beautiful." Kai's ever-smooth and sexy deep voice echoed from the receiver, evoking a tender smile on Ruby's face.
"Hi." Ruby smiled, her gaze drifting to the passing traffic outside the window.
"I'm relieved you finally called. For a moment, I feared I had offended Her Royal Highness and was about to lose my head for it."
Ruby chuckled softly, her cheeks giving off a soft pinkish glow. "I was. But I'm no longer angry."
"Wow! That's a relief. So how is your day going?"
Ruby let out a sigh. "A bit annoying and frustrating. But it's nothing I can't handle."
"Hmm...super woman. I like that."
Ruby chuckled. "Umm...about how I reacted earlier. I...umm... shouldn't have. I know you meant well. But..."
"Apology accepted and I'm sorry for whatever inconveniences the gift caused you. I would never intentionally want to hurt your feelings."
Ruby's smile deepened. "It's fine. Thanks for the car, the flowers, and the delicious lunch. You've been nothing short of a caring friend and I truly appreciate all your thoughtful efforts."
"You are welcome."
"But..." Ruby stressed. "Before you send anything to me, please let me know first. I don't want to be caught off guard."
"Yes ma'am."
Ruby chuckled, exhaling as she leaned her head on the headrest, contemplating how to present the next topic.
"Is something else bothering you?"
"What are you now... a mind reader?" Ruby teased lightly, though a wave of vulnerability swept through her.
"Maybe... So tell me what's on your mind. Is anyone messing with my sweetheart?"
"What sweetheart?" Ruby rolled her eyes, as her blush deepened.
"Oh... I meant to say, my wife."
"On paper." Ruby reminded him.
"Yeah… whether it's on paper, in the cloud, or even written in the mud, it doesn't change the fact that you're my wife." Kai subtly passed a message across without sounding very direct.
"Understood... That is why I'm calling to inform you about a decision I've made."
"What decision? I hope you're not planning to divorce me because if you do, I'll die."
"What?" Ruby burst out laughing. "You are not serious."
"I am. So tell me what decision have you made?"
"Umm… you know how much I value my job, and how I'm willing to do whatever it takes to see it grow to greater heights."
"Of course and you have my complete and unbiased support."
Ruby smiled, stroking the hem of her gown.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome, my dear."
"About the decision I made... I know it might sound stupid and unreasonable. But I..."
"Ruby…" Kai cut her off, his voice softer and more tender than she had ever heard before, carrying a warmth that seemed to wrap around her like a gentle embrace. "...whatever choice you make is neither stupid nor unreasonable. You are the most intelligent, courageous and tenacious young woman I have ever met. As business owners, we take risks. Some of these risks are rewarding, while others are the necessary evils we can't escape. But no matter what path you choose, remember this, you have my unwavering support. I trust you completely."
Ruby nodded her head, her eyes shimmering with tears.
"Are you still there?"
"Yes..." She cleared her throat, wiping off a tear drop that escaped her eyes. "Yes...thanks."
"You're most welcome. And please, if you ever need anything, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, don't hesitate to reach out to me. My line is open for you twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and all year round."
Ruby smirked, raising a brow. "Wow… twenty-four-seven and all year round? Careful, dear husband. I just might take advantage of that and call you at 3:00 AM for something as silly as ice cream."
"Then I'll walk to the moon and back to bring you that ice cream at 3:00 AM, if that's what you want. There is nothing too silly, when it comes to you."
"I have heard that before." Ruby smiled bitterly, her mind drifting to Derek.
"Ruby..."
"It's fine, Kai. Thanks for everything and enjoy your evening." Ruby ended the call before he could say anything. She looked up and observed that they had stopped moving.
"We are here already?" She glanced in Stan's direction, surprised.
"Yes, Miss Ruby. Do you want me to come with you and help you with the cart or shopping bags?"
"There is no need for that." Ruby pushed the door open. "I won't be long."
An hour later, they were back on the road to Elena's house. As they turned onto the street leading to her apartment building, Ruby froze in shock at the sight of a familiar mature woman seated beneath the nearby shade.