Chapter 91 Love
CHAPTER 91
Love.
The moment Leo stepped out of the car, the air around him felt different. The weight of the conversation with his father still lingered in his chest, pressing heavily against his thoughts.nThe image of him lying weakly on the bed refused to fade, and the responsibility that had just been handed to him sat firmly on his shoulders.
The conference, the family name and everything but beneath all of that more importantly was Ruby.
He exhaled slowly as he walked towards the house. Erasing every thought from his mind and looking forward to seeing her. He just wanted to see her.
The door opened, and he stepped inside. The house was quiet. As he walked close he heard soft voices coming from upstairs. He paused for just a second, and he noticed the voices he heard were not just anyone but Ruby and Nora voices, they were talking about boys and movies. A faint smile touched his lips before he even realized it. She was happy that alone eased something inside him.
Without wasting another second, he headed upstairs, his pace steady but faster. Each step brought him closer, and with it, a quiet sense of anticipation built within him. He reached her door. It was slightly open. Leo didn’t knock, he just pushed it gently and stepped inside.
The sight that greeted him made him stop. Ruby sat on the bed, her posture relaxed, her expression soft as she spoke with Nora, who stood nearby holding a small tray. There was light in Ruby’s eyes again, she looked happy, and that was everything.
Leo didn’t realize he had been holding his breath until that moment.
“Ruby,” he said softly.
Both women turned. Ruby’s face lit up instantly when she saw him.
“Leo,” she said.
Nora noticed the situation immediately and gave a small smile.
“I’ll leave you both,” she said gently and bowed a little. Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked out, closing the door quietly behind her.
For a brief second, the room fell still, just the two of them looking at each other, and then Leo crossed the distance between them in a few quick steps and pulled Ruby into his arms.
“Leo—?” she started, her voice filled with surprise. But he didn’t let go of anything, he held her closer, one hand wrapped firmly around her back, the other cradling her head against his chest as if he needed to feel her there, real, present, safe.
Ruby blinked, confused. “Hey… what’s wrong?” she asked softly.
Leo exhaled deeply, his hold on her tightening just slightly before finally easing. “I was scared,” he admitted quietly.
Ruby pulled back just enough to look up at him.
“Scared?” she repeated.
Leo nodded, his gaze locked on hers. “I thought…” he paused briefly, choosing his words. “I thought I was going to lose you.”
Ruby’s expression softened instantly. The seriousness in his voice wasn’t something she could ignore.
“I’m right here,” she said gently.
“I know,” he replied. “And I’m glad.”
His thumb brushed lightly against her cheek, his eyes searching her face making sure she was truly okay. “You look better,” he added.
Ruby gave a small nod. “I feel better,” she said.
A faint smile appeared on his lips. “I can see that,” he said.
Ruby studied him for a moment. “You’re acting strange,” she pointed out softly.
Leo let out a quiet breath. “Maybe,” he admitted. “But I just needed to see you like this.”
“Like what?”
“Happy.”
The word hung between them. Ruby’s lips curved slightly. “I’m trying,” she said.
“You’re doing more than trying,” Leo replied. “I’m happy you're getting there.”
They stayed like that for a moment longer before Leo finally stepped back slightly, though he didn’t let go of her completely.
“There’s something I need to tell you,” he said.
Ruby’s expression shifted slightly.
“What is it?”
Leo hesitated briefly before speaking.
“I have to attend a conference,” he said.
Ruby blinked. “A conference?”
He nodded. “It’s important. My dad wants me to represent the family.”
Ruby’s gaze softened slightly.“Oh…”
“I’ll be gone for a bit,” Leo added. “Not long. I’ll be back in two days.”
Ruby nodded slowly. “That’s okay,” she said.
Leo studied her carefully. “You sure?” he asked.
She gave a small smile. “Yes. I’ll be fine.”
He didn’t look entirely convinced.
“If you feel lonely…” he continued, his tone more serious now, “you text me immediately.”
Ruby smiled a little wider. “I will.
“I’m serious.”
“I know,” she said softly. “And I promise.”
Leo held her gaze for a moment longer before finally nodding. “Good.”
After a brief silence, Ruby tilted her head slightly. “Are you packing already?” she asked.
Leo glanced toward the door.
“Yeah,” he said. “I should get ready.”
Ruby didn’t hesitate.
“Okay,” she said. “I’ll come with you.”
Leo raised an eyebrow slightly.
“To watch me pack?”
Ruby smiled faintly.
“Yes.”
Leo chuckled softly.
“Alright.”
They walked to his room together, the atmosphere between them calm and easy.
Leo moved toward the wardrobe immediately, pulling it open and beginning to sort through his clothes.
Ruby, on the other hand, walked straight to the bed and lay down comfortably, her head resting against the pillow as she watched him. Her eyes followed his every movement. There was something peaceful about it, watching him, being there.
“Do you always pack this seriously?” she asked after a moment.
Leo glanced at her briefly. “I like being prepared.”
Ruby smirked slightly. “Looks more like you’re preparing for a week.”
“I don’t like forgetting things.”
Ruby laughed softly. “I can tell.”
Leo shook his head slightly, but there was a hint of a smile on his face. As he continued packing, Ruby remained where she was, her gaze never leaving him. There was something about this moment that felt normal. Something she hadn’t felt in a while.
“You know,” she said quietly.
Leo hummed in response.
“I’m really proud of you.”
That made him pause. He turned slightly, looking at her. “For what?”
“For doing everything,” she said. “For being there for me and still handling your responsibilities.”
Leo didn’t respond immediately. He just looked at her. Then he said… “I’m just doing what I have to,” he said.
Ruby shook her head slightly. “No,” she said. “You’re doing more than that.”
Their eyes held for a moment, and then Leo closed the distance between them. He walked over to the bed, standing beside her before gently reaching out and brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
“You make it easier,” he said softly.
Ruby’s heart skipped slightly, she didn’t respond.
Leo leaned down slowly and kissed her softly.
Ruby melted into his lips instantly, her hand lifting slightly to rest against his arm as she returned the kiss. The feelings and moments were filled with everything they didn’t need to say out loud. When he finally pulled away, their foreheads rested lightly against each other.
“I’ll be back before you miss me too much,” he murmured.
Ruby smiled faintly. “I already do.”
Leo chuckled softly. “Then I guess I shouldn’t take too long.”