Eleven

Tyler's POV:

I searched the nightclub for Ruby, confident that she would be there, but I couldn't find her. I was fortunate to find one of her friends, Athena, who promised to help me locate her. I approached the waiter and ordered a glass of wine while waiting for Athena's feedback.

"Hey Ruby, someone is looking for you over there," Athena said, pointing at me.

Ruby shot an angry glance at her, speaking softly to avoid drawing attention. The despair in her voice was palpable. After a deep sigh, she composed herself and turned to see who was looking for her. At first, she thought it might be Lucian, but as she turned, she felt a slight relief when she realized it was me.

"Hey, it's me, Tyler," I nodded as I approached her where she was seated.

"Thanks for allowing me to join you here," I said softly, taking a seat in front of her.

"You're welcome. Sorry for keeping you waiting. I just feel like being alone," Ruby explained.

I could see the redness in Ruby's eyes and sense her tiredness and depression. Concerned, I asked her what was going on.

"It's alright. Is everything okay? I could tell from your message that something was wrong," I asked, trying to understand her reaction.

"I've been going through a lot lately, Tyler," Ruby said emotionally.

"I could sense that just from your words," I responded, attempting to grasp the depth of her distress.

Ruby remained silent for a while before finally speaking up, revealing the extent of her depression.

"Yeah, I had to quit my job due to some personal reasons," Ruby explained.

I felt confused about why she would quit her job without having another one lined up.

"Why did you quit your job?" I asked, puzzled by her decision.

"Yes, I quit my job because I'm getting married soon. I need to start making arrangements for my wedding," Ruby replied.

Her reasons touched me, but I wasn't sure who she was getting married to.

"Who are you planning to marry?" I asked, staring at her, seeking clarification.

"I have a fiancé, and I'm getting married to him soon," she replied.

Hearing her reasons, I felt sorry for her for losing her job. I could imagine how challenging it would be for her to navigate her life after resigning without having another source of income. So, I offered her a job at my company.

"Why don't you come and work at my company? I promise nothing will happen to you, and no one will threaten you. Believe me, your safety is guaranteed," I said to her, curious about her thoughts on the matter.

"I appreciate your offer, but I don't think I can work at your company because of Lucian and other personal reasons," she responded.

"I promise you, nothing will happen," I replied sincerely. Ruby felt a slight sense of relief upon realizing my sincerity. After a lengthy discussion, I called the bartender to serve us drinks, and we continued our conversation while enjoying our drinks.

A few minutes later, I noticed Ruby growing silent, and she immediately dropped her drink. I followed her gaze and turned around to confirm who she was staring at.

"Lucian...!" I said to myself, as I locked eyes with Lucian stepping out of the elevator.

***

Lucian's POV

I was left speechless as I descended from the elevator, utterly surprised to see Ruby with Tyler. I didn't even pause to imagine what they were discussing; all I could think about was Tyler trying to take advantage of the situation to get closer to Ruby.

The look in both their eyes was imaginable, but I felt no concern about it. In that moment, all I could think about was how to beat Tyler and make sure he regretted it. The memory of Adam's embarrassment flashed through my mind, and my eyes turned red with anger. I could envision him attempting to throw a punch at me and pushing Ruby aside while trying to stop him. Fueled by rage, I hurriedly made my way towards them.

"I can't let this happen. I will never allow you to take advantage of this situation to get closer to Tyler," I muttered to myself as I approached them, stepping off the elevator.

"Hey, how the hell do you know Ruby? How long have you been meeting her?" I angrily interrogated Tyler, not even waiting for his response.

Ruby seemed a bit confused, attempting to explain, but I didn't let her utter a word as I continued to confront Tyler.

"Yeah, how do you know her?" I asked, pointing angrily at Tyler once again. He immediately stood up from his seat, shouting back at me. At first, I thought he was going to throw a punch.

"Why are you so concerned about our discussion? It's none of your business," Tyler retorted angrily.

Ruby was furious with my actions and began to support Tyler by shouting at me, demanding that I leave her alone.

"Please, leave me alone and go your own way!" Ruby screamed at me, her voice strong and determined.

Her words struck me with a sense of strength, and I pondered what could weaken her resolute voice. Suddenly, I remembered our deal concerning Adam. I was taken aback, unable to anticipate Ruby's reaction when I mentioned the deal. "Follow me now," I instructed her.

"No, please don't follow her. Let go of Ruby. I assure you, I'll protect you from him," Tyler said to Ruby, trying to hold onto her and convince her to follow him.

Ruby became instantly confused, unsure of whom to follow. But she understood what Lucian was planning.

"Please, follow me, Ruby," Lucian instructed once more.

Tyler tried his best to persuade Ruby to follow him, but he was surprised to see her release his hand.

"I'm sorry, Tyler. I'll catch up with you later," Ruby said to him as she went with Lucian.

Tyler felt deeply disappointed by Ruby's decision and watched them speechless as they walked away together. He was upset about what he had just witnessed.

As soon as we were out of Tyler's sight, Ruby shouted at me, her face seething with anger.

"How long will you keep threatening me with my fiance?" Ruby spoke angrily.

I carefully chose my words, wanting to prevent her from breaking down as she was already overwhelmed. "Calm down, Ruby. I promise to stay away from you and Adam as long as you distance yourself from Tyler," I said, trying to approach her.

With each step I took towards Ruby, she stepped back, attempting to avoid me. But I persisted, closing the distance until she reached the wall and came to a halt. I moved closer, intending to kiss her.

Suddenly, I sensed someone approaching. I quickly looked away and focused on the kiss.

Ruby was shocked and didn't expect to see the person who was approaching them.

"I'm sorry, please, I can explain... It's not what you think!" Ruby shouted suddenly and pushed me away, out of her sight.

"What the fuck!" I muttered to myself

as I confirmed that it was Adam who had been coming towards us. He turned back immediately upon seeing us, without saying a word. Ruby was left bewildered, unsure of what to say for a few moments.