Chapter 17 A new dawn
CHAPTER 17
A New Dawn in Leo’s World
Ruby had never slept on a mattress so soft in her entire life. It felt like sinking into a warm cloud, weightless and strangely comforting. When she drifted into sleep the night before, the exhaustion from the hospital treatment, the rain incident, and the overwhelming discovery of Leo’s mansion had taken over her faster than she could think.
But waking up… that was a different story.
For the first time in years, she hadn’t woken to the sound of Clara yelling her name from the living room, or the clatter of pots meant to startle her into running. The silence here was different—peaceful, gentle, and delicate, like the morning itself was afraid to disturb her.
A soft knock tapped against her door.
“Miss Ruby?” a polite voice called. “Good morning. It’s time to wake up.”
Ruby blinked her eyes open. For a moment she’d forgotten where she was. Then the golden curtains, the chandelier crystals catching the sunlight, the elegant cream–colored walls, the carpet beneath her feet—everything rushed back.
She sat up slowly, brushing her tangled hair behind her ear.
“Come in,” she called softly.
The door opened, and a young woman stepped inside wearing a neatly pressed black and white maid uniform. She looked no more than twenty four, with warm honey brown skin, soft curly hair neatly tied back, and a pair of gentle eyes full of sincerity. She wasn’t like the other maids Ruby had briefly seen yesterday—those ones had stared at her with cold judgements and silent whispers.
The girl before her smiled politely and bowed her head slightly.
“Good morning, Miss Ruby. My name is Nora. I’ve been assigned by Mr. Carter to be your personal maid. From now on, I’ll help you with anything you need.”
Ruby’s heart skipped.
Assigned… to me?
She had never been anyone important enough to deserve personal help. The last time she had someone “assigned” to her was when her stepmother Clara told her to scrub the floor and said, "This is your only job in this house.
“Good morning,” Ruby whispered, shy and unsure of how to respond. “You don’t have to call me Miss… Ruby is fine.”
Nora’s smile softened. “Mr. Carter said the same, actually. He said you wouldn’t like formality.”
Ruby’s face warmed. Leo was strict and unreadable, but moments like this made him feel unexpectedly thoughtful.
“I hope you slept well?” Nora asked gently, pulling open the heavy curtains so sunlight bathed the room.
Ruby blinked at the brightness. “I… I think I slept too well. Everything here feels unreal.”
“It’s a big adjustment,” Nora said, selecting a fresh set of clothes: a soft beige top and comfortable cream trousers. “Mr. Carter told us to make sure your stay is peaceful.”
Ruby swallowed. Leo had said little to her the night before—just that she should rest, that the head maid would take care of her, and that he had urgent work. But despite his short words, there had been sincerity in his tone, like he meant every instruction.
Nora helped her freshen up, fixing her hair loosely and guiding her through the luxurious but unfamiliar bathroom. Ruby felt awkward having someone assist her, constantly apologizing, but Nora only chuckled lightly.
“You’re very polite,” Nora said. “It’s refreshing.”
When Ruby was ready, they stepped into the massive hallway. Sunlight poured through tall glass windows, the marble floor reflecting everything like water. Ruby walked slowly, trying to absorb every detail, her heart tugging between awe and discomfort.
“Breakfast is ready,” Nora announced. “The chef prepared something light for you since Mr. Carter mentioned you’re still recovering.”
Ruby stopped.
“Leo said that?”
“Yes,” Nora replied with a knowing smile. “He was very specific.”
A strange warmth spread in Ruby’s chest.
They reached the dining room—larger than her entire living room back home. A long polished table ran across the space, but breakfast was arranged neatly on the section closest to the window: omelette, fruits, warm tea, pastries, and fresh juice.
“Is all this… for me?” Ruby whispered.
“Yes,” Nora replied. “Please eat. I’ll be right here if you need anything.”
Ruby sat with a hesitance that melted into appreciation with the first bite. The food tasted gentle, kind… nothing like the leftovers she used to fight for in her father’s house.
Halfway through her tea, Nora spoke softly.
“After breakfast, I’ll take you for a morning walk around the estate. It’s one of Mr. Carter’s instructions. He said it might help you feel more comfortable here.”
Ruby froze again.
He had thought about that too?
“He’s… very busy, right?” Ruby asked carefully.
Nora nodded. “Yes. But he takes responsibility seriously. Especially when he’s opened his home to someone.”
Ruby looked out the window, her chest tightening with an emotion she couldn’t describe—something between gratitude and confusion.
After breakfast, Nora draped a light jacket over her shoulders and led her outside.
The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of flowers. The mansion stood grand and proud, surrounded by well manicured gardens, wide lawns, and stone pathways. Ruby could hardly believe she was walking here… living here.
“This way,” Nora said softly, guiding her toward a stretch of trees. “Mr. Carter likes walking here when he needs to clear his head.”
Ruby slowed, her gaze drifting.
“Leo walks here?”
“Yes. Sometimes early, sometimes late. But always alone.”
Ruby imagined him silently strolling beneath the tall trees, his hands in his pockets, his mind buried in thoughts—of work, responsibilities, his brother Trent, everything he carried heavy on his shoulders.
“My father never walked like this,” Ruby murmured, the memory slipping out unintentionally. “He was always too tired. And when he wasn’t tired, he was with her—Clara.”
Nora looked at her with understanding eyes. “Life has not been easy for you.”
Ruby shook her head. “No… but being here feels strange. Like I don’t deserve it.”
Nora stopped walking, touching her arm gently.
“Mr. Carter doesn’t bring people into his home carelessly. If you’re here, it’s because you deserve the safety, the comfort… and the kindness he wants you to have.”
Ruby swallowed, her throat tightening. “He hardly looks like someone who cares. He’s always so serious.”
Nora laughed a little. “Mr. Carter hides more softness than people think.”
They continued walking until they reached a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the open fields. The breeze played with Ruby’s hair as she breathed deeply, feeling her chest lighten for the first time in days.
“Nora?” Ruby asked quietly.
“Yes?”
“Is Leo around? I mean… is he home?”
Nora shook her head.