Chapter 19 Thinking about me?
CHAPTER 19
Thinking about me?
Ruby wondered briefly about Leo’s world. What made him so strict, so cold, so burdened? She remembered Nora mentioning earlier that he always took responsibility seriously.
She wondered what responsibilities weighed on him today.
After lunch, Ruby asked, “Can I go outside again?”
“Of course,” Nora smiled. “I’ll come with you.”
They went through the garden again, Ruby walking slowly, observing every detail—from the white benches to the roses arranged in perfect rows.
“Leo really lives like this every day?” Ruby asked.
Nora nodded. “He built most of this estate after his father stepped down. He’s been in charge since he was barely nineteen”
Ruby blinked. “That young?”
“Yes. His father believed in discipline,” Nora said carefully. “Mr. Carter learned to grow up quickly.”
Ruby felt something twist in her chest—understanding, maybe. Leo wasn’t just cold. He was shaped, molded, hardened.
She wondered what kind of childhood created a man like him.
She wondered if he ever truly rested.
As the afternoon sun began to descend, Ruby and Nora walked back inside. Ruby sat by the living room window, hugging her knees as she watched the driveway quietly, pretending she wasn’t waiting for Leo’s car.
Nora passed by once or twice but didn’t say anything. She only smiled knowingly.
Ruby wasn’t sure when her eyes began to droop, but she fell asleep by the window, the sunlight warm on her skin.
She didn’t hear the low voice of the head maid saying, “Welcome back, sir.”
But she did feel the shift in the air.
A presence, Strong and Familiar.
Her eyes fluttered open.
And Leo was standing a few steps away, his expression unreadable, his tie slightly loosened, the scent of his cologne mixed with cold outside air surrounding him.
Ruby straightened immediately, her heart racing.
“Y…..you’re back,” she said softly.
Leo’s eyes scanned her quickly—her posture, her face, her hair slightly messy from sleep. Something tightened in his jaw.
“Why are you sitting here?” he asked, his voice low but not harsh.
“I was just… looking outside,” Ruby murmured.
Nora appeared quietly, bowing. “Welcome home, sir.”
Leo nodded, his eyes still on Ruby. “Did you eat?”
“Yes… twice,” Ruby replied, looking down.
“Good.”
He exhaled softly, almost relieved.
Then he turned to Nora.
“Has everything been fine?”
“Yes, sir. She went for a walk, took her meals, and rested. She’s adjusting well.”
Leo’s shoulders loosened slightly. “Good. That’s good.”
Ruby watched him carefully. He looked tired—really tired. There were faint shadows under his eyes, and his hair was slightly out of place like he’d been running his hands through it all day.
“How was work?” she asked before thinking.
Leo looked mildly surprised, no one in his staff asked about his day, no one dared.
He hesitated, then said quietly, “Long,but manageable.”
Ruby nodded slowly, unsure what else to say.
“Did you sleep?” Leo asked in a calmer tone than she expected.
“Just a little,” she admitted. “The house is… peaceful.”
Leo’s eyes softened barely noticeable, but real.
“That’s good. You need the rest.”
Silence settled between them for a moment. The soft kind, not the uncomfortable kind.
Ruby looked at him, her voice small.
“I asked about you earlier. Nora said you left before sunrise.”
Leo’s brows lifted slightly. “You were asking about me?”
Ruby’s cheeks warmed. “I just… wanted to know if you were okay.”
For the first time that day, a very faint smile—small enough to miss touched Leo’s lips.
“I’m fine,” he said.
“And you don’t need to worry about me.”
Ruby nodded, biting her lip.
“I wasn’t worried… I just—”
“You were,” he said quietly. “I can tell.”
Ruby’s face flushed.
Leo stepped closer, his voice dropping.
“Thank you.”
Ruby blinked. “For what?”
“For… thinking of me.”
And though the words were simple, the weight behind them struck her deeply.
Nora excused herself silently, disappearing down the hallway and leaving them alone.
Ruby looked around nervously, then at him.
“I’m still getting used to everything here,” she admitted softly.
“You will,” Leo said. “I didn’t expect it to be easy for you.”
She hesitated. “I’m… trying.”
“I know.”
Ruby’s voice barely rose above a whisper.
“Thank you… for bringing me here."
Leo studied her face, his expression deepening.
“You needed safety,” he said.
“And I—”
He paused, something unspoken in the air between them.
“I had space.”
Ruby smiled sadly. “You had more than space.”
Leo exhaled quietly. “Maybe.”
“Leo?” she said softly.
“Yes?”
“Do you… want me here?”
His eyes met hers—steady, intense, unguarded.
“If I didn’t,” he said quietly, “you wouldn’t be here.”
Her heart trembled.
Leo turned slightly, clearing his throat, his composure returning.
“Come, Nora will prepare dinner soon. After that, we’ll talk.”
“About what?” Ruby asked, curious.
Leo’s eyes darkened—not dangerous, but decisive.
“About the rules of staying here,” he said inwardly.
“And about the contract.”
Ruby’s pulse quickened.
Leo noticed—but said nothing.
Instead, he gently gestured for her to follow him.
Dinner was quiet—almost too quiet. Ruby sat across from Leo, her fingers tapping softly against her lap under the table. He ate slowly, thoughtfully, his eyes moving to her every so often as though checking that she was comfortable.