Chapter 22 The Birthday party
CHAPTER 22
The Birthday party
Leo waited downstairs, adjusting his cufflinks. He focused on the silver clasp.
“Sir,” Nora said softly, “she’s ready.”
Leo lifted his eyes.
And froze.
Ruby stood at the foot of the staircase, her hands nervously gripping the hem of her dress. Her hair fell in soft waves, her skin glowed under the mansion lights, and her eyes shone with a mixture of fear and hope.
Leo… stopped breathing for a second.
“You…”
His voice caught.
“You look… beautiful.”
Ruby’s cheeks warmed instantly.
“Thank you.”
Leo stepped closer, his gaze never leaving her.
“Ruby,” he said quietly, like her name meant something important,
“You’ll be the most stunning woman there tonight.”
She swallowed. “You really think so?”
He nodded once.
“I know so.”
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Ruby had never seen a mansion glow before not the way Leo’s family estate did that night. Every corner of the massive structure shimmered under layers of golden lights, glass chandeliers, crystal lanterns, and towering floral arrangements. Cars—sleek, polished, impossibly expensive—lined the driveway in endless rows. Photographers stood behind velvet ropes. Security guards in suits moved with calm precision.
This wasn’t just a birthday party.
It was a world. One Ruby had never stepped inside.
And Leo was walking her into it.
His hand rested lightly on her lower back—not too firm, not too soft, but protective in a way that made her heartbeat stumble.
“You don’t leave my side,” he murmured, his voice low against her ear. “No matter what you see, no matter who approaches, stay with me.”
Ruby nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. “Okay.”
He looked down at her, checked her dress one more time, adjusted a loose strand of her hair, then offered his arm. She slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, feeling the solid muscle beneath his sleeve. He didn’t look like the playful billionaire many tabloids described. Tonight, he was sharp, commanding, and slightly dangerous.
And hers to stand beside.
As they approached the entrance, camera flashes erupted.
“Leo Carter!”
“Mr. Carter—over here!”
“Sir, who is the lady with you?”
“Is she your date?”
Ruby stiffened, instincts screaming to hide behind something—but Leo didn’t let her shrink. His arm subtly tightened, anchoring her to him.
“Ignore them.” His voice was calm steel. “You’re safe with me.”
And somehow… She believed him.
They entered the grand foyer—white marble floors, a staircase that curved like a royal portrait, a chandelier dripping crystals like frozen rain. The place wasn’t just wealthy. It was overwhelming. Alive with classical music and murmuring conversations.
The first person who noticed them was Leo’s father.
He stood near the center of the room, speaking to a small circle of guests. Tall, silver haired, handsome in an older, dignified way. His eyes—Leo’s eyes—lifted when they entered.
For a moment, the entire air shifted.
His father excused himself immediately and walked toward them.
Ruby’s breath caught. She tried to step back, but Leo’s hand returned to the small of her back, stopping her escape.
“Father,” Leo greeted when the older man reached them.
“Son.” Mr. Carter’s gaze moved from Leo to Ruby—slowly, warmly, with a spark of disbelief. “So this is the young woman you’ve been hiding from us.”
Ruby’s cheeks burned. She opened her mouth to greet him, but Leo stepped in front of her slightly… .
“Ruby,” Leo said formally, “my father, Richard Carter .”
His father extended his hand. “Ruby, welcome. I’ve waited a long time to see my son bring someone home willingly.”
Ruby blushed hard. “It’s… it’s an honor to meet you, sir.”
“No, dear,” the man said kindly, taking her hand between both of them in genuine warmth, “it’s an honor to meet you.”
Ruby blinked, startled. Nothing in her life had ever prepared her for kindness like this. For acceptance without suspicion.
Mr. Carter smiled at Leo—a proud, almost relieved smile.
“She’s lovely, son. Truly.”
Leo didn’t react outwardly, but Ruby felt his shoulders shift beside her, just slightly. As though the words touched something deep and old within him.
The father continued, “Enjoy yourselves. If anyone gives you trouble, Ruby, you come straight to me.”
She nodded shyly. “Thank you, sir.”
He squeezed her hand once more and drifted back into the crowd.
Ruby let out a breath she didn’t realize she had been holding.
“You handled that well,” Leo murmured.
“I almost passed out,” Ruby whispered back.
Leo’s lips tugged into a faint smirk. “You didn’t.”
He guided her deeper into the party.
The room buzzed with murmurs as they passed. Heads turned. Women in glittering gowns eyed her from head to toe. Men glanced at Leo with subtle curiosity.
Ruby heard the comments—the whispers blooming like petals in every corner.
“Who is she?”
“A new girlfriend?”
“She’s too soft looking to be one of his usual types.”
“He hasn’t brought a woman to a family event in years.”
“She must be special.”
Ruby’s pulse raced. Her fingers trembled where they held Leo’s arm.
But Leo stayed close.
Close enough for her to breathe him in.
Close enough that her arm brushed his suit sleeve with each step.
Close enough that anyone watching knew, without question:
Leo Carter was not letting Ruby go.
A cluster of CEOs approached, their expensive watches glinting like polished steel under the lights.
“Leo!” one said warmly. “Good to see you. And who’s this beautiful lady?”
Leo didn’t hesitate. “Ruby. She’s with me.”
Those two words landed like thunder.
“Ah, wonderful!”
“So nice to meet you, Ruby.”
“You’re in good hands with this stubborn man.”
Ruby smiled politely, though her cheeks hurt with nerves. They shook her hand, asked harmless questions—her favorite color, whether she enjoyed the party, whether she worked or studied. Thankfully, Leo answered most questions for her, keeping her safe from overwhelming chatter.
But Ruby still felt the weight of countless eyes.
“Don’t panic,” Leo murmured when he sensed her breath faltering. “You’re doing fine.”
She nodded, trying to absorb the reassurance—but the room felt too big, too loud, too bright.
“I… I need a moment,” Ruby finally whispered, voice trembling.