Chapter 27 She's back
CHAPTER 27
Where love shakes She's back
“You belong with me. Not because of status, or image. Because I want you here.” His hand rose slowly, hesitating before brushing her cheek. “And not even Stella can change that.”
Ruby’s throat tightened. “You mean that?”
“Yes.”
That one word felt like a promise.
Ruby took a shaky breath. “Leo… when she talked about polishing your image, did she mean—”
“She wants control,” he interrupted. And wants me to follow her script. Smile on command. Play the golden son.”
“And you won’t.”
“And I won’t.”
Ruby smiled softly. “You’re stubborn.”
Leo smirked. “You have no idea.”
She laughed quietly—until a sudden burst of applause came from inside the ballroom. A voice over the intercom announced:
“Ladies and gentlemen, dinner will be served in the Grand Dining Hall. Please begin taking your seats.”
Ruby’s stomach flipped.
Leo offered his hand. “Ready?”
“Not even a little.”
“Good. That makes two of us.”
She blinked. “You? Nervous?”
“I’d rather face a room full of enemies than Stella in ‘hostess mode.’ Let’s go.”
Ruby took his hand.
They walked back in together.
And people noticed.
The whispers sharpened instantly:
“That’s her. The girl with Leo…”
“He brought her to dinner? Bold.”
“Does Stella approve?”
“She looks… ordinary.”
Ruby kept her chin high, eyes forward.
Leo didn’t let go of her hand once.
The Grand Dining Hall glowed with white candles and crystal chandeliers. The head table—long, elegant, and intimidating—sat elevated on a platform.
Stella waited there, smiling with the polished cruelty of a politician.
Her eyes locked on Ruby immediately.
Ruby braced herself…
But Leo only squeezed her hand and led her straight toward the head table.
Stella stepped forward, blocking the space.
“Leo,” she said sweetly, “I’ve adjusted the seating as requested.” She gestured to two seats at the head of the table—side by side. “You’ll sit with Ruby.”
Leo didn’t trust it. Ruby saw it in his eyes.
Stella leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. “I just hope you’re prepared for the consequences.”
Leo’s smile was razor sharp. “Always.”
They sat.
And the moment Ruby settled in her chair, the entire hall shifted—subtly, quietly, like society itself was adjusting to the unexpected.
Cameras flashed.
People whispered.
Stella watched Ruby like she was waiting for her to slip.
But Ruby didn’t.
Because Leo’s hand found her knee beneath the table.
“You’re safe,” he murmured, reassuring her.
Ruby felt all of that pressure sitting heavily on her chest.
But beside her, Leo’s hand pressed gently against her lower back steady, warm, grounding.
With that touch, every fear she carried melted away just enough for her to breathe.
“Don’t overthink it,” Leo whispered, leaning close as they stepped into the long, glittering dining hall.
“You’re with me.”
And she believed him.
Because she always did.
The Carter family was already seated — an intimidating line of power and wealth. Richard Carter, sat at the head of the table, tall and firm like a carved statue. A server rushed forward. “Welcome, sir. Welcome, ma’am.”
The meal began smoothly, the aroma of roasted lamb, rich sauces, and expensive wines filled the air.
Leo occasionally brushed his fingers against hers beneath the table — small, secret touches that gave her courage.
His father spoke about business to other CEOs at the dining.
But Leo?
No one dares ask him anything as all his focus was on Ruby.
As if she was the only calm thing in a storm he’d been battling for years.
She gave him a small smile, one that silently asked, Are you okay?
He nodded — but something flickered behind his eyes.
A memory he didn’t want.
And that was when Ruby noticed him suddenly stiffen.
His hand froze mid air, breath caught, jaw tightened in a way she had never seen.
“Leo?” she whispered.
But he wasn’t looking at her anymore.
His gaze was pinned toward the entrance of the dining hall — and Ruby followed it.
Her blood went cold.
A woman had just stepped inside, tall, elegantly dressed, cold beauty sharpened like a blade.
Her heels echoed like a warning with every step.
She didn’t belong here — yet she moved with the confidence of someone who once did.
Clara,
The one who shattered him, the one who once owned his heart and left him in ruins.
Ruby had heard of her, but seeing her walk toward the table with that mocking smile…
seeing Leo’s chest rise and fall in uneven, harsh breaths…
made Ruby’s stomach twist.
The entire dinning looked surprised — some curious, others annoyed — but none as shaken as Leo.
His body trembled.
His fingers dug into the edge of the table.
“Why… why is she here?” Ruby whispered to herself.
Clara smiled lazily.
“Hi, Leo. It’s been a long time.”
Leo’s lips parted, but no sound came out.
He was spiraling.
Ruby could feel it — the panic radiating off him like harsh heat.
His father stood abruptly.
“What are you doing here? You were not invited.”
She ignored him, eyes locked only on Leo.
“I came to see him. We left things… unfinished.”
Leo’s breathing worsened.
Hands clutched at his chest, face drained of color.
“Leo?” Ruby grabbed his arm.
“Hey… look at me. Just look at me.”
But he was slipping away, sinking deep into an old nightmare.
“Leo!” she shouted, panic rising in her voice.
He slumped forward, gasping for air.
Chairs screeched,
People stood up,
Someone yelled to call emergency services.
Ruby held his face between her palms, terrified.
“Leo, please stay with me, breathe,
Leo, breathe!”
His eyes rolled back — and he collapsed.
Everything turned into chaos.