Chapter 53 I missed you
CHAPTER 53
I missed you
The night had already settled by the time Leo’s car pulled into the driveway. The house stood quietly under the dim glow of the exterior lights, calm and still, almost as if it had been waiting for him. Leo stepped out of the car, loosening his tie slightly as he walked toward the entrance. It had been a long day, longer than usual. Meetings, conversations, and the unexpected encounter with Trent had left a faint tension in his shoulders—but beneath it all, there was something else pulling at him.
He hadn’t seen her since morning and for some reason, that absence felt… noticeable.
The door opened before he reached for it. Nora stood there, composed as always.
“Good evening, Master Leo.”
Leo nodded as he stepped inside. “Where’s Ruby?”
Nora’s lips curved into a small smile. “Miss Ruby is upstairs.”
Leo paused slightly, turning towards her. “Asleep?”
“She said she was resting.”
Leo glanced toward the staircase without thinking. “Has she eaten?”
“Yes, Master. She had dinner earlier.”
He nodded once. “Alright.”
Nora stepped aside, watching him as he moved toward the stairs.
The hallway was quiet. Leo walked toward Ruby’s room and stopped at the door. It was slightly open. He pushed it gently and stepped inside. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of a bedside lamp casting warm light across the space. And there she was. Ruby lay curled up on the bed, one arm tucked under her head, her hair spread loosely across the pillow. She looked completely at peace, her breathing slow and even.
Leo stood there for a while, just watching her carefully, something in his chest eased. The tension from the day slowly faded, replaced by something soft. He walked in, closing the door quietly behind him.
He hesitated for a second, then, without overthinking it, he removed his jacket and placed it aside before moving to the bed. He lay down carefully beside her because he doesn't have the intention of waking her. The mattress dipped slightly under his weight.
Ruby stirred, her brows furrowed faintly as she shifted. She turned, now she was facing him. She was so close to him that made Leo freeze for a second. Her face was just inches away from his. Her lashes rested softly against her cheeks, her lips slightly parted as she breathed. He could feel the warmth of her breath. Then Ruby’s eyes fluttered open slowly. It took her a second to focus and then she saw him.
“Leo…” she whispered, her voice still soft with sleep.
His expression softened instantly. “Hey.”
She blinked, adjusting slightly on the pillow. “When did you get back?”
“Just now.”
Ruby smiled faintly. “You’re late.”
“I know.”
She shifted closer without thinking, her hand resting lightly near his chest.
“You look tired,” she murmured.
Leo let out a quiet breath. “I was.”
Her fingers brushed lightly against his shirt.
“Was?”
“Not anymore.”
Ruby’s eyes softened.
Leo’s gaze lingered on her face. “I missed you,” he whispered.
Ruby’s breath caught.
Her heart skipped in her chest. “You did?” she asked softly.
Leo didn’t answer with words, he leaned in as his lips met with her, kissing her slowly like he had been waiting all day to do it. Ruby responded instantly, her hand moving to his shirt, holding onto him as the kiss deepened. Leo’s hand slid gently to her waist, pulling her closer.
There was no space left between them now, the tension that had built all day melted into something else entirely. Ruby’s breath hitched softly as his lips moved against hers, her body leaning into him without hesitation. When they finally pulled apart, both of them were slightly breathless.
Ruby rested her forehead lightly against his.
“You always do that,” she whispered.
Leo’s lips curved faintly. “Do what?”
“Kiss me like that.”
“You don’t like it?”
She smiled softly. “Of course I do.”
He brushed his thumb lightly against her cheek.
A gentle knock interrupted the moment both of them glanced toward the door. “Come in,” Leo said.
Nora entered quietly, carrying a tray. “I brought dinner, Master.”
Leo sat up slightly, while Ruby adjusted her position, sitting up beside him. Nora placed the tray on the small table near the bed. It was neatly arranged, warm food, fruits, and a bottle of wine with two glasses.
Ruby’s eyes lit up slightly. “This looks good.”
Nora smiled faintly. “I thought you might like something light.”
“Thank you, Nora,” Ruby said warmly.
Nora nodded and quietly left the room.
A few minutes later, Ruby and Leo were seated comfortably on the bed and the tray between them. Ruby picked up a piece of bread and took a small bite.
“So,” she said, glancing at him, “how was your day?”
Leo poured wine into both glasses. “Busy.”
She took one of the glasses. “Still?”
“Always.”
Ruby smiled slightly.
Then her eyes narrowed playfully. “So… birthday boy.”
Leo raised an eyebrow. “What?”
“I heard you’re planning something.”
“Who told you?”
She smirked. “I have my sources.”
“Carl….”
Ruby laughed. “Maybe.”
Leo shook his head slightly, amused. “It’s just a small gathering.”
“Small?”
“Yes.”
Ruby tilted her head. “How small?”
“Only a few people.”
She studied him. “Am I invited?”
Leo looked at her like the question didn’t make sense. “Of course you are.”
Ruby smiled softly. “Good.”
She took another bite before speaking again. “So… who else is coming?”
Leo hesitated for a fraction of a second. “My father.”
Ruby nodded slowly. “That’s nice.”
“And a few business associates.”
She hummed thoughtfully. Her eyes sparkled mischievously. “And Clara?”
Leo froze.
Ruby tried to keep a straight face. “Is she coming too?”
Leo stared at her for a second. He then grabbed the nearest pillow and threw it at her.
She burst into laughter as the pillow hit her. “I was just asking!”
“You’re impossible.”
She hugged the pillow, still laughing. “Your face—”
“Don’t start.”
“—you should have seen it.”
Leo shook his head, trying not to smile. “Clara is not invited.”
“Okay, okay.”
Ruby leaned slightly toward him. “I was teasing.”
“I can tell.”
She smiled softly now. “Are you sure?”
Leo gave her a look. “Ruby.”
She raised her hands in surrender. “Alright. I believe you.”
After some while Ruby moved closer, without saying anything, she wrapped her arms around him. Leo stilled for a second. Then his arms came around her naturally. They stayed like that.
Ruby rested her head against his shoulder. “I’m excited for your birthday,” she murmured.
Leo looked down at her. “I’m not.”
She pulled back slightly. “Why?”
“It’s just another day.”
Ruby shook her head. “No, it’s not.”
He didn’t argue.
She smiled softly. “We’ll make it special.”
Leo studied her for a moment. Then nodded slightly. “Alright.”
She leaned back into him again. “And no more throwing pillows at me.”
“No promises.”
She laughed quietly.
Their conversation continued, soft and easy, blending with the quiet of the night.
And this time, neither of them felt alone.