Chapter 82 Watching over her
CHAPTER 82.
Watching over her
LEO'S RESIDENCE
Ruby stared still at the road as the car moved, she wasn't mentally prepared to lose her dad suddenly, she knew they never got along after she left the house for his wife, but missed the time they were together, the times he would scold her if she does anything wrong, the times he assured her he would never leave her side in the world, even when he taught her to cook, took care of her like her mum also did before she was gone. And now he failed in protecting her and now he failed to stay.
By the time the car pulled into the driveway, the evening air had settled into a calm stillness. The gates opened smoothly, and the car rolled in before coming to a stop in front of the house. Leo stepped out first. He walked around quickly, opening the door for Ruby before gently helping her out. The moment her feet touched the ground, he noticed it, the slight hesitation, the weakness in her posture.
She wasn’t fully steady. “Easy,” he said softly, his hand moving to support her waist. She leaned into him just enough to show she needed the support. That was all it took.
Without another word, Leo bent slightly and lifted her into his arms. Ruby didn’t react much, her head resting lightly against his chest, her body still and quiet.
Leo adjusted his hold and walked toward the house.
The door opened almost immediately. Nora stood there, her expression shifting the moment she saw them.
“Sir..” she began, but her voice softened when her eyes fell on Ruby. “Oh…”
Leo didn’t stop walking. “She needs rest,” he said firmly but not harshly. “Prepare something light. Soup, something warm and juice.”
Nora nodded immediately. “Yes, sir.”
“And make it quick.”
“I will.”
Leo didn’t wait for anything else. He walked straight past her and headed for the stairs, his steps steady but careful as he carried Ruby upstairs.
He reached his bedroom and pushed the door open before stepping inside. He loved that the room had already been taken care of and decorated with her favorite colours; it was exactly what she needed.
Leo walked to the bed and gently lowered Ruby onto it, adjusting the pillows behind her before letting her rest properly.
“There,” he murmured softly.
She didn’t respond. Her eyes remained distant, her expression unchanged.
Leo stood there for a moment, watching her. Then slowly, he straightened. “I’ll be right back,” he said quietly.
~\`~\`~\`~
A few minutes later, Leo returned, dressed in something more comfortable. He had changed quickly, not wanting to stay away from her for too long.
The moment he stepped back into the room, his eyes went straight to her. She still hadn't moved in the same position.
Leo exhaled slowly before walking toward her again. He sat on the edge of the bed, close enough to reach her without hesitation. For a moment, he didn’t say anything, he simply looked at her then gently his hand reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
“You’re home,” he said softly.
His fingers lingered near her cheek, tracing lightly against her skin in a slow, careful motion.
“You’re safe here.”
Ruby’s eyes flickered slightly, but she still didn’t speak.
Leo’s hand moved down to hers again, holding it gently between both of his.
He leaned back slightly, his shoulder resting against the headboard as he stayed close to her.
“You don’t have to talk,” he continued quietly. “Not now, not until you’re ready.”
His thumb brushed softly over her knuckles. “I’ll wait.”
The room fell into a gentle silence again. Minutes passed, and Leo didn’t move. He stayed exactly where he was, his hand still holding hers, his presence steady and unshaken. He needs to try everything possible to bring her spark, because if she continues like that, it might affect her even more.
A soft knock came at the door.
Leo glanced up briefly. “Come in.”
The door opened slowly, and Nora stepped in carefully, carrying a tray. “I brought the food,” she said quietly.
Leo nodded. “Set it here.”
She walked over and placed the tray on the table beside the bed. The soft scent of warm soup filled the room, gentle and comforting.
Nora hesitated for a moment, her eyes moving toward Ruby. “She… hasn’t said anything?” she asked softly.
Leo shook his head once. “Not yet.”
Nora’s expression softened with concern.
“She will,” she said gently. “She just needs time.”
Leo didn’t respond immediately. But after a moment, he gave a small nod.
“I know.”
Nora stepped back slightly. “I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.”
“Alright.”
She quietly left the room, closing the door behind her.
The room returned to silence once more.
Leo glanced at the tray before looking back at Ruby. “You need to eat,” he said softly.
Still no response.
He sighed quietly. He reached for the tray, picking up the bowl carefully before sitting closer to her again.
“Just a little,” he said gently. “You haven’t had anything.”
He lifted the spoon, holding it near her. She stayed quiet for a while, then after some time her eyes shifted toward him.
“Good,” Leo murmured softly. “That’s it.”
He simply waited. After a few seconds, Ruby parted her lips slightly.
Leo fed her carefully, his movements slow and patient, giving her time to adjust. “That’s it,” he said again.
She swallowed weakly.
Leo continued, one spoon at a time, watching her closely, making sure she didn’t struggle.
“You’re doing fine,” he reassured her quietly. His voice remained calm, steady anchoring her in the moment.
After a few more spoons, he stopped.
“That’s enough for now,” he said.
He set the bowl aside and reached for the glass of juice, guiding it gently to her lips. She drank a little.
Leo placed the glass back on the tray before turning his attention fully to her again. He adjusted the blanket over her carefully, making sure she was comfortable.
Then he sat back beside her, his hand finding hers once more. “I’m right here,” he said quietly.
Ruby’s eyes shifted slightly again, resting on him for just a second longer this time.
He wanted to know what was going through her mind, so he could help. He leaned closer, his hand gently brushing against her hair again.
“Rest,” he murmured.
And as the room settled into a quiet calm once more Leo stayed exactly where he was holding her watching over her