Chapter 6

My gaze drifted to my phone, its incessant ringing piercing the air. I hesitated, my heart sinking as I glanced at the screen. My husband's name flashed before me, taunting me like a cruel reminder of past hurts.

No, I refused to answer. I wouldn't let him draw me back into the vortex of pain and tears. The memories still lingered, fresh and raw. This time, I'd face him on my terms, with divorce papers in hand.

On the other side, Alexander's irritation echoed through the room: "What's your problem? Pick up the phone, stupid woman!"

Tyler's calm voice intervened, "You need to control your anger, Alexander."

Alexander's face darkened, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "You don't have to deal with that woman, so it's easier for you. Okay, go away and leave me alone!"

Tyler's expression remained neutral, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of concern. He turned to leave, his footsteps silent on the plush carpet.

As he reached for the door handle, a sudden presence blocked his path. Ruby, Alexander's ex-girlfriend, stood in the doorway, her piercing gaze locked onto Alexander.

Tyler's eyes widened in disbelief. Their tumultuous relationship had ended three years ago. Why was Ruby still in contact with Alexander?

Ruby's smile dripped with malice as she stepped forward, her designer heels clicking on the floor.

"Get out of my way, idiot," Ruby spat, her voice dripping with venom.

Tyler's gaze darted back to Alexander, searching for answers. Alexander's expression remained impassive, but a hint of unease flickered in his eyes.

Without a word, Tyler stepped aside, allowing Ruby to enter. As he closed the door behind him, the sound seemed to seal Alexander's fate, trapping him with the ghosts of his past.

The air inside the room thickened with tension, heavy with unspoken secrets and unresolved emotions. Alexander's eyes never left Ruby's face, his jaw clenched in anticipation of the impending storm.

Ruby's presence stirred up old wounds, threatening to unravel the fragile threads of Alexander's life. The past and present collided, setting the stage for a confrontation that would change everything.

Alexander's eyes narrowed, his voice firm but laced with irritation. "Why are you here, Ruby? You know we have nothing to discuss."

Ruby's smile was a slow, sultry curve of her lips. "Oh, come on, Alexander. Since that day, you haven't even called me. How could you just leave me alone in that hotel room without a word?" Her voice dripped with hurt and accusation.

Alexander's expression hardened. "Look, Ruby, that was a big mistake. We should have controlled ourselves. Our relationship ended three years ago, and I'm married now. It's over between us."

Ruby's laughter was a mocking, melodic sound. "What a joke, married? You call that a marriage? You don't love that girl, Alexander. We all know how her grandfather trapped your grandfather, and then she manipulated yours with her innocent act." Ruby's eyes flashed with venom. "She only married you for your money, to enjoy the luxury lifestyle no one else can give her."

Alexander's silence was palpable, his fist clenched in restraint. His jaw tightened, the muscles in his face rigid with suppressed emotion. The air seemed to vibrate with tension, heavy with unspoken secrets and unresolved feelings.

Ruby's words hung in the air, a challenge to Alexander's carefully constructed facade. The shadows of his past loomed large, threatening to consume him. Alexander's eyes locked onto Ruby's, a silent warning to tread carefully.

Ruby's voice dripped with conviction, her words laced with venom. "It's bitter, but it's true, Alexander. You know it. Your mother doesn't like her, but your family adores me. I deserve to stand by your side, not that...ugly girl." Ruby's gaze flashed with contempt.

She rose from her chair, her movements fluid and deliberate, and settled onto Alexander's lap. Her slender fingers caressed his face, tracing the sharp lines of his jaw. "I still love you, Alexander," Ruby whispered, her breath warm against his skin.

"Divorce her and marry me," Ruby urged, her voice husky with emotion. "I know you still love me. Tell me, Alexander." Ruby's face drew closer, her lips inches from his.

Alexander's eyes flashed with warning, but Ruby's gaze held a stubborn determination. Just as her lips were about to brush against his, a knock at the door interrupted the charged moment.