A week after Matthew's sentencing, Nathan and Veronica faced trial. Nathan received a 30-year prison sentence for attempted murder, while Veronica was sentenced to 25 years. As Nathan was led to his cell, he was met with a shocking sight: his father, Matthew, was bullied by older inmates. Matthew, once a formidable figure, now cowered and grovelled, desperate to appease his bullies. Nathan's eyes widened in horror as he screamed, "Dad!" One of Matthew's cellmates noticed Nathan and asked, "Is that your son?" Matthew hesitated, torn between saying the truth and protecting Nathan from potential harm. He knew that if he acknowledged Nathan as his son, the inmates would likely target him as well. With a surge of paternal instinct, Matthew denied any relation to Nathan, hoping to shield him from the harsh realities of prison life. As Nathan was dragged away, Matthew's eyes filled with a mix of shame and regret. —---------- Ashley's voice trembled as she addressed the board, her eyes c
Ruby's eyes widened as she took in the chaotic scene outside the company building. She scanned the crowd, searching for Javier, but her gaze was met with unfamiliar faces. It wasn't until Ben burst out of the car and rushed into the road that Ruby's heart skipped a beat. She realised with a jolt that Javier might be involved in the commotion. As she pushed through the crowd, she heard murmurs of "I think he fainted" and "Mr. Stevenson!" Ben's frantic voice pierced the air as he rushed to Javier's side. "Mr. Stevenson, please come to your senses!" he implored, shaking Javier's shoulders. The truck driver, still shaken, exclaimed, "How could he just collapse in the middle of the road like that? I almost crashed into him!" Ruby quickly apologised as she joined Ben beside Javier. "We're so sorry!" As she dialled 911, Ruby asked Ben, "What happened to him?" Ben shook his head, looking worried. "I have no idea. I just found him collapsed on the floor. I didn't see what happened before
Ruby's tears flowed uncontrollably as she rode the taxi home, her heart heavy with sorrow. Leaving Javier had been her plan all along, but now that the moment had arrived, it felt like a knife twisting in her chest. If only things had been different, she would have flung herself into his arms, holding him close and never letting go. But Javier's deception had left a scar, one that Ruby couldn't easily forgive. As she gazed out the taxi window, Ruby's mind replayed every moment she had shared with Javier, every laugh, every whisper, every promise. She had missed being close to him, missed the warmth of his embrace, but his betrayal had changed everything. As the taxi pulled up to her house, Ruby paid the driver and stepped out into the cool evening air, her tears still flowing freely. She felt a sense of emptiness washing over her as she walked up the path to her front door. She pushed open the door and stepped inside, dropping her bag to the floor as she made her way to the couch. Co
Javier stood outside Ruby's doorstep, his heart racing with anticipation and nerves. He had rehearsed this moment countless times, but he knew that nothing could truly prepare him for the uncertainty of her response. Taking a deep breath, he raised his hand and wanted to put in the code combinations which he now remembers but stopped himself and just knocked instead. The door creaked open, and Melissa stood before him, her eyes guarded and her expression unreadable. Javier's heart skipped a beat as he took in the sight of her. “Is Ruby…..in?” He asked nervously. “Yes,but I don't think she wants to speak with you right now. "I know I don't deserve it, but I need to explain, to apologise, and to make things right between us. Please Melissa,help me speak with her" One thing he knew was that no matter how desperate he was to speak with Ruby,he should allow her loosen up at her own time Melissa's expression remained neutral "I'll go check," she said finally, stepping aside to let J
"What did he say?" Melissa asked, her curiosity piqued as walked in with Raymond. Ruby now looked more energetic than she was before she left. The gloom that had shrouded Ruby's face earlier had dissipated, replaced by a hint of hope. Ruby's response was measured, her voice tinged with a cautious optimism. "He wants to earn back my trust," she said, her words dripping with a mix of vulnerability and longing. Melissa's eyes sparkled with interest, her tone gentle and encouraging. "And? What else did he say?" Ruby's smile grew, her voice gaining strength. "He apologised for hurting me, for breaking my trust. He wants to prove himself to me, to show me that his love is real." Melissa's face lit up with a warm smile. "That sounds like a great start, Ruby. Maybe this is the beginning of a new chapter for you both.” Ruby nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want to believe it, Melissa. I want to trust him again." Melissa's expression turned thoughtful. "Trust takes time, Ruby.
The next day, Ruby arrived at the restaurant in time,eager to begin her new role. Marco greeted her with a warm smile and showed her to the staff room, where she could change into her uniform. As she tied her apron strings, Ruby made a mental note to make a good impression on her first day.She was ready to work hard and prove herself, to show Marco and the rest of the staff that she was a valuable addition to the team. The lunch service was busy, but Ruby was determined to keep up even when it wasn't really easy for her to do so. She took orders, served tables, and worked efficiently, her movements becoming more professional with each passing minute. At the end of the shift, Marco patted her on the back and smiled. "You're a natural, Ruby. Welcome to the team once again." “Thank you Marco “ she beamed with a smile As she changed out of her uniform and prepared to leave, Ruby's phone buzzed with a text from Javier. "Hey, how was your first day?" he asked. Ruby smiled, feeling a f
Ruby stepped out of the room to take a call from Melissa, leaving Javier to drift off to sleep because the call was taking so long. However, his slumber was short-lived. A terrifying dream jolted him awake, his heart racing and his sheets drenched in sweat. In the dream, he was back in the water tank, reliving the horrific experience of being trapped and left alone to drown by Nathan and Veronica and no Ruby to help him. Javier's breath came in ragged gasps as he sat up, rubbing his eyes, trying to shake off the vivid nightmare. Just as he was starting to calm down, Ruby returned to the room, her expression concerned. "Hey, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost." Javier hesitated, unsure how to share the darkness that still haunted him. "Yes I am," he muttered, trying to brush it off. But Ruby's eyes lingered, sensing there was more to it but she didn't want to persist. "They've finished cleaning the next room, so I'll head there. See you tomorrow," she said, gathering he
Thirty minutes passed, and Ruby still couldn't sleep. She turned to face Javier, her eyes drawn to his peaceful expression. She sat up slowly, trying not to disturb him, and reached out to gently brush a strand of hair from his face. Her hands lingered, caressing his skin as she gazed at him,though she wanted to move her hand away,but her hand had it own mind Javier's voice startled her, his eyes still closed. "Why did you cross the line?" Ruby flinched, trying to pull away, but he caught her hand. "I didn't mean to... there was a fly on your face," she stammered. Javier's eyes opened, a hint of a smile on his lips. "A fly? You should have left it. Now, your hand belongs to me." Ruby teased, "Are you going to cut it off?" Javier's gaze locked onto hers, his voice low and gentle. "Just pay me for it. It will settle it” The room fell silent, until Ruby surprised him by removing the pillows between them. “Maybe you can own me just for tonight. I broke the rule” “What are yo