Maybe she just likes hugs... Karl reasoned, shifting his weight awkwardly. Yeah, that must be it.
His lips pressed into a thin line. If hugging her makes her happy, then I’ll do it again.
He wasn’t jealous. Definitely not.
His gaze flicked toward Ruby’s calm expression, thankful she hadn’t said a word to the others about the whole bald-headed witch incident. That would’ve been a disaster.
She could’ve told them... but she didn’t.
Karl’s shoulders relaxed slightly at the thought. He didn’t need Julian, Milo or Adrian worried over him.
"Brother Karl, you should have told us if you were going to find wife! Why did you lie to us?" Julian’s sharp voice broke the momentary peace, his eyes narrowing at Karl with a mix of anger and concern.
Karl shifted uncomfortably under his brother’s gaze, his hand coming up to rub the back of his neck. "I—I..." he trailed off, biting his lower lip as if searching for the right words.
Kenji crossed his arms, standing beside Julian with a disapproving frown. "Yes, little Karl. If you were that worried about your wife, you should’ve said something. Do you have any idea how much everyone was worried?"
Karl glanced at the ground, clearly avoiding their eyes. He tugged on the edge of his robe, feeling like a scolded child.
"It wasn’t a big deal... I just thought I could handle it," Karl mumbled, but the excuse sounded weak even to his own ears.
Milo, still holding onto Ruby, finally loosened his grip. Though he let go, his hands lingered at her waist for just a second longer before he fully stepped back, visibly reluctant to break the contact.
Ruby raised a brow at the scene, but she didn’t say anything.
Milo looked at Karl with a small pout. "You should’ve just said something, brother. We all could’ve come together."
Karl’s lips pressed into a thin line as his gaze flickered toward Ruby, then back at his brothers. "I... didn’t want to make it a big deal."
Julian sighed, shaking his head."Just... next time, tell us. We’re all in this together."
Karl gave a small nod, still visibly embarrassed but grateful the scolding was over. His eyes briefly met Ruby’s, and for a split second, he swore she was smirking at him.
"Finally! Let’s go home, I’m sleepy," Angeline groaned, stretching her arms above her head with an exaggerated sigh.
Ruby glanced at her, guilt flickering across her face. "I’m sorry... again," she said softly, her gaze shifting between Angeline and her husbands.
Kenji waved it off with a tired smile. "It’s okay, Miss Ruby."
The group finally began making their way back toward the house.
"I’m sorry, wife... I haven’t prepared dinner," Julian said with regret the moment they closed the door behind them.
Ruby glanced at him, shaking her head softly. "It’s fine. Why are you apologizing? You’re not a servant," she replied, her voice calm but firm.
Julian’s lips twitched into a faint smile, relief flooding his chest. She hadn’t corrected him when he called her wife. Maybe—just maybe—she’d forgotten about the whole divorce talk. Or at the very least, she wasn’t in the mood to bring it up now.
"I’ll start cooking right away," Julian added quickly, turning toward the kitchen.
Before he could take more than a step, Ruby gently caught his wrist. "Let me help."
Julian glanced down at her hand, feeling the warmth of her touch, but Milo’s voice cut in before he could say anything.
"No need, wife. You rest—we’ll make the food for you." Milo gave her a reassuring smile as he tugged Julian toward the kitchen.
Ruby paused, then gave a small nod. "Alright."
She leaned against the edge of the table, quietly observing as they disappeared into the kitchen. Her gaze never once drifted toward Adrian, who stood silently by the door, arms crossed, watching everything with unreadable eyes.
Just as the silence began to settle, Karl’s voice broke through.
"I want to talk to you."
Ruby arched a brow, turning slightly to face him. "Talk?"
Before she could question further, Karl grabbed her wrist gently but firmly. "Now."
Her eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the sudden pull as Karl led her down the hallway without another word.
"Karl—" she began, but he didn’t let go, guiding her straight to her room.
The door closed behind them with a quiet click, leaving the two of them standing alone in the dim light of room.
Ruby blinked, her wrist still in his grip. "Is something wrong?" she asked, her tone steady but curious as she searched his face for answers.
Karl didn’t answer right away. His grip loosened, but his hand lingered on her wrist, as if letting go entirely would somehow change the atmosphere between them.
"Y-you... don’t tell anyone about that bald Sasa incident, okay?" Karl blurted, breaking the silence. His eyes flickered nervously, watching Ruby carefully.
Ruby’s head tilted slightly, her lips curving in amusement. "Bald Sasa?" That was the only part she seemed to catch.
Karl’s face flushed, and he waved his hands hurriedly. "Yes, yes—the bald witch who tried to take advantage of me. Please don’t tell brother Adi, Julian, or Milo... they’ll just get worried." His tone dropped, clearly anxious.
Ruby crossed her arms. Her gaze shifted to his eyes, noting the way they practically begged her to keep quiet.
"Why shouldn’t I tell them?" she asked casually, though a teasing glint danced in her red eyes. "Maybe if they knew, they’d make sure you’re never left alone again."
Karl pouted and blurted out, "Exactly! That’s why you shouldn’t tell them."
The moment the words left his mouth, he regretted it. Ruby’s gaze narrowed, and Karl immediately clamped his lips shut, realizing his mistake.
"Oh... oh." His voice trailed off as Ruby stepped closer to him. Without thinking, Karl instinctively took a step back. Then another.
Ruby’s eyes stayed locked on his as she slowly advanced. Karl’s back met the wall before he even realized what was happening.
Before he could react, Ruby’s hand lifted, gently catching his chin between her fingers. She tilted his head up, forcing him to meet her gaze.
—To be continued...🪄