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.
Karl’s breath hitched as he stared into her eyes—up close for the first time.
Her irises gleamed a deep crimson, reflecting the faint light in the room. They were sharp yet mesmerizing, like polished jewels.
Karl’s heart pounded so loudly he was sure Ruby could hear it. His throat felt dry as he swallowed hard, eyes locked on hers, unable to break free from the intensity of her gaze.
"Hear me carefully," Ruby said, her voice dropping into something dangerously soft.
Karl’s eyes widened instantly, and he nodded rapidly like a child caught sneaking sweets.
A slow, almost playful smile tugged at Ruby’s lips, and for a second, Karl forgot how to breathe.
"I won’t tell anyone... but promise me something," she said, her tone light but firm.
Karl blinked, his voice caught somewhere between nervous and confused. "W-what promise?" he muttered, barely able to get the words out.
Ruby leaned in just enough to make him sweat. "That you don’t cause trouble. Don’t run off alone. And..." her red eyes gleamed with amusement, "...don’t call me stupid wife."
Before Karl could react, she stepped back, her grip releasing his chin as if the whole thing hadn’t just happened.
Karl stood frozen against the wall, his mouth slightly open in disbelief. It took him a second to process her words, but when he did, his brows furrowed.
"Wait—what?" Karl stammered, pushing himself off the wall, his hands waving in front of him. "That’s not fair! I call you stupid wife because you are st—"
Ruby halted mid-step, slowly turning to glance over her shoulder. Her red eyes gleamed, and a dangerous smile tugged at her lips.
"You’re saying something?" she asked sweetly, though the sharpness in her tone made Karl’s heart skip a beat.
"N-no! No, no, no..." Karl blurted, practically tripping over his own words as he hurried toward her. "I was saying I don’t cause trouble!" His steps quickened as if closing the distance between them would somehow protect him from whatever look she was giving him.
As he reached her side, Karl’s expressive baby-blue eyes widened, practically shining with innocence. His lips formed a small pout as he looked up at her, his entire face screaming I’m harmless!
"I just came to find you," he continued, his voice softening into a pleading tone. "I never cause trouble... and and I’m always innocent. Quiet. I’ve never bothered anyone!"
Ruby arched a brow, folding her arms as she stared down at him.
"Never bothered anyone?" she echoed, clearly unconvinced.
"Never!" Karl insisted, nodding rapidly. His eyes blinked up at her, wide and sincere, as if daring her to doubt him.
Ruby narrowed her eyes, her lips twitching as if she were holding back laughter.
"Hmm. Innocent and silent?"
"Absolutely," Karl said, standing straighter.
"So... you didn’t bite that witch’s hand earlier?"
Karl’s mouth opened, but nothing came out. He glanced away for a second, scratching his cheek.
"That was... self-defense."
"And you didn’t run behind me and call for your stupid wife?"
Karl’s face flushed instantly. "I mean--technically, that’s just a nickname."
Ruby smirked, leaning slightly closer. "I thought you promised not to call me that anymore?"
"Ah... slip of the tongue," Karl muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
Ruby let out a small chuckle, shaking her head. "Sure, Karl. Whatever helps you sleep at night."
"It does," Karl replied under his breath.
"Dinner is ready!" Julian’s voice echoed from the living room, loud enough to make Karl jump.
Without hesitation, Karl shot a glance at Ruby, his eyes widening for a split second before he bolted for the door.
"Hey—" Ruby started, but he was already gone, the faint sound of his hurried footsteps fading down the hall.
She let out a soft sigh, shaking her head as she followed behind him at a much calmer pace.
As they made their way to dinner, Ruby’s mind drifted. She hadn’t brought up the missing money to Karl or Adrian. Part of her was curious, Would they give money on their own?
If they didn’t... well, she decided she wasn’t too bothered by it. Whatever made them happy.
Dinner passed quietly, Later that night, after freshening up, Ruby stepped into her room.
As soon as her head touched the soft, cloud-like bed, exhaustion washed over her.
Her eyes fluttered shut almost instantly.
A soft knock echoed through the quiet room, pulling Ruby reluctantly from her sleep. She groaned softly, forcing herself to sit up. Her eyelids felt like they weighed a ton, and every step toward the door felt sluggish.
With a heavy sigh, she opened the door, squinting at the figure standing in the dim light.
Ruby raised a brow but said nothing. She was far too sleepy to entertain whatever reason had brought him to her door at this hour. The warmth and comfort of the cloud bed tugged at her, begging her to return.
"Wife...?" Milo’s voice was soft, his eyes shy as he glanced down at his feet. "Can I sleep with you?" His gaze slowly lifted, hopeful and expectant.
Ruby stared at him blankly, her brain barely processing his words. "Yes..." she mumbled, not entirely sure what she was agreeing to.
Milo’s eyes brightened immediately. "I’ll get my favorite pillow! Wait for me, wife!" he chirped happily, darting off down the hall.
Ruby watched him disappear, her mind still foggy. With a sigh, she shut the door and collapsed back onto the bed.
Meanwhile, Milo dashed into his room, snatching his favorite pillow from the corner of the bed. As he made his way back out, he noticed Adrian sitting quietly by the bed, deep in thought.
"Brother Adi," Milo said sweetly, hugging the pillow to his chest. "I’m sleeping with wife tonight, okay?"
Adrian glanced at him, and nodded his head. "Alright."
Milo grinned, already halfway out the door.
As Adrian shut the door to his room, his face grew tense. The events of the day stayed in his mind, like a shadow that wouldn’t leave. His chest felt tight, and no matter how hard he tried to ignore it, the uneasy feeling wouldn’t go away.
—To be continued...🪄