Milo’s mouth fell open in awe. "Wife, really? You fixed their computer? You’re amazing!" He clutched his chest dramatically. "How did I get so lucky to have a wife like you?"
Ruby rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the faint smile tugging at her lips. "It wasn’t that difficult," she said nonchalantly, though the witches exchanged a look that suggested otherwise.
The shorter witch nodded in agreement with her colleague. "She’s being modest. Without her, we’d still be stuck. She’s a natural with this stuff."
Milo beamed with pride, looking between the witches and Ruby. "I knew my wife was the best, but now you’re proving it even more! Wife, you should teach me so I can impress people too!"
Ruby smirked, giving him a sideways glance. "Let’s see if you can sit still long enough to learn, little Milo."
The witches chuckled softly at their banter, clearly entertained by Milo’s enthusiasm and Ruby’s answers. The taller witch finished connecting the last cable and turned to Ruby. "It’s all set now. Let us know if you need anything else, Miss Ruby."
Ruby nodded. "Thank you. I’ll take it from here."
Ruby stepped into the living room, ensuring the computer process was still running smoothly before following the witches into the living room. Milo, of course, trailed behind her like a loyal shadow, his curious eyes darting between the witches and Ruby.
"Hello, Misses," Julian greeted gently, stepping forward with a tray in his hands. His voice was calm, but there was a warm politeness to his tone. "I’ve prepared tea and snacks for you."
The witches exchanged quick glances, shaking their heads. "Oh, no need," the shorter witch said with a polite smile.
But Julian shook his head firmly, his expression earnest. "No, you can’t leave without having something."
Faced with his sincerity, the witches relented and took their seats. Julian carefully placed the tray on the table, pouring tea into delicate cups and setting the snacks neatly before them.
As the witches sipped their tea, their eyes widened in surprise. They exchanged an incredulous look before quickly taking another sip. The tea was smooth, flavorful, and perfectly brewed. It was impossible to stop at just one cup.
"These are... amazing!" the taller witch exclaimed, reaching for another snack. The buttery, flaky texture melted in her mouth, perfectly balanced by the subtle sweetness. "Your hands are truly blessed! You cook wonderfully."
Julian’s face flushed pink, and he glanced away shyly, not used to receiving such direct praise. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice barely audible.
The witches weren’t done yet, though. "I can’t believe it," the shorter one added, sipping her tea with delight. "This is some of the best tea and snacks we’ve ever had."
The taller witch smiled, leaning back in her chair. "Miss Ruby, you’re truly blessed to have such cute husbands," she teased, shooting Ruby a playful grin. "Mine are absolute demons," she added with an exaggerated sigh, making everyone chuckle.
Ruby laughed nervously, scratching the back of her head. "Yeah.." she said, glancing at Julian, who was still blushing from all the compliments.
After finishing their tea and snacks, the witches stood to leave, thanking Julian profusely once again. Ruby escorted them to the door, watching as they stepped into their car and waved goodbye.
When Ruby turned back, she found Milo happily munching on the remaining snacks. Her gaze then shifted to Julian, who was quietly tidying up the table.
She couldn’t help but pause for a moment, her eyes lingering on him. His bright mossy green eyes sparkled with a subtle happiness, a rare glow she hadn’t noticed before. The faint blush on his cheeks made his usually gentle face softer, almost endearing.
A single strand of his bright blue hair had fallen onto his forehead, giving him an unintentional charm. Her eyes trailed down to his lips—plump, pink, and slightly parted as he focused on arranging the empty cups neatly on the tray.
Ruby blinked, snapping herself out of her thoughts. Why am I noticing these things? she wondered, her expression returning to her usual calmness. She cleared her throat lightly, and Julian glanced up, his mossy eyes meeting hers briefly before looking away shyly, the blush on his cheeks deepening.
"Do you need help?" she asked casually, hoping to cover the strange moment of observation.
Julian shook his head, his voice soft. "No, I’ve got it."
Ruby nodded and turned toward Milo, who was now trying to stuff the last snack into his mouth before she could scold him. She rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the faint smile that tugged at her lips.
"What did you help them with, and why did they give you so many things?" Julian couldn’t help but ask, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Before Ruby could respond, Milo jumped in, practically bouncing with excitement. "Ah, let me tell you!!! Wife helped them with that box—no, computer problem! And they said wife is so smart! Oh, and wife said she’s going to teach me too!" His voice was filled with pride and enthusiasm, his honey-brown eyes sparkling as he looked at Ruby.
Ruby found Milo’s childish excitement amusing. A small smile tugged at her lips, but before she could say anything, her gaze drifted toward the kitchen.
There, partially hidden, she saw Karl standing silently, his expression unusually somber. His baby blue eyes seemed distant, filled with a sadness. He hadn’t noticed her watching, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.
When did his presence become so small? Ruby thought. What’s wrong with him?
She glanced around the room, noting someone else’s absence. "Where is Adrian?" she asked, her tone neutral but curious as her sharp eyes returned to the group.
Julian exchanged a quick look with Milo before answering hesitantly, "He went out earlier... didn’t say where."
Ruby frowned slightly, her gaze flicking back to Karl, who still hadn’t moved. Something wasn’t right with either of them, and she intended to find out why. For now, she tucked the thought away, focusing back on the room.
—To be continued...🪄