The man stepped aside without a word, silently acknowledging her presence and inviting her in. Ruby walked past him, her footsteps echoing softly in the vast, quiet space of the villa. She didn't pause to greet him or acknowledge his presence beyond that fleeting glance. After all, she knew what was expected of her, but expectation and sentiment were two very different things
The man froze at her words, his trembling hand reaching out as though to steady himself on the back of a nearby chair. His face was a portrait of anguish, his lips parting but failing to form words. Tears welled in his reddened eyes, and his body seemed to sag under the weight of her declaration.
