That night, I slipped into bed, my heart pounding in my chest like a drum. The air felt heavier than usual, maybe because this was no longer just my room.
Keyser entered minutes later, the quiet thud of his footsteps growing louder with each step until he stopped beside the bed. Without a word, he lay down next to me. The silence stretched unbearably—until he leaned in suddenly, his breath brushing against my ear.
"You look like a stone right now," he whispered, his tone cold and laced with sarcasm.
My entire body stiffened. A wave of heat rushed to my face.
"I told you not to expect anything," he muttered after a pause, voice low but cutting.
Was I expecting something? I didn't even know anymore.
Snap out of it, Ruby. Stop being so delusional.
The next morning, I jolted awake.
"Shit… 8:00 a.m.?" I sat up in panic, pushing the covers off.
My eyes darted around the room and landed on Keyser sitting at his desk. He was already dressed, looking incredibly focused as he flipped through a stack of documents. A pair of black-rimmed glasses perched perfectly on his nose.
Holy hell, I thought, almost choking on my breath. He looks insanely hot with those glasses.
He turned his head toward me, as if sensing my gaze.
"You're awake?" he said coolly, tone devoid of warmth.
It was like he was annoyed I'd even opened my eyes.
Should I have stayed asleep? I wondered bitterly, but kept the thought to myself. I slipped out of bed and headed straight to the bathroom to freshen up.
A few minutes later, a knock on the door signaled that breakfast was ready.
We sat at the table together, eating in silence. The tension was so thick I could practically taste it. I chewed slowly, the food sitting like a rock in my stomach.
This wasn't breakfast. This was a silent war.
How the hell am I supposed to survive this drama?