Chapter 2

Ruby’s POV

“Hey, babe! What's up with you?” Madison’s cheerful voice burst through the phone the moment I answered.

I inhaled slowly before responding. “I’m good.”

She immediately caught it. “No, you’re not. Your voice sounds flat.” She paused, then brightened. “Good news, I’ve got an invite to a dinner party tonight, and guess who's coming with me, you!”

“I’m really not in the mood for that,” I said honestly. “I don’t think I can handle being around people tonight.”

“You’re not in the mood? That's new.” Madison echoed, disbelief thick in her tone. “Okay. What happened? Bitch, you better start talking.”

“My husband cheated,” I said plainly. “With my sister. I walked in on them having the most awful kind of sex.”

There was silence… then, “That’s disgusting. Who the fuck does Asher thinks he is? And your sister should be ashamed of herself.” Her voice hardened. “And that is exactly why you need to come out tonight. Sitting alone will only make it worse. They both don't worth you sulking all day.”

Before I could argue, she continued, “You’re coming. I’ll send my makeup artist over. You’re not allowed to mope.”

I sighed deeply.

“Wait,” she added suspiciously. “You’re not still clinging to that cheating excuse of a husband, are you?”

I scoffed. “Please. I’m done with his sorry ass.”

“Good, that's my girl,” she said firmly. “Then I’ll see you tonight.” And she hung up.

By evening, it was almost time for the social banquet, the annual elite dinner attended by the city’s wealthiest figures. Millionaires. Billionaires. People who smiled too much and meant too little.

I was still at my penthouse, debating my dress choices, when the doorbell rang.

Madison stood outside, already dressed to impress, with a makeup artist beside her. She didn’t waste time. Within minutes, I was seated while the artist worked magic on my face. Madison helped me pick a dress that hugged me perfectly, it was elegant, confident, and impossible to ignore.

Soon enough, we arrived together.

At the banquet, I settled into a quiet corner with a glass of wine, observing the room with mild interest. It was exactly what I’d expected.

I was just beginning to relax when I felt it.

Her presence.

Scarlett.

She walked toward me with a syrupy smile, as if nothing had happened. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

“Ruby, sweetheart,” she said softly. “I was worried you might be lonely over here all by yourself.”

“I’m fine,” I replied coolly. “I enjoy my own company.”

Her smile wavered for a second before snapping back into place. “Well, I’m here now. And you look… gorgeous tonight. That dress really suits you.”

I smiled politely, sweetness edged with sarcasm. “Thank you. I wanted to look unforgettable.”

Her gaze sharpened briefly as she scanned the room, then returned to me.

A waiter brushed past her, barely touching her arm and she seized the moment.

I didn't give her the time to act her drama, I just started walking on. I could see Scarlett from the side of my eyes, she was so stunned, she blinked.

I didn't stop, or even slow down. I just kept walking away as if I didn't know she was approaching me.

Scarlett was shocked for sure. She was so used to getting all the attention so being ignored might kill her. Amazed, then with a rush of determination, she lifted her gown and stumbled after me and started yelling my name.

That stopped me. I turned, thrusting out my hip as I waited. 

Scarlett paused when she was still a good distance from me. There was no expression ony face, nothing. And the way I stared at her so arrogantly, Scarlett came forward so she could not have to shout again.

Suddenly, Scarlett dropped to her knees beside me, clutching my hand dramatically. “Ruby, please,” she cried loudly. “Forgive me. I betrayed you. I know I don’t deserve it, but please, find it in your heart to forgive me.”

I yanked my hand back, mortified. “Scarlett, get up,” I muttered sharply. “This is not the place for your stupidity.”

But she clung harder, tears spilling as her voice rose. “I’ll do anything. Anything at all. Please forgive me.”

Conversations around us began to fade as attention shifted our way. Heat flooded my face, anger, embarrassment, humiliation all tangled together.

“Stop this right now,” I snapped, trying to pull away.

She tightened her grip. “Look at you,” she sobbed loudly. “So cold. You won’t even forgive your own sister for a mistake that was never my fault. What kind of person does that make you?”

I stood, attempting to free myself, but she latched onto my legs, crying and pleading. Rage surged through me.

This was deliberate.

She wanted an audience. She wanted me to look cruel.

“Let go,” I hissed, prying at her hands. “You’re causing a scene.”

She didn’t budge. Instead, she looked up at me through fake tears.

I stared down at her, my expression sharpening. “Scarlett,” I said calmly, “I know exactly what you’re doing. But if you want forgiveness, be clear. What are you actually asking forgiveness for?”

Her eyes darted nervously. “I..I’m sorry for… everything.”

“Everything?” I echoed. “That’s vague. Do you mean fucking my husband on my own bed whilst I was away? Betraying me? Or humiliating me in front of everyone here?”

Color drained from her face.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” she whispered weakly.

I didn’t let up. “Then say it. Tell them. What exactly are you sorry for? Tell them how you moaned and shouted for more, and more, to while my won husband fucked you.”

The room had gone completely silent.

All eyes were on Scarlett.

She opened her mouth to say something then closed it. Over and over. No words came. She was trapped by her own performance, unable to give an answer without exposing herself.

Scarlett was shocked. She has never seen me like this before.