“Thank you once again, Stephan, this is very generous of you” Ruby said lifting the bag slightly. Stephan simply smiled and inclined his head. Leaving the shop, Stephan’s phone rang halting their stroll. Stephan picked up the call and placed the phone on his ear listening intently to the caller on the other end. After a brief conversation, he ended the call and turned to Ruby with a furrowed brow “It seems there is an urgent matter that has come up at work, I would drop you at home before heading out” The look on his face was so disturbing. “Stephan, what’s wrong? Is everything okay at work” Ruby inquired“Yes everything is fine, nothing serious” Stephan lied looking above Ruby’s head and trying to avoid her gaze. Everything isn’t fine, the call he just received was from his security intel, and they suspect Stephan is been followed. He lied to Ruby because he didn’t want her to worry. Stephan and Ruby hurriedly went home. On arrival, Stephan dashed into his room to prepare for the
Amelia felt her heart pounding as she looked at the report her investigator had put together. Ruby had moved into Stephan's house. The evidence was undeniable – photos of them laughing over dinner at his place, strolling together in public and even shopping. Doubt and confusion clouded Amelia's mind as she grappled with the revelation. Stephan hated shopping but the pictures showed that he was enjoying shopping with her Amelia walked nervously into her office, repeatedly checking the report for any evidence that could kill her suspicion. However, everything was clear and undeniable Taking a deep breath, Amelia made a decision. Amelia decided to talk to Stephan in person, looking him in the eyes and asking for answers. She wanted the truth, refusing to make assumptions or let her emotions affect her judgment. Even if it hurt, she needed to hear it directly from him.On reaching Stephan's house, Amelia could feel her hands shaking with a blend of fear and anger. She tapped lightly
“Why is a workaholic like you at home on a weekday?” Amelia inquired. She had been so consumed by her own emotions and assumptions that she didn’t stop to think about the fact that he wasn't working.“My security team thinks it best to work from home for a while because of the stalker” Amelia felt stupid, everything she has done so far has only succeeded in bringing Ruby closer to Stephan. Because of the private investigator she set up, Ruby and Stephan have to live together and he can't even go to work so they are stuck together all day. It was like some cruel joke played on her by fate.“Where is your guest?” Amelia’s question hung in the air as she scanned the living room area.“I think she's upstairs in her room” Stephan replied with a soft tone“My regards to her,” Amelia said as she prepared to leave. She was too vulnerable to be around Stephan.“Leaving so soon? Thought you'd stay for lunch”“I’m sorry, I can’t, I have some errands to run” She lied. Stephan saw her off to the d
Stephan's heart burst with joy at the sight of Ruby's determination and thankfulness. He understood he did the right thing by assisting her, even though it could lead to more problems with Amelia. The two of them felt at home in the warmth of the lamplight, and camaraderie started to develop between them. Days transformed into weeks, and Stephan helped Ruby build a strong foundation for her business by providing support, guidance, and resources. Investors were captivated by her enthusiasm and motivation, placing her in a position to raise the startup capital for her company in a short time. Stephan noticed his fascination with Ruby increasing with each triumph she made. One evening, they were both on the porch looking over the garden and then Ruby turned to Stephan with a beaming smile on her face."I can't sum up enough how appreciative I am for all that you have done in my life. At the moment when nobody had much faith in me, you did." With all this emotion," Stephan took her hand
On their way back to Stephan's house, Ethan fell asleep in the backseat, and Ruby looked at him for a second, with warmth in her eyes as she brushed a stray lock of hair away from his face. "My parent seems to have taken a liken to you and Ethan," Stephan said in a very low voice almost like a whisper, his attention still locked on the road. When he said this, Ruby blushed and turned her face away from him to hide the grin on her swelling cheeks.When they arrived at Stephan's house, he insisted on carrying Ethan inside while Ruby gathered their belongings from the car. The silence was absolute as they comforted Ethan and tucked him in bed, reflecting on how the night turned out.As Ruby undressed and changed into her pyjamas, she could not help but count herself lucky as the unforeseen turn their evening had taken did certainly make it a night to remember. Stephan walked into the room with his guarded features giving way to a warm smile."Thank you for today,” he said earnestly.
Ruby couldn’t contain her excitement any longer, so she dragged Naomi upstairs to her room for some private girl's chat. As Naomi entered, she looked around, taking in the unfamiliar but lavishly furnished room. “Nice room, Stephan did an amazing job making you feel comfortable”“Yeah he did, the room is so spacious and he has been a great host,” Ruby replied leading Naomi to a seat.“Okay spill the beans. How did you get Stephan to invest heavily in your start-up” Naomi asked curiously “Well, I didn’t have to do much convincing, we were having dinner and I said something along the lines of; I’m tired of job hunting only to leave the job whenever Ethan needs my attention and that starting a business would be more ideal and that was it,” Ruby said, her voice filled with a mix of elation and gratitude.“I never knew Stephan Rodriguez was this nice, he is a typical example of not judging a book by its cover” Naomi said "He's been my solid support. When I shared my business idea, he di
The tension in the house was thick as oatmeal the next morning. Ruby, Stephan, and Naomi avoided eye contact as they shuffled around the kitchen, trying to make breakfast without setting off any more explosions. Suddenly, Naomi coughed softly. "Stephan, I hope you're not still upset about last night," she said carefully, not wanting to upset him further. Stephan shook his head, forcing a smile."No, I'm not," he replied, though his voice sounded strained, indicating that he might still be bothered by it. Naomi shot Ruby a glance, silently pleading for help. But Ruby was too busy stirring her coffee, her mind racing with thoughts of Stephan’s reaction last night. Finally, Naomi spoke up again. "Okay, let's go out today, Ruby. We could go shopping," she suggested a hopeful glint in her eyes. Ruby sighed. "Again? We went out yesterday!" Naomi bit her lip nervously. "I know, but I saw this adorable dress that would look perfect on you on my way to Stephan's house at the boutique a f
Stephan, Ruby, Amelia, and Naomi were sitting together at the table. The room felt nice and sunny. Everyone was calm and happy now, eating breakfast. Stephan was glad Amelia wasn't upset anymore. Ruby was talking happily about her plans for the day. "Hey, everyone, I have something important to say," she said seriously. Stephan looked at her, curiosity piqued.“What is it, Naomi?” he asked, placing his fork on the plate. Naomi breathed out heavily, her expression turning sober. She said sadly, "My holiday is finished, and I have to go back home tomorrow."Ruby’s face collapsed. Her downcast eyes showed disappointment. “Oh no, so soon?” she exclaimed, her voice filled with regret.Amelia looked up, a little smile flashing across her face. “Tomorrow? I thought you were staying forever,” she remarked, her tone tinged with sarcasm.Stephan raised an eyebrow at Amelia's remark. "Amelia, that's enough. Be respectful," he cautioned, his tone firm.Amelia smiled cunningly, her eyes twi