Chapter 1

Ruby's POV

I went home and started packing my things.

Immanuel Grant pushed open the door and saw the suitcase on the floor.

He let out a mocking laugh and jeered, "Running away from home again? We've been together for all these years, Ruby Jovine. Can't you stop doing this every time we have an argument? The engagement was only postponed. It's not like I'm refusing to marry you."

He pulled off his tie, and he spoke in a somewhat impatient tone. "Do you really have to make such a big deal out of it? The future lady of the Grant family should be more understanding."

I didn't stop what I was doing and said calmly, "I'm not running away from home. I'm just sorting through some old things. There are things that need to be thrown away."

Immanuel didn't take it seriously. He casually picked up a piece of clothing from my suitcase, glanced at it, then tossed it back.

"By the way, Chanel said that staying at her house reminds her of her husband, and it makes her miserable. She wants to move here for a while. Remember to have Nancy prepare a guest room for her."

I put the neatly folded clothes into a storage box without looking up. "Okay. I'll have Nancy clean it tomorrow."

I agreed so readily that he froze for a moment. "You're not angry?"

I gave him a faint smile, my eyes calm and emotionless. "You're right. Chanel lost her husband. The poor thing shouldn't be left all alone."

Immanuel looked at me suspiciously. He probably thought my reaction was strange.

It was understandable that he was suspicious. Everyone knew how much I used to care about him. Whenever another woman got even a little too close to him, I would have thrown a fit and made sure the whole world knew that he was mine.

But now, I opened a drawer and searched for my identification documents.

I asked, "Immanuel, where's my passport?"

Immanuel frowned and replied, "It's in the safe. Why do you need your passport?"

Before I could finish speaking, his tone suddenly turned stiff. "Are you getting ready for our honeymoon? Ruby, you're so inconsiderate. Chanel just lost her husband. She can't handle any more emotional stress. Aren't you deliberately making her feel worse?

"Besides, our engagement has already been postponed..."

I explained, "My passport expired. I was just planning to renew it."

Immanuel was clearly at a loss for words, but he relaxed and said gently, "I was being too sensitive. You've always been the most sensible person. Don't worry. Once I've settled things for Chanel, I'll keep every promise I've made to you. I'll make it up to you."

The disappointment I felt deep inside surged. I turned and walked away.

After leaving the villa, I went straight to the city hall. I handed my passport to the clerk and applied for a new one.

The clerk was very patient. "Alright, Ms. Jovine. It will take three days to process your new passport. After that, we can mail it to you, or you can come pick it up."

I said with a nod, "No need to mail it. I'll come pick it up."

The moment I received my passport would be the moment I left Immanuel for good. As of now, only three days remained.

After finishing the paperwork, I returned to the villa.

When I pushed open the front door, I stopped in my tracks. In the kitchen, Immanuel was wearing an apron and awkwardly chopping vegetables.

Chanel sat beside the kitchen island, resting her chin in her hands as she watched him with a bright smile. Every now and then, she reached out to wipe the sweat from his forehead.

I stood there for two seconds before turning and heading upstairs.

Immanuel chased after me and stood before me to explain, "Chanel has always had a sensitive stomach. Eating out gives her acid reflux, so I decided to make her some risotto. Please don't get the wrong idea."

My heart ached.

Immanuel had once told me that the kitchen was no place for a man, but he'd been willing to cook for me. He'd said he would only cook for me.

But now, he was making an exception for Chanel.

"I know. It's only right." I nodded and avoided his gaze. "It's understandable that Chanel has a poor appetite. It's only right that you take care of her."

Immanuel's expression softened as he reached over and ruffled my hair. "Why are you suddenly being so understanding?"

As if remembering something, he added, "By the way, Chanel said the thing she regretted most in this life was getting married too hastily. She became a widow without ever getting to wear a wedding dress. She mentioned that she really liked the one you designed. Could you let her try it on?"

His gaze was gentle and filled with pity as he made that request.

I felt a lump in my throat.

I did have a wedding dress. I'd planned to wear it at our engagement party. In fact, Immanuel and I had designed it together.

Now, it seemed to me that he had forgotten all about it.

Nevertheless, I nodded and said, "Sure. Let her try it."

After all, I didn't need it anymore.

Immanuel froze for a moment, and a flash of surprise flitted across his eyes.

In the past, whenever he argued with me over Chanel Ewing, I'd never backed down. Oddly, I readily agreed to let her try the wedding dress this time.

He was about to say something, but I reminded him, "You should go downstairs and keep Chanel company. Didn't you say what she's scared of the most is being alone?"

"Are you really okay with leaving me alone with her?" he asked with a frown.

I used to get jealous whenever he got close to anyone else. Because of Chanel, we'd had countless explosive arguments in the past.

But now, I just shook my head and said, "She's your childhood friend, after all. It's only right that you take good care of her."

Immanuel breathed a sigh of relief, his eyes full of approval. "You've finally matured, Ruby. You're not acting out like you used to. Don't worry. Once Chanel gets through this difficult time, I'll definitely make it up to you."

Yes. From now on, I wouldn't act out anymore. I would even personally give him to her.