Back to work…

Ruby

I woke up just as Asher was walking out the door. He looked at me for just a split second before he turned around.

“Heyyy, good morning…”

“Don’t wait up for me, I’ve got plans.” He cut in sharply before I could even finish.

I wasn’t even moved one bit, it was slowly becoming our norm anyway. I just let out a long stretch and then managed to get out of bed.

I went straight into the bathroom and, for a minute, I just stood there and got cozy in Asher’s scent, which filled the whole place.

I really don’t want to feel this way, but I can’t help it. The more I try to move past it, the deeper I fall into the hole.

After getting enough of him, I freshened up and it was so refreshing. After crying myself into a terrible headache last night, I had to go downstairs and take painkillers. That was when I was able to get into bed and sleep. All the while, Asher didn’t flinch, he was just enjoying his sleep and snoring the night away.

I stepped out of the bathroom and made my way to the dressing table. Standing in front of the mirror, all naked, I just couldn’t stop staring at my beautiful body.

I looked so hard and long, trying to see if I’d see anything that puts my husband off. I’ve always had a beautiful and hot body, thanks to my model mom and handsome dad too. My mom wanted me to be a model too, but my dad wanted me in the family business. In the end, I settled for none and instead found my path in lifestyle content creation. My beauty and body made it really easy too. I had the attractive esthetics to pull my audience and I did pull a huge one.

I was still standing there, lost in my beauty and thoughts, when my phone started to ring.

I walked over to the other side of the bed, and it was Aiden’s face lighting up my phone screen, and that made me smile.

“Heyy new bride…” he teased, and I just couldn’t stop the laugh that pushed out of me right then.

Aiden is my close colleague. He’s into lifestyle content too and that was how we met in the first place. He was a popular creator who became a fan of a newbie creator. He reached out and that was it. We started collaborating and that really pushed our brands as we both got to work with top brands. We were so close that people started to think we were dating and in no time, they created a ship for us.

Asher wasn’t really comfortable with it. He didn’t complain directly, but I saw how it was affecting us, so I did what I thought was the right thing. I stepped back and went solo. Again, Ava was mad, but there was nothing she could do since my mind was made up. Aiden didn’t push it either, he stayed away, and we’ve just been doing our thing separately at a distance till now…

“Heyy, Aiden… it’s been so long that it almost feels like I don’t know what you sound like anymore.” I chimed in while he laughed hard.

“That’s about to change now… well, that’s if you’re up to it anyway,” he replied.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Okay so, I had this whole shoot planned for this afternoon, but the girl canceled at the last minute, and now I’m stranded. I need someone to fill in and not just anybody. I need you, Ruby,” he explained.

A week ago, even a few days ago, I would have said an outright no and just hung up. But right now, it just feels like the right distraction I needed. I can’t keep disturbing Ava with my problems, so maybe work would help keep every worry off my mind.

“Okay then, send the location and everything else. I’ll be there soon.” I finally let out and I heard him chuckling so hard.

“You’re such a darling, Ruby. About the address and getting here, I’ll send a car over to you. I don’t want you under any stress at all, so just wait for your car to bring you here. Everything will be provided here,” he asserted, and I was going to accept the terms, but then, I remembered Asher.

I wasn’t sure if he’d like the idea of a car coming over to the house to get me, so I just decided to drive instead.

“You know what, I’m getting some things in town too. I’ll just drive down then.” I replied and he agreed.

I dressed up casually after the call and then made for the location.

It was a high-end clothing store and once I got in and saw Aiden, he rushed at me and hugged me tight.

“I miss you so much!!!” he exclaimed while I just kept smiling.

“You look so good too, you know I actually thought you’d be on honeymoon right now until I got a call from Ava and…” it was at that point he realized he’d said too much, but I already got the gist.

I should have definitely known that he didn’t just call out of nowhere. Ava definitely put him up to it.

“Don’t worry, I don’t know anything. That still works??” I quizzed while he nodded and hugged me again.

“So let’s get right to work. It’s a romantic couple-themed shoot and we are actually marketing the store. This is our outfit right here and the accessories right here…” he explained while showing me the items.

“That’s good, how many videos?” I asked while he then went on to explain in detail everything that would be done and needed.

By the time he was done, the makeup team were ready to start. I sat in their chair, scrolling through my page online while they worked on my face.

“You can check now, ma’am…” the makeup artist said while I looked at her and smiled.

“Ruby is okay, please,” I chimed in, but immediately went quiet once I saw the beauty I was transformed into.

Of course, it wasn’t my first time with makeup, but it was just so different this time. The last few days have had me questioning so many things about myself and seeing myself again now just changed all that.

The fact that my husband has refused to be impressed by me doesn’t make me less of a woman. I’m still the beautiful woman I’ve always been.

“Wow, this is just too good. You really outdid yourself and I’m impressed. Nice work, guys.” I said to them.

“Thanks Ruby.” The artist replied.

I got out of the chair and then followed the stylist into the dressing room where I was turned into a completely hot babe.

My dress had a low slit right to my upper thigh, and it was a cowl neckline that revealed my well-oiled collarbones. My hair was curled, and it bounced over my shoulders, giving the Cinderella vibes.

The moment I stepped out, every eye was on me, especially Aiden, who was also dressed and ready for me. He was completely captivated and couldn’t peel his eyes off.

“My goodness, if you weren’t married, I’d walk you down the aisle right now. I don’t like your husband, but I have to admit it, he’s one lucky fool.” He let out, and I gave him a side eye for the last part.

“I’m sorry, but I already said I don’t like him.” He playfully defended himself.

We went over the script one more time before we got to work. The backdrop and everything were already set, and they were just putting the last touches to it.

While waiting for us to be called, Aiden decided to act the roles and just get into character.

“Good idea,” I chimed in, and we started off.

He pulled me closer then, both of us staring intensely into each other’s eyes while he bent over as if going for a kiss.

I was about to lean over too, when I suddenly felt someone grab me from the back.

Our eyes were closed so we both never saw it coming until we were yanked apart. I opened my eyes, and it was Asher standing there, holding me tightly while his eyes blazed with hot anger…