Lahat ng Kabanata ng Married To a Stranger : Kabanata 181 - Kabanata 190

Ruby didn't leave the hospital that night, not even when Warren came back, go home, Ruby. Take some rest. You don't have to worry about me. Warren is here. Natalia almost begged her to return to the Knight estate, but she refused. Not a chance. You might need me here for anything. Mom, you are so stubborn. Natalia whispered. It wasn't until the next morning, once Natalia's condition had fully stabilized that Ruby finally felt she could leave. She completed the discharge paperwork, got her mother settled back at the Anderson family home, and then headed for the Knight estate. When she walked into Matilda's private residence, she found the entire family gathered in the living room, but they weren't alone. Richard was chatting warmly with a young woman Ruby didn't recognize, while Carter stood nearby, glaring at the newcomer. It clicked instantly. This had to be Sherry Knight. She had Richard's features, and standing beside Carter, the two could easily have passed for siblings. R

Right this way. Researcher Liam, Sherry said, her voice smooth as silk as she gestured down the hall. The man took a sweeping glance around the room. He was clearly impressed by the sheer luxury of the place, but his gaze didn't linger on the gilded furniture. Instead, it moved across the room on the group of people gathered there, flicking from face to face until it landed on Ruby. He stopped mid-step. A flicker of surprise crossing his features. There was something about the woman in front of him that felt familiar. His brow furrowed as he studied her face, searching for the connection his mind couldn't quite grasp. Had he seen her before? The curve of her profile, the way she held herself tugged at something buried deep in his memory, like a half-forgotten dream, vanished the moment he reached for it. Where had I seen her? Why does her face resemble someone back at Origin so much? Liam wondered. Ruby, meanwhile, was studying the man from the institute. A knot of confusion ti

The Butler scurried off, and for a second, Owen looked like he was going to follow. Instead, he stopped and turned back to Ruby. When I was a kid, I spent some time overseas training with Sebastian, he said. His voice low. He's basically a mentor to me. Ruby got it instantly. He knew she didn't want to see the man, and this was his way of saying he had to. She managed a small smile to tell him it was okay. Sure. Go ahead. Owen gave her hand a gentle squeeze before turning and striding outside. Ruby waited by the door for a moment, then pulled out her phone. Message from Fabian Ross was waiting for her doctor. I've reached the Knight residence. Do you want to come get the medicine? Or should I have the guards let me in? Ruby stared at the screen, her thumb hovering over the reply button. Should I tell Fabian to come in? She wondered. But with Owen already in the loop and Matilda doing better, she thought it was probably best to keep her identity as the head of Origin under w

Richard's voice cracked. He cleared his throat and looked at Bartholemy. She was just here, wasn't she? Dad, yes, Bartholemy jumped in quickly, just moments ago, actually, probably still in mother's wing. Or perhaps she stepped out for some air. Melissa cut in. The house has been so crowded with guests. Sebastian's gaze moved slowly between the three of them. Cold sweat beaded on Richard's forehead as he exchanged a desperate look with Bartholemy. This Ruby is stuck on us like a leech. Bartholemy cursed internally. We need to get her off our hands. He cleared his throat nervously, equally unsettled by this turn of events. Just then, Owen returned from his call and gestured toward the entrance. Mr. Sterling. Please come inside. Sebastian nodded and followed him in, with Bartholemy and Richard trailing behind. Once inside, Bartholemy finally found his voice. Send a message to Sherry. He muttered under his breath. Tell her to get mother sweet, ready for Mr. Sterling. Richard

I can't talk right now. Owen muttered, his hand tightening around his phone. I'm with my wife. The silence on the other end lasted only a heartbeat. Before it shattered. Your wife. The woman screamed so loudly he had to pull the phone away. You promised me, Owen. When we were little, you promised you'd marry me when I turned 20. Owen shut his eyes for a second. He could hear the panic in her voice. The kind that always came before things spiraled. Kara, he tried. You're a liar. A big fat liar. Kara Wintor's voice broke, her anger turning into raw, messy sobs. How could you do this to me? After everything, after what I did for you. Owen felt the familiar irritation rise sharp and quick, but beneath it was something heavier. Guilt, obligation, the weight of a promise made by a nine-year-old boy who had no idea what he was saying. The memory dragged him back before he could stop it. He had been nine, nine and terrified. Locked in a dark room with a dozen other kidnapped childr