All Chapters of Married To a Stranger : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Dinner with Natalia. The thought warmed her, but she also felt uncertain. A bitter smile touched her lips as an old memory surfaced. Ten years ago, the first weekend after she'd moved out, she went back to visit. She'd only made it to the yard when she saw them through the window. Natalia, Isabel, and Warren laughing and chatting together. Natalia wore a bright, carefree smile. Ruby had ached for one of those smiles. She just wanted to belong. But Sheila poisoned her mind. See? Without you, they're a real family. If you actually care about Mrs. Anderson, you'll stay away. She's Izzie's mother, not yours.

At noon, Owen had a business lunch. He wasn't a fan of schmoozing, but ever since moving back to the States, it had become a necessary evil.Fortunately, these obligations were infrequent. He arrived at an exclusive private restaurant with Leo.The moment they stepped inside, Leo stiffened. The wait staff moved around in crisp, impeccable uniforms, and an unexpected knot of anxiety formed in his stomach.Isn't waiting tables like the default student side job? he wondered.His gaze swept the room, scanning every server. Only when he confirmed that Ruby was nowhere to be seen did his shoulders finally loosen.Then he snorted under his breath. Ruby was already a delivery girl and a repair woman. How could she possibly squeeze in another job?Still, that offhand "See you at noon" comment had clearly gotten under his skin.With his nerves settling, he followed Owen into their private dining room. After the food was served, the head chef herself came out to greet the table."Good afternoon,

When Matilda opened the door, Owen was relieved to see his grandmother's cheeks flushed and rosy. She looked healthier than she had in months. All because of a good night's sleep. Come on in, you brat. The old lady chirped. Owen's eyes then scanned the apartment. It was a cozy, two-bedroom, a mere 700 sq ft. But immaculately clean. Four simple, nutritious dishes sat on the dining table, exactly the kind of wholesome meal ideal for an elderly person. I can't wait for you to meet my darling granddaughter-in-law. Matilda clapped her wrinkled hands like an excited child. Well, where is she? He shrugged lightly, right. Then he heard the sound of running water from the bathroom, which was just adjacent to the tiny living room. He realized that Grandma's girl must be taking a shower. Through the frosted glass of the bathroom door, he could make out the slender silhouette of a woman. Owen quickly looked away, a strange jolt running through him. He felt like he was trespassing, even tho

As the drama unfolded, Warren and Isabel had no idea that the Matilda Knight they were arguing about was standing right in front of them. The old, frail woman they had so underestimated, so insulted, was the one woman they should never have crossed. Matilda eyed Isabel and Warren with disgust. Who are these clowns? She seethed internally. If I ever see them again, I'll make them pay for this disgrace. She narrowed her eyes, trying to memorize their faces. On most days, the old woman struggled to remember her own name, but Isabel's rudeness left a sting, sharp enough to cut through even her Alzheimer's. Matilda decided, with full confidence, that she hated that girl as much as she loved her granddaughter-in-law. She hated this woman, and hate would ensure she remembered her ugly face. Ruby, on the other hand, was furious. Isabel always got what she wanted. It had been that way her entire childhood, but not anymore. Whatever Isabel threw at Ruby, she could take. But damn

Owen was in the middle of an inspection tour with the plant manager. All the regular workers were kept at a distance, and the entrance was blocked by bodyguards, making it impossible to get close.Ruby could only watch him from a distance through a large glass window. The man himself was a stunning contrast to the workshop around him. Dressed in a tailored suit, his handsome features and commanding presence seemed to belong somewhere far from the dim, cold machinery he was surrounded by.He listened intently to the plant manager's report, and the few times he spoke, his comments left the manager looking both surprised and impressed.After just a few minutes, it was clear the man was completely won over. Then, as if sensing her gaze, Owen slowly turned his head.As his eyes met Ruby's, she gave him a little wave. What the heck? He frowned.Ruby waved harder now, thinking this was when he'd walk over to her.Instead, he just looked away. A moment later, Leo appeared at the window and, w