Ruby
I woke up with a heavy heart even after connecting with Julian on a deeper emotional level. It was our last day together. The reality of my life back home seeped in, leaving me on edge.
After last night, I was sure I couldn't go through with any arrangement with Stephen. Even if Julian and I weren't together—even if I never saw him again—I couldn't stomach tying myself to another man business or not.
I'd give up on everything I'd been fighting—Mom's restaurant. And I'd have to find another way out of the mess Dad created with his gambling. A massive wave of anxiety hit me. Would I find a job in time to even keep my apartment when I got home? Would Stephen hate me? Not that I owed him anything, but I knew he'd be disappointed when I told him I wouldn't marry him.
“Real life sucks
