Chapter 32
721 Words
If she'd gone back to the family estate, or even stayed at Ruby's, they would have slept in separate rooms.
But if they both stayed at the hospital with her, they'd be forced to spend more time together.
But she has a boyfriend.
Owen's jaw tightened.
He wanted to keep his distance from her, but his grandmother's health mattered more.
Swallowing his frustration, he sent Ruby a message on w******p informing her that he would be picking her up after work to visit Matilda at the hospital.
Her reply came quickly.
She was already in a cab and on her way.
She was good at keeping things uncomplicated.
Owen should have felt relieved.
Instead, the knot of irritation in his chest tightened.
Ruby wasn't overthinking it.
Her plan was simple: to keep playing her role until the truth about their marriage came out.
This whole mess had to be his fault, or so she believed.
After all, who would go to this much trouble for a nobody like her?
She made her way toward the VIP ward, Kitty tucked securely in her arms.
Nearby, Natalia was leaving a follow-up appointment.
Isabel held her arm, with Nancy walking alongside them.
Natalia slowed.
Is that Ruby? Why is she at the hospital? Is she sick?
Isabel's jaw clenched.
The Knights couldn't keep Matilda's hospitalization a secret, but the stubborn old woman had been refusing all visitors.
Isabel herself had tried earlier and had been turned away at the door, which meant Ruby had to be there to keep the old hag company.
An idea flickered across Isabel's mind.
She must be visiting Matilda, she said, her voice dripping with false admiration.
Ruby is just so devoted.
Nancy scoffed.
Devoted? I've never seen her come visit you.
Nancy had been Natalia's caretaker and companion her entire life.
Unmarried, she had devoted herself fully to Natalia.
Who treated her like a sister.
Her place in the Vance family was secure, so much so that even Isabel treated her with respect.
Ruby had a difficult time in our family, Natalia said softly.
Are you still defending her?
Nancy shot back immediately.
I couldn't stand Sheila's petty ways any more than you.
But she was right about one thing.
Ruby is an ungrateful brat. It's a waste of your energy to worry about her.
She probably forgot you existed ages ago.
Isabel chimed in.
I heard Owen found her a job at the Knight Group, so she's probably just trying to repay Mrs. Knight.
Right?
Nancy scoffed.
Your mother raised her, for heaven's sake, when she was little. She was the one who fed her and sent her to school.
That's a debt she can never truly repay.
Yet we don't see her showing you any gratitude.
All right, that's enough, Natalia said quietly.
But Isabel pressed on.
Mom, you're just too kind. You never expect anything in return.
Think about it. Some people like Dr. N pay a small kindness a thousand times over.
You helped with their tuition.
And look at everything they've done for our family.
That technical patent they gave us three years ago.
It saved the company.
Nancy nodded eagerly.
When you put it that way, Dr. N sounds leagues better than Ruby.
I don't even know what they look like, but I bet they have a kind face.
You can tell a lot about a person from their face.
Isabel put on a thoughtful pout.
Now, I want to know what Doctor N looks like too.
Mom, will you take me with you tomorrow?
Natalia smiled.
All right, I'll take you.
The three of them headed to the parking lot and drove off.
What they didn't realize was that Ruby had heard the entire exchange.
Her gaze lingered on Natalia.
She looked fragile and worn down.
Watching Isabel with her mother, Ruby felt a pang of sadness.
She wished she could be with her own mother like that.
Only when the car disappeared from view did she finally tear her eyes away.
When she turned, she nearly collided with someone.
Sweetie, who is that?
Matilda asked, standing right behind her.
She looks so familiar.
Ruby's throat tightened.
You look just alike, Matilda murmured, then her eyes widened.
Wait a minute, I remember now.
She looked straight at Ruby.
She's your mother.
- Writer
