Married To a Stranger

Chapter 3

With Ruby lost in her own thought,"Shelia was taking her own trip down her memory.

Had that wretched Natalia not appeared over twenty years ago.

I would have been Warren's bride. Sheila reflected sourly. For two decades, she had lived with a secret only she knew.

Her hatred for Natalia had run so deep that when she was about to give birth, Sheila deliberately induced her own labor to match and got the baby swapped.

She'd spent her life as the other woman, but she refused to let her own daughter be branded the illegitimate one.

So she changed their fates. Her child got the name, the status, the future.

And Natalia's child, cast aside, forgotten, a girl no one cared about.

As she looked at Isabel's reflection in the mirror, dripping in diamonds, dressed in couture, the resentment in her heart faded, replaced with pride.

At least Izzie got the life I never did. She's about to have a gorgeous wedding, one Natalia is paying for.

And Ruby. Sheila's lips curled slightly. Poor Ruby, Natalia's real daughter ended up marrying some useless nobody.

If that's not karma, I don't know what is.

Easy, sweetheart. She cooed. Owen Knight is probably coming just to see you. He knows how special you are, so make sure you look perfect today.

Ruby watched the scene with a sarcastic smile. The way Sheila doted on Isabel always made her wonder who Sheila's real daughter actually was.

Sometimes Ruby felt so disconnected from her mother that it was like she'd somehow stepped into the wrong life.

But she'd learned long ago not to dwell on it. Ruby waited under the staircase, eyes fixed on the entrance. She was only here for one reason.

The moment Owen showed up, she'd find him and demand answers.

A few moments later, Natalia Anderson made her way downstairs, leaning on a maid for support. Her elegant purple dress made her look distinguished.

She was clearly frail, but she still carried herself with a quiet, intellectual grace.

It was so ironic. Natalia Anderson, the one person who should have hated her the most, was the only source of warmth she had in this entire family.

Even though Ruby's own mother had nearly destroyed Natalia's marriage, Natalia never once mistreated her, never punished her.

Never took it out on her. Instead, she had always been gentle, always kind, always motherly.

In contrast, Sheila barely acknowledged her. As a child, Ruby went unfed more often than not, her tiny body shrinking to skin and bones.

Sheila was always too obsessed with Isabel, hovering over her, doting on her, acting as if Ruby didn't exist.

It was Natalia who found Ruby one day crying quietly from hunger. And from that moment on, she made sure food was left out for Ruby every single day.

For twelve long years. She had such a kind, generous heart that she cared for her husband's mistress's child as if she were her own.

She even defended Ruby from Warren and anyone else in the household who tried to mistreat her. Ruby never forgot that.

No matter how hard she tried to keep her distance, she felt an inexplicable connection to Natalia, something warm, deep.

And difficult to put into words. Natalia broke into a rough coughing spell, struggling to catch her breath.

Ruby watched her with a heavy heart as a wave of affection washed over her. She wanted to step out of the shadows and run into Natalia's arms.

But she held herself back. She remembered the last time she tried to speak to Natalia, how Isabel had thrown a fit screaming, She's my mother.

Until everyone turned on Ruby. She wasn't in the mood for that. Today, she had only one goal.

Find Owen.

Just then, a stir at the entrance announced the Knights' arrival.

They're here. Warren announced and escorted his wife to the door. The couple greeted the elders of the Knight family.

After a few polite words, they stepped aside, and a large group of people swept into the house. Ruby spotted Owen Knight immediately.

He was at the front of the group, the undeniable center of attention in a perfectly tailored black suit. His face was even more striking in person.

Than in the photo, with strong, defined features and a sharp jawline. Maybe he felt her staring, because suddenly Owen looked right at her.

Their eyes met for a split second, and his gaze was so intense it made Ruby's heart skip a beat.

She tried to find any trace of recognition in his expression, but he looked away before she could.

Ruby was left feeling confused. Did he know who she was or not?

Warren smiled and ushered Owen inside. Mr. Knight. Where is your wife? Didn't she come with you?

The moment he asked, Ruby felt her cheeks burn. She looked at Owen keenly, but this time he didn't return her stare.

No, she's not a huge fan of strangers, he replied tersely, catching Warren off guard.

The group chatted as they made their way to the reception hall. Carter Knight, her old classmate who'd pursued her for four years, trailed behind the adults.

Dressed in a suit, he looked more mature than he had in college. He didn't see Ruby. He was talking quietly with Isabel, though he seemed a little distracted.

Everyone crowded around Owen, leading him to the seat of honor as they began discussing the engagement. Only then did Ruby step out of the shadows.

She stood there quietly watching the lively scene with bored eyes. She failed to notice how Carter instantly spotted her and bristled.

Because someone had grabbed Ruby's arm roughly from behind.

Sheila.

Just in a low voice. Ruby, what are you still doing here? Are you still hung up on Carter? Let me tell you.

He's now your brother-in-law. Now, don't you dare try and put the moves on him.

Ruby yanked her arm away and sneered, don't worry, I'm not interested in being a homewrecker like you. Mr. Anderson asked me to stay for a celebratory drink.

Ever since she was old enough to understand, she had always called Warren, Mr. Anderson. He never bothered being a father to her.

So she had no reason to address him that way either. Sheila gritted her teeth. He was just being polite. Did you actually take him seriously?

You really don't know your place. Even I can't risk embarrassing the family. Do you really think we can have an illegitimate daughter sitting at the table?

Get out of here right now.

Ruby suppressed a laugh at her mother's delusional self-importance in the Anderson family. She was ready with a retort for Sheila when, out of the corner of her eye.

She saw Owen stand up. He gestured to his phone and walked toward the terrace, probably to take a call. This was her opening.

Ruby's eyes lit up, and she nodded to her mother. Fine, I'm leaving.

She casually brushed past Sheila and walked out of the living room, but soon changed direction and headed for the terrace.

The first-floor terrace opened up to the garden. As soon as Ruby got close, the man on the phone abruptly hung up and turned his sharp, intense eyes.

Locking on to her, Ruby froze. Meeting his dangerous gaze, she suddenly broke into a hesitant smile and awkwardly greeted him.

Hey there, husband.