Married To a Stranger

Chapter 4

In an instant, Owen's face darkened, his eyes narrowed, completely void of emotion.

He stared at her for a second, then turned to head back into the party.

Ruby quickly stepped in front of him, blocking his path. Owen's brow furrowed. Move, he ordered. His voice was low and smooth.

The kind of voice that pulled you in with its refined charm, even when he was telling you to get lost. Ruby sensed something was off.

You really don't recognize me? She asked cautiously. Owen looked down at her with an indifferent expression and scoffed.

Why should I?

Ever since he'd set foot in the Anderson house, he'd felt a pair of eyes on him. It wasn't the usual ogling that he was used to.

This young woman was just so direct. He had found himself glancing her way more than once.

She was undoubtedly beautiful, with almond-shaped eyes and a small mole near the corner of one eye that somehow made her even more alluring.

He had noticed her lurking in the shadows from the very start, and even though she was quiet the entire time, he could see a wild, rebellious streak simmering just beneath the surface.

Owen was taken aback by how, when their eyes met, she hadn't even flinched, just held his gaze.

As if they were equals. And even though she was different from the usual women who threw themselves at him, he just hadn't expected her to be this bold.

Calling him husband to his face. His patience wore thin.

Miss. He said sharply, I'm a married man. Have some self-respect.

Ruby was baffled. He didn't seem to recognize her, but he claimed he was married.

Could the city clerk's office have actually screwed up the paperwork? She wondered. Perhaps there was some mix-up, but I need to keep pushing.

And so she pressed on.

Your wife's name is none of your business. His reply was cold and blunt.

Exhausted, Ruby pulled a folded photocopy of a marriage certificate from her pocket and held it out.

Mr. Knight, this is you, isn't it?

Owen glanced at the paper, surprised to see his face and name on it.

His eyes then landed on the woman's name, Ruby Anderson.

He looked up at her and huffed.

Miss Anderson, an original isn't that expensive? If you're going to forge something, at least make it look convincing.

With that, he didn't even bother going back to the party. He just cut through the garden, heading for the parking lot.

Wait, it's not what you think. Ruby hurried after him, trying to explain, but two bodyguards in black suits materialized out of nowhere.

Blocking her path. She stopped and yelled at his retreating back. Mr. Knight, this is real. If you don't believe me, call the city clerk's office.

Owen didn't even cast her another glance. He just slipped into his car and drove off.

Ruby didn't waste another second either.

She hopped on her scooter and chased after him, determined to get this mistake cleared up.

Ruby hadn't noticed that Isabel had seen her chasing after Owen through the window. Isabel had no clue what was going on between them, but the uneasiness in her chest.

Wouldn't go away. When she returned to the hall, another sight made her stomach twist.

Carter was standing by the window, staring in the direction Ruby had run off to. His expression was distant, almost longing.

Isabel's blood boiled. I have to find a way to send that awful girl away. She seethed inwardly.

After lunch, once the Knight family had departed, Warren looked a bit worried.

I wonder why Mr. Knight left early. Was our hospitality lacking?

Isabel saw an opportunity and seized it.

Dad. She said softly. I saw Ruby pestering Mr. Knight. He left in a hurry, and he left a message.

Warren stiffened. What message?

Isabel put on a wounded expression and whispered.

Mr. Knight said, and these were his exact words. You need to properly discipline the younger daughter of the family.

She bit her lip, voice trembling just enough. If Ruby keeps acting like this, the Knights will think we have no class.

And Carter might walk away from me.

Warren's face drained of color. I'll take care of Ruby. He growled.

Meanwhile, Ruby was still chasing after Owen. Mr. Knight. Wait. She yelled from her electric scooter. But Owen's car sped off and disappeared within minutes.

A wave of frustration washed over her. Then her phone buzzed. It was her subordinate, Miles Jordan.

She snapped, answering in an irritable voice.

Boss, we've got a lot of people sniffing around trying to find out who Dr. N is.

Miles informed. Ruby's bike came to a sudden screeching halt.

What? she gasped, her anger instantly dissolving into panic.

Her eyes widening. No, the Anderson can't know yet. This is not how the world was supposed to find out.

Miles. Do you think my cover is blown? She asked, dreading his reply.