TENSION IN SILK AND SHADOWS
932 Words
Chapter 8 – “Tension in Silk and Shadows”
—
[Next Morning]
Ruby was already out of bed, dressed in high-waisted trousers and a fitted blouse that screamed elegance and control. She didn’t bother waking Royal, who had slept in the guest room again after their argument. Not that she minded—his silence was a blessing in disguise.
Downstairs, the mansion buzzed quietly with life. Ivy lounged in the living room, scrolling through her phone with a smug look as if she had already started her day by spreading chaos.
Clarissa was on the phone nearby, laughing a little too loudly, her voice filled with that sickly sweetness that Ruby hated.
Ruby grabbed her purse and keys. She didn’t need the driver today—she needed the freedom.
As she exited, Clarissa cut the call and followed her. “Ruby,” she called in that fake-concerned tone.
Ruby turned, keeping her expression blank.
“I hope you’re treating Royal well. After all, without me, you wouldn’t be where you are.”
Ruby’s jaw clenched. “You mean—married off like a business transaction to a man who thinks emotions are a virus?”
Clarissa smiled coldly. “You’re welcome.”
Without another word, Ruby walked out.
—
*At Kingsley Designs HQ – The Day of the Final Dress Launch*
Today’s launch wasn’t just any event—it was that event. Fashion critics, buyers, bloggers, and international investors were attending. The final dress in the “Rebirth” line—designed personally by Ruby—was set to be unveiled.
She stepped into the spotlight like a queen reclaiming her throne. Cameras flashed. Eyes turned. And Royal… he watched her from the sidelines, jaw tight, wondering how someone could glow after such a fight.
He hated it.
He also admired it.
Vanessa arrived late and predictably dramatic, wearing a dress from another brand—on purpose.
As Ruby mingled with guests, Royal approached her, speaking low into her ear, “You’re handling this like a pro.”
She smiled without looking at him. “Unlike some, I don’t let personal mess interfere with professional goals.”
He gave a dry chuckle. “Is that why you’re ignoring me?”
“I’m managing you,” she replied smoothly. “You fall under business now.”
Before he could respond, an international designer "Marco DeLuca" walked up and kissed Ruby’s hand. “Bellissima! Your work,it speaks rebellion and elegance. I would kill! to collaborate.”
Ruby lit up. “I’d love that, Marco. Truly.”
Royal stiffened. Marco? ,This Marco?
“You two seem… familiar,” he muttered.
Ruby turned to him with a sugar- sweet smile ." He appreciates my value . you should try it sometime ".
—
The sleek black car rolled through the city lights as Ruby stared out of the window, her thoughts louder than the soft jazz humming through the speakers. Royal sat beside her, tapping lightly on his phone.
The tension between them was almost a third passenger.
"You were quiet the whole day," Royal finally said, not looking at her.
"Would it have made a difference if I spoke?" she shot back, still not turning to him.
He sighed, slipping the phone into his jacket pocket. “You’re impossible.”
“No, Royal. I'm just tired of playing games I didn’t sign up for.”
The elevator pulled up in front of the headquarters. Royal's business partner, Damien was already waiting at the office with a smug look.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the golden couple,” said sarcastically.
"What are you doing here, don't remember having any appointments with", said royal.
"Just wanted to say hi to your wife", said Damien looking at ruby.
"hi, my name is Damien and you?"
ruby stretched froward her hand ,
"Ruby, nice to meet you " said ruby.
"you look beautiful
[That Evening – At Home]
The dinner table was tense.
Clarissa, Ivy, and even Amber (who’d returned after her modeling gig) were dining with them. Royal sat at the head. Ruby, opposite.
Clarissa spoke first, slicing into her steak. “The photos from the launch went viral. You two look so in love.”
Ivy snorted. “It’s called good acting.”
Royal ignored them, watching Ruby who was silently sipping her wine.
Then Amber, always poking the fire, added, “So, Ruby… do you miss the single life? Or is pretending to be happy easier than expected?”
Ruby set down her glass. “I don’t miss being manipulated by my mother or having my wardrobe raided by wannabe influencers.”
Ivy gasped.
Amber’s smirk dropped.
Clarissa slammed her hand on the table. “Enough!”
Royal leaned forward. “No—go on. This dinner’s finally interesting.”
Ruby stood slowly. “Excuse me. I have a dress to burn.”
She exited with quiet grace, leaving the room stunned.
—
the Garden Later That Night
Royal found her sitting near the fountain, barefoot, dress hitched slightly as she stared at the moonlight reflecting off the water.
He sat beside her, silent for a moment.
“You make everything look easy,” he finally said.
She didn’t look at him. “That’s because I cry in private.”
He exhaled. “I’m not good at this.”
“Marriage?” she asked.
“Feelings,” he admitted.
She chuckled bitterly. “Then lucky for you, this was never real, right?”
He turned to her. “But it feels real now… doesn’t it?”
"Excuse me ", ruby said existing the garden.
- Writer
