BACK TO BACK 🔥
1186 Words
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CHAPTER SEVEN– Back to Back
Ivy shrugged, strolling into the kitchen like she owned it. “Oh, please. You have more clothes than you can wear. Sharing is caring, right?”
Ruby stared at her, wine glass still in hand. “Last I checked, squatting in someone’s house doesn’t come with a wardrobe subscription.”
Ivy’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Relax, sis. We’re family.”
“That’s funny,” Ruby said with a tight smile, “because I don’t remember inviting family over.”
Ivy leaned against the marble island, examining her nails. “Clarissa said I should keep you company. Make sure married life doesn’t overwhelm you.”
“Oh, right. Wouldn’t want me to forget I was manipulated into this circus,” Ruby muttered.
Ivy smirked. “You could’ve said no.”
Ruby’s jaw tensed. “Could I? With Clarissa dangling my career like a carrot in one hand and a forged contract in the other?”
Ivy took a slow sip from Ruby’s wine glass. “Anyway, how’s married life with the ever-so-sexy Royal Kingsley?”
Ruby gave her a blank stare. “Are you here for gossip or just to parade around in my clothes?”
“Both,” Ivy said with a wink.
Before Ruby could reply, Royal entered the kitchen, still in his crisp navy shirt, sleeves rolled up, tension radiating off him.
His eyes flicked from Ruby to Ivy. “What’s going on?”
“Just bonding with my big sister,” Ivy purred.
Royal looked unimpressed. “Didn’t know we were running a resort.”
Ruby stepped in. “It’s fine. She’ll be gone in the morning.”
“Actually,” Ivy interjected, “Clarissa said I should stay a while. Something about needing space back home.”
Ruby turned to Royal. “You’re not seriously letting her stay here.”
He shrugged. “Your house too, remember?”
Ruby gave him a look. “That’s the problem. Nothing here feels like it’s mine.”
Ivy raised an eyebrow, enjoying the tension. “Wow. Honeymoon phase going strong, I see.”
Royal ignored her. “We have the gala Friday night. Be ready.”
“I have a name, Royal. You could try using it when you bark orders,” Ruby said, brushing past him.
He turned slightly. “Ruby.”
She paused but didn’t look back.
Royal continued, softer this time, “You did good today.”
She didn’t reply—just kept walking.
But a small, unreadable smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she disappeared up the stairs.
Ivy sighed dramatically. “God, the tension in this place could cut glass.”
Royal shot her a warning glance. “Don’t stir anything.”
Ivy just smiled innocently. “Too late.”
—
The tension from the previous night lingered like fog as Ruby descended the stairs the next morning. She was dressed sharply in a tailored cream pantsuit, hair swept into a sleek bun, heels clicking authoritatively against the marble floor. If the world was her runway, today she was owning it.
Royal sat at the breakfast bar, a mug of black coffee in hand, going through documents on his tablet. He didn’t look up, but he felt her presence the second she stepped in. It was like the room adjusted itself to accommodate her energy.
“I’ll need the car keys,” Ruby said coolly.
“Chauffeur’s already waiting,” he replied, eyes still on the screen.
Ruby raised a brow. “You know, I’m quite capable of driving myself.”
Royal finally looked up. His eyes scanned her—calm, confident, and undeniably breathtaking. “And I’m quite capable of ensuring you’re not late for the press briefing.”
Their eyes locked for a moment—no fire, no rage—just a taut string of unspoken emotions.
Ivy entered right on cue, wearing one of Ruby’s silk robes like it was her own. She grabbed a croissant and perched on the edge of the counter. “Morning, newlyweds. You both look so… married.”
Ruby didn’t even glance at her. “Steal another piece of clothing from me and I’ll have the locks changed.”
Ivy grinned. “Relax, big sis. Sharing is bonding.”
Royal stood abruptly. “Let’s go.”
Ruby followed him out, ignoring Ivy’s smirk behind her.
—
[At the Kingsley Designs Headquarter]
The press event was a grand affair. Cameras flashed, reporters buzzed, and fashion bloggers filled the room with eager whispers. Ruby’s new line—a bold, dreamy collection inspired by femininity and rebellion—was center stage.
She stood poised next to Royal, answering questions with charm and poise, while he played the supportive partner flawlessly, hand on her back, subtle smiles for the cameras.
Yet, behind those perfect smiles, a storm brewed.
After the event, as they walked to Royal’s private office, Vanessa intercepted them.
Wearing a dangerously tight black dress, she blocked Ruby’s path with a saccharine smile. “Ruby, that dress—just stunning. Did you design it for desperate wives trying to seduce cold husbands?”
Ruby blinked once, lips curling in amusement. “No, actually. I designed it for women who don’t need to seduce to be remembered.”
Vanessa’s smile wavered.
Royal glanced between them, clearly tired.
Vanessa leaned into him. “I just wanted to remind you of our dinner meeting tonight.”
“Dinner meeting?” Ruby repeated, c*****g her head.
“Work,” Vanessa said with a smirk. “You know… grown-up things.”
Ruby didn’t react. She turned to Royal. “Don’t forget to take your meds. Arrogance is a known side effect.”
She walked past them and straight into the office, heels echoing.
—
*Later That Night – At Home*
Royal returned home late. The lights in the living room were dimmed. Ruby sat on the couch, in a satin robe, sipping tea and watching a movie. She didn’t acknowledge him.
He removed his jacket, placed it over a chair. “You’re still up.”
“I live here too,” she replied calmly.
He sighed. “Don’t start.”
“I’m not,” she said, eyes still on the screen. “Just curious. How was Vanessa?”
Royal stepped closer. “It was a meeting. For business.”
Ruby finally looked at him. “And what part of business involves her resting her hand on your thigh in front of a full room?”
His brows rose. “Were you spying?”
“I don’t need to. She posted it on her story. Hashtag: ‘power moves’.”
Silence.
Ruby stood and walked past him. “I don’t care who you spend time with, Royal. Just don’t insult my intelligence.”
He grabbed her arm gently. “Ruby…”
She turned, eyes burning. “You treat this like a joke. Like none of this matters. But it does. To me.”
His grip loosened, but his gaze never left hers.
“I’m not your enemy,” he said quietly.
Ruby stepped back. “Then stop acting like it.
- Writer
