Bound By Blood Torn By Desire

RUBY On one of the coldest August Friday nights, Ruby staggered to the hotel balcony. She managed to stand on her feet, while blocking the noise coming from the back and forth movement of the so-called family and guests invited to her “sudden” wedding. “Ruby! Ruby!” Lily, her best friend since middle school, yelled while entering the balcony. “Here you are. I've been searching everywhere for you. The guests are asking after you”. “What guest? I don't know anyone, please,” Ruby said, feeling irritated by the word "guest." " Ruby, Lily said, in a slow yet concerned tone. I totally understand you, but you know I got you. "I really wish I could be the bride instead of you, as you know, I don't really care who I marry as long as he's wealthy," Lily said, feeling unashamed. Ruby gave Lily a disgusted gaze as she swung the chair backwards to sit. "Come on Ruby, just do this for your family. They have been the ones raising you since childhood". "But Lily, Ruby started, her voice shaking with tears gathered in her eyeballs." I'm scared. "What do I do if he doesn't like me? What if he hits me? What if he…" "None of those will happen as long as I'm here," Lily said, cutting her short. Almost immediately, the door flung open, and following the cold breeze was a strong vanilla scent with a blend of sophisticated amber. Ruby immediately recognized the scent and her tummy twisted. Her mood went from bad to worse as her mother approached in a white flowery gown and accessories to complement the dressing. “What are you doing here? Won't you dress up for the dinner party?” Margie said, almost shouting. Ruby scoffed. "Can't you just be the bride, since you are already dressed like one? And why are you here instead of my bridesmaids?" “Don't make me laugh, Ruby. Lily practically hired a group of ladies for you. You have no friends, remember. And what makes you think you can talk back to me? You would have been sent out of the orphanage if not for our help”. “ Isn't that too harsh, Margie? " Lily cut in. Margie continued, facing Lily “This is the little she can do for us as a family. We only asked her to get married to save us from sudden poverty, and she's angry? How ungrateful.” She stormed out of the room, breathing heavily. Ruby broke down in tears, shaking nervously. Though she was always reminded of her past trauma by her adoptive parents, it shouldn't be a night before her wedding. She ran to the bathroom to deliberately hurt herself. That was the only way she could handle pain ever since her parents’ death. Lily rushed after her, banging on the bathroom door and calling out to her. " Ruby, listen to me carefully, okay? " Even if you're not doing this for anyone, do it for yourself, do it for your peace of min…. “Peace of what? You really think I'll have peace of mind as long as I'm in that family? They'll continue using me as a ladder to step up, Lily. Don't you get it? Oh, you wouldn't, you still have your birth parents.” “Be brave, Ruby, show them that you're stronger than them.” “But how?” “Let this marriage be a successful one. Use this marriage as a stepping stone, Ruby. Whatever happens, do not back out of this marriage because you don't want it.” “Please, come out already and get dressed, the stylists are waiting for you.” Ruby slowly opened the bathroom door while peeping outside. "Feeling embarrassed? You don't have to. I do cry a lot too," Lily smiled while collapsing on the bed. The stylists were as fast as possible. They were done dressing her up, and Ruby was as beautiful as ever. Her tight-fitting long gown brought out her beautiful curvy shape and her long hair was styled so neatly. She checked herself out in the mirror and admired how gorgeous she looked. “You look so beautiful ma'am,” one of the stylists complimented. Ruby forced a smile, feeling awkward.“Thank you.” The hall was decorated luxuriously with balloons and ambient LED lights glowing beautifully, creating a dynamic atmosphere. The tables have been set with a tree centerpiece and floating candles in water vases with perfectly aligned glasses. The bride-to-be was ready for the dinner party. They walked out of the hotel room to meet the groom and the rest of the family as well as the bridesmaids. “‘Ruby Wilson”? Clara, one of the bridesmaids, called out while wandering the hotel floor, rather shocked. Ruby turned back, shocked to hear her birth father's name. She looked lost, unable to identify the face. Clara smirked “I see you don't recognize me. Isn't it amazing? You have got a new father for yourself, a very wealthy one at that.” She laughed scornfully and continued, "Do you not feel bad for your parents? You practically drove them to their death, Ruby." “Clara, shut your mouth before I do the unthinkable,” Ruby said, fuming with anger, ready to slap Clara, but Lily held her, pleading not to do anything rash. “I'm telling the truth, aren't I? You suggested going to the amusement park which got your parents’ killed.” “You must be happy now, you're having one of the most luxurious weddings.” “That’s enough, Clara.” Lily shouted in anger. "What do you think you're doing?" Lily pushed her, ready to start a fight. “Leave her alone, Lily". Ruby said in a shaky voice while still in tears. "She's right, and it's all my fault." “The accident wouldn't have happened if I hadn't suggested going out on Christmas Eve.” "My life would have been better than this, don't you think so, Clara?" Margie, who had been watching the scene from afar, moved closer. “What is going on here?” She turned to Ruby: “I don't care what you two owe each other, but don't ruin your make-up with your crocodile tears. You don't want the guests to be disappointed, do you?” Giving no response, Lily led Ruby back to the hotel room to adjust her dress and make-up. “You have to take a shower and redo your make-up as fast as possible. You can't go to the party looking like that,” Lily said, already frustrated by the whole drama. " Sure, I was planning to do that. Can you all please leave the room for a while? I want to be left alone, including you, Lily. “ "Alright, call us when you need something." Ruby took a cold shower, the water savaging through her body. It felt refreshing and served as comfort for a moment. She got out of the bathroom, ready to dress up while tying the towel around her waist, leaving her upper body naked. There was a soft knock on the door, without waiting for a response, the door knob was pushed, and the door flung open. She was sure it was a man.