Ruby
I ran towards the garden as soon as Vexon left the house. Since morning, I was waiting for everyone to go to the office so that I could run away.
This opportunity was a rare opportunity. Miss it, be the sufferer. Use it, be the winner.
I dabbed the door slightly until I could see the 'Enter Your Pin' thing.
My hands were sweating. I slowly raised my right hand to type the pin, but my eyes fell on the ring��the ring which Vexon put it on me last night.
His feelings...his words... If I would think it in Ruby style, I could never run away.
Don't think about it, Ruby!
I typed the pin, hesitated.
2001.
As soon as I heard the door click, I knew I typed the right one. Geez. At least like a daily soap, I didn't have to try thrice to get the right password.
I pushed the door with all the force I had within and it opened widely. I looked at the bright sun, shining over me. It was also illuminating the trees and a yellowish-brown type path that was visible as I opened the door. I hesitantly took a step, crossing the border of the Bevine mansion.
I started walking towards the woods, but it didn't scare me as it was daytime. Okay, it did scare me, a little. So I kept praying to God. While I was sauntering away, my brain went under memory lane. Vexon was never leaving my mind.
The way he cares for me... will someone else ever care for me in that way?
The family had problems, but they... I don't know. I felt a special connection with them.
But the most important person who was pulling me was Vexon��his soothing words, his concern, his caring, and loving eyes.
He gave his attention to me when everyone was busy with the wedding. He saved my life. He even watched a series with me, not knowing anything about it, but je asked me about the series with interest, knowing we would get to spend some quality time.
Till coronation, he was very busy. Yet, he was trying to give me time.
When I was about to fall from the railing before he confessed his feelings, I remember his face which was filled with terror. Even when I was stuck under the bed, all he cared about was if I could breathe. Though I got reprimanded, that was due to his care, or...love.
I didn't understand. What was love? How could he fall in love with me and do such cute things? Did everyone in love always do crazy but adorable things?
Kendrik used to do cute things for Pearl, but I thought that was because they were soulmates and meant to be together.
Vexon was not my soulmate or something, right? But if he wasn't, then why would God let him get married to me?
If I ran away, would I find someone like him again?
Would I ever get this comfort and luxurious life again? Would Pearl ever forgive me? What would my in-laws think about me? They might even end up taunting Pearl forever. Could I ruin everything?
I stayed quiet, thinking of all the questions which were arising in my mind.
I should stop wasting my time and make a decision. If Vexon found that I was missing, he would become crazy, and Pearl might faint.
But this is my way towards freedom, isn't it?
If I accepted this marriage, wouldn't that be freedom from a forced marital life?
My heart and brain were having a battle. I was so confused. I didn't know what to do, and I felt helpless for the second time with myself.
If I ran away, I could lead a better life, away from all of these life risks. I could live somewhere where I didn't have to fear for anyone's life.
However, I couldn't forget what everyone did for me. Especially, Vexon. He cared so much for me, whereas I couldn't care less for him.
What should I do? Should I think for myself or think about him? Should I choose a luxurious life or a struggling life?
After thinking for a while, I just did it. I abide by my subconscious and started running. I understood what it meant. Freedom was my home. For me, the Bevine mansion and its people were my home. Though I was late to accept it, now, I do.
But my happiness didn't last long when I tripped over something on the pathway. I looked down to see the stone, but it wasn't a stone. It was the foot of someone. Before I could look towards the person, a handkerchief was placed on my mouth.
I tried my best not to inhale the scent, but in the end, it was futile. Darkness engulfed me.
___
VEXON
"Don't you feel suspicious about this whole thing, boss?" Mane's voice brought me out of my trance.
Currently, we were in our base but I and Mane were sitting in my cabin. He was explaining something I didn't get. I was busy thinking about this weird feeling in my heart.
I didn't know why I was getting a strange feeling. Every time I tried to put emphasis on that feeling, it clenched my heart. This feeling was quite unusual, unlike anything I had ever felt before.
"Boss?"
"Yeah?"
"Are you okay?" he asked with concern.
I slightly nodded and dismissed him. "We will talk about this later."
Mane agreed and closed the door, leaving me alone in the office room.
Why was I feeling this? Ever since I left for my office, I was getting this sensation.
Damn! What's this unusual feeling?
I ran a hand through my hair due to frustration. All of a sudden, my eyes fell on the small, rectangular-shaped photo frame.
I took the frame on my hand and looked at the picture. The picture was of Ruby. She was wearing a purple gown and it was clicked by Mane when she was getting out of the car at Kendrik's wedding. It was clicked at the time when I called her Queen.
Her cute smile got cuter with those dimples. It was as if she just stepped on the red carpet. Her long wavy black hair was tied in a fishtail braid.
Mane gifted me this picture in a frame as a wedding gift. Since then, I have placed the frame on my table beside my MacBook. So that I could see her, even if I was busy.
I was touching her face in the photo with my thumb. "You never answered if you wanted to give me a chance. I just wish you will, one day," I mumbled. "And I hope that day isn't long. If it is, I waited five years already, another five will cause no harm."
"Vexon, why didn't you hear Mane? It was important." Cason barged into my cabin.
I rolled my eyes. "What?"
"Don't you find the boxes going missing, suspicious?" he asked, pulling out a chair for himself.
We still didn't find the boxes which went missing during the shipment.
I kept the photo frame back in its place and said, "Of course. It was meant to distract us. The Aconites knew the curtains we used to cover their eyes. They did this to kill me before the coronation. But I wonder how they would because if I went to the warehouse, of course, I would take enough men with me."
"So how can they kill you?" Cason questioned.
"As if I��" I stopped midway when I realized something. The beeping on my MacBook was heard when I entered my cabin earlier, which I avoided it thinking it was spam.
How could I forget that?
I glanced at Cason. He looked back at me in confusion, until he understood. His eyes grew as big as saucers.
"Ruby," we muttered in unison and instantly rushed towards the door.
Please keep her safe, God!
