Free Web NovelChapter 77: A new man
"Ruby," I called, watching as she entered the car and sat beside me.
"I was scolded. Warned. Threatened," she listed.
My eyes narrowed as she looked at me. "The brothers were not happy." She pressed her lips together and slipped her phone into her purse.
"What did they say to you?"
"As usual, they blamed me for all the bad things that have happened to you since the beginning of the world," Ruby scoffed. I rolled my eyes.
Like I wasn’t living peacefully before their appearance.
"Can we go now, or should I wait outside for you?" Landon looked over his shoulder as he posed the question.
"Let’s go."
"Alright," Landon locked the door, started the car, and drove out of the hotel.
As the car moved, I tried to think of what to say to her. She must be expecting an explanation. I needed to give her one. I couldn’t remain quiet.
"Uh, Ruby," I called, looking at her.
"Yes?" She turned her attention to me.
"About Cameron..." I started.
"No, you don’t have to say anything. I spoke to him, and I also apologized."
"You apologized?" I snapped, baffled. Why would she apologize to him? For what reason?
She turned toward me. "We were both wrong. I had to apologize."
"I don’t understand; make it make sense. Help me understand," I demanded.
"Cameron never showed interest in me—from his responses, his body language, even his messages. He never showed interest. I was the one forcing things."
"What?"
"It’s true. I was the one forcing the connection."
"Ruby..."
"It’s true. He doesn’t like me. I know this," she lowered her gaze, looking sad.
"Ruby... I am sorry; I shouldn’t have lied to you. I..." I started to apologize, but she cut me off.
"But the good thing is," she lifted her gaze and settled it on me once more, "another guy showed interest in me," she grinned. "He’s a businessman."
My eyes flew open. "Really?"
"Yes. We exchanged contacts, and he promised to message me soon. He introduced himself as Simon."
"Simon?"
"Yes, I looked him up online, and look," she took out her phone, opened it, and showed it to me. "Do you see his net worth?"
"Oh my gosh," I gasped, looking at the figures displayed on the screen. "He’s a billionaire."
"Yes, just like the brothers. He wasn’t born into money, though; he started from scratch and worked his way up."
"Wait, I think I recognize him," I pointed out when I saw his picture.
"Yes, he was the man sitting opposite you. He started talking to me when you left to confront Cameron."
"Ohh."
"He’s a fine man," I noted.
"He is," she grinned, returning her phone to her bag.
"You seem happy," I observed.
"I am. I succeeded."
"I thought you liked Cameron."
"Yeah, I do like Cameron, but I found someone better. Simon is more into me than I am into him. He likes me," she giggled.
"I can tell. I hope things work out between you," I sighed, feeling happy and relieved.
"I hope so too. I have a feeling he’ll ask me out on a date soon."
"He will."
"What should I wear to this date? What color of lipstick should I use? What should I order? I wonder how my date will go," she said, clasping her hands and closing her eyes.
I smiled and shook my head. I’m glad she’s happy. Regarding Cameron, I agree with her assessment, but I can’t help feeling angry at him for his actions.
He shouldn’t have behaved that way in front of her. He knew she was interested in him; he totally disrespected her by flirting with me. Any disrespect shown to my friend is also a form of disrespect towards me. It won’t be tolerated.
The beeping of my phone drew my attention. I grabbed my phone and saw a message from a new number. I opened my inbox and read it.
"I’m sorry if I annoyed you, but I meant every word I said to you. This is my number; I hope to speak to you soon. Cameron."
My eyes widened as I read the last word. I snapped my gaze to Ruby.
"Did you give him my number?" I gasped.
"Who?" She frowned, but as I continued staring at her, realization dawned on her.
"Cameron?" she asked. "Well, I didn’t want to appear like a jealous friend."
"Is that why you gave him my number?"
"Yes," she nodded.
"Oh, moon goddess!" I slapped my hand against my forehead. I can’t believe this. This is absolutely ridiculous.
"He’s the president’s son; he would have gotten your number either way," she murmured. "He just has to make a few calls or give a few orders, and he’ll get your number." fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
"But—"
"I’m okay; you don’t need to worry about me. I’m totally fine."
"I’m not referring to that; I’m talking about the brothers. What will they think if they find out you gave a guy my number?"
"He’s not just any guy," she argued.
"They’ll ban you from coming to the house. They’ll make sure we never see each other again. Ruby, you should have thought this through. I don’t like Cameron. I know he’s the president’s son, but that doesn’t mean I want him."
"The brothers make you jealous all the time with their different women; why can’t you do the same?" she argued.
"I’m not like that. I don’t need to cheat just because they did. If I were to cheat, it would be because I want to, not to retaliate. I’d be disrespecting myself otherwise."
"No one is asking you to cheat; just go out with him. He’s powerful; the brothers won’t be able to harm him. He’s not Cole."
"Ruby!"
"What? Think about it."
"You’re suggesting I use him. It’s unfair."
"I’m suggesting you put the brothers in their place. Show them what you’re capable of."
"And who says they can’t hurt him?" I laughed. "You don’t know the lengths they’ll go to. They’re crazy—all of them."
"I’m curious," she smirked.
I scoffed. "I refuse, thank you."
She hissed. "Coward."
I opened my mouth to respond, but my phone rang. Looking at the screen, I read the name of the caller.
Bryce.
What does he want now?
