Page 58 of My Ruthless Husband

“Then we talk on the phone,” He said again. I bit my lower lip to hide my smile. And when his eyes dropped to my mouth, I wanted to duck under the table to hide because I knew my face was bright red.

I cleared my throat and tucked a curl behind my ear. “What do you do when you’re not with meortalking to me on the phone?”

“Hmm.” He leaned back. “When I need a break, I step out onto the balcony, light a cigarette, and just gaze at the night sky.”

“Because it’s peaceful?”

“Because it’s black. Like my soul.”

My lips parted in surprise. “Why do you say that?”

He just shrugged and went back to eating his food.

“Well, the night sky isn’t always black you know.” I said softly. “It has stars that illuminate the sky, dispelling the darkness.”

Damian stilled, the fork hovering mid-air. His gaze locked with mine, and for a brief moment, something flickered in his expression—something I couldn’t quite read—before it vanished as quickly as it had appeared. He lowered the fork slowly, his gaze still on me as he replied, “I suppose you’re right. They aren’t bad to look at either.”

That’s when I made up my mind. I was going to take him stargazing. I wanted to show him that even in the darkness, there’s beauty to be found. That the stars and the night skycreate a breathtaking picture, proving they were always meant to be together.

Everything was set. I had gone all out to make this evening unforgettable. A rented telescope, snacks, and a carefully curated playlist of songs were all packed and ready.

I tracked down the best astronomy expert I could find online, met with her, and soaked up everything I could about the cosmos. I learned the stories behind the constellations and committed it all to memory, knowing it would interest him.

This surprise was meant to create a deeper connection between us, a way for him to truly see how much he meant to me. Everything was in place, ready. For his mesmerizing night eyes.

Then, just hours before we were supposed to meet, it all went to waste. He had to cancel because of an unexpected work commitment. I understood, of course. His job was demanding. Still, it was a disappointment.

That was four days ago. He must be swamped with work because I haven’t heard from him in four agonizingly long days.

It’s 11 PM, and I’m sitting in my apartment, unable to sleep. My oversized t-shirt, the one I love to sleep in, hangs loosely on me, and my dark curls are pulled back in a messy ponytail. My feet are warm in fluffy socks, and my face is makeup-free. Sleep has completely eluded me tonight, so instead of tossing and turning, I decided to work on my assignment. At least if I stay busy, I might be able to wear myself out enough to finally drift off.

After an hour of working, I finally lean back in my chair, letting out a weary breath. My arms stretch high above my head, loosening the stiffness in my shoulders, and a long yawn escapes me. It seems sleep has finally decided to catch up with me.

My mouth is parting in yet another yawn when my phone rings. Still yawning, I lean forward to read the caller’s name.

Damian.

My yawn freezes midway, and my heart leaps as I bolt upright, wide awake in an instant.

Should I let it ring for a moment? If I pick up too quickly, he might think I’ve been sitting here, losing sleep over him. Which... okay, I kind of have. But he doesn’t need to know that, does he?

I can’t be too eager. I’ll give it a few seconds. Maybe ten. I nod to myself. Okay, just count to ten, nice and slow.

One…

Two…

Three…

I glance at the screen longingly.

Four… Five… To hell with counting! I lift the phone and that’s when the ringing stops.

“No!”

If I called him now, he’ll think I purposely didn’t answer! On a groan, I push to my feet—my limbs aching from an hour of sitting at the desk—and throw myself on the couch. It makes my body hurt more.

“Serves me right!” I grumble. I’m in the middle of cursing myself when my phone goes off again.

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