Page 106 of My Ruthless Husband

Right after our heart to heart in the car, we decided to grab some coffees for everyone on our way to the community center.

“We thought we’d bring c-coffees… for you guys.” I awkwardly mumble.

Patricia’s eyes light up with surprise and gratitude. “That’s a delightful surprise! Thank you, dear,” she says, accepting her cup with a soft smile.

As we stand there, a couple of volunteers notice our arrival. With friendly smiles, they approach us, “Coffee? You’re my hero, River!”

The girl with blonde hair grins. “I needed this. Thanks!”

“It’s not every day we get such thoughtful volunteers. Let’s share these with everyone, shall we?” Patricia says and the two newcomers happily take over the task of distributing the coffees.

After a moment, Laura descends from the stairs and makes a beeline for us. “River! Vicky!”

“You know, your energy has really lifted the spirits around here these past couple of days,” Laura says as she is handed a coffee cup.

I share a smile with Vicky before saying, “That means a lot, Laura. I really believe in the work you’re doing here, and I’m happy to contribute in any way I can.”

She takes a sip. “Well, we’ve certainly noticed your dedication. You’ve been a breath of fresh air. And Vicky, too! It’s not every day we get a bodyguard volunteering with us.”

Vicky tucks a strand behind her ear. “Just doing my part.”

Laura pats her hand, smiling. “Well, we appreciate it. Now, have you both had a chance to try the cookies? Erin made them today, and they’re heavenly.”

Erin, a woman in her sixties with delicate features and silver hair, handles the administrative duties for the community center. She is also a legendary baker around here.

“I’ve heard a lot about her cookies, but haven’t had the chance to taste them myself.” We didn’t get to eat them because every time she bakes, those cookies disappear faster than you can blink.

“Let’s remedy that.” With Laura leading the way, we navigate through the lively hall. Erin notices us, her face lighting up.

When Laura asks for the cookies, her face drops. No surprise, luck wasn’t on our side today either. She looks pretty bummed that we missed out on tasting them, and it takes us a good ten minutes of reassuring her to cheer her up.

The morning ticks with me and Vicky engrossed in duties. First, we begin by moving the art supplies, canvases and easels from the storage room to the hall.

Then we went to the second floor and helped with the banners and posters for the upcoming event. After working there for a couple of hours, we were back on the first floor to clean up after the art session.

“I have to make a phone call.” Vicky sighs after reading the message she received.

“Damian?”

She shakes her head. “Chief.”

Hal. Okay. “Why the sigh? Hal is a lot easier to deal with than my husband.”

At least Hal responds when someone speaks to him. Damian sticks to grunting unless he wants to reprimand someone.

“It’s the other way around.”

“What do you mean?”

“When I talk to Mr. Montgomery, it’s to the point. All the questions are related to you. He doesn’t grill me about unnecessary things.”

Intrigued, I ask, “Unnecessary things?”

She doesn’t say anything as she goes over to the table and grabs two bottles of water. She hands me one.

“Vicky?” I prompt. “Does he bother you that much?”

Clenching her jaw, she says, “Let’s just say I would love it if the roles were reversed for a day.”

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