Page 116 of My Ruthless Husband

“I... I’m not myself anymore,” she stammers, her voice quivering with frustration. “Ever since I began working with you, I’ve been... off. How can I be so forgetful? I’ve trained for years, River. I should know better than this.”

Her hands shake as she speaks, “I know the risks, the protocols. I know you can’t just hang out in public places like others, and yet...” She trails off, a deep frown creasing her brow. “I’m sorry,” she says grimly. “I promise you, normally I’m not this irresponsible.”

Stepping closer, I gently place a hand on her shoulder, “Hey, it’s okay,” My voice is gentle and reassuring. “It’s not a big deal.” When she shakes her head frantically, I try to meet her eyes. She averts her gaze in embarrassment. “Take a deep breath,” I suggest softly.

“In all my twenty-six years,” she begins, her voice carrying a hint of disappointment, “I’ve never felt so careless. I take my job seriously. Mr. Montgomery and… Chief, they’ve put a lot of faith in me. They’ve entrusted me with so much responsibility, and now... I never got to do all this. Hanging out with friends. And now that I am getting a chance to do something new, I am acting like a teenager, getting excited about irrelevant things when I should be working.” She pauses, anger evident in her tone.

“Vicky, it’sokay,” I squeeze her shoulder. “It’s understandable to want to enjoy some time with others, especially when we’re all getting along so well. And didn’t you admit this morning, that you’re not just my bodyguard but also my friend? And friends are allowed to have fun together.”

I notice the doubt in her expression, despite my attempts to reassure her. With a small sigh, I decide to put her skills to the test, hoping to boost her confidence. “All right,” I say gently,meeting her gaze. “Let’s say something were to happen in the pub. Do you think you could protect me?”

Her response is immediate and resolute. “Absolutely,” she affirms, her voice filled with conviction.

I nod, then push further. “What if there were ten people? All men?”

“I’ve been specifically trained in Krav Maga to handle situations like those,” she replies confidently. “Your husband made sure I was prepared for anything when he appointed me as your bodyguard.”

I expected nothing less from Damian. The only reason he would ever assign me with just one bodyguard, especially a female one, is if she’s not just skilled, but downright lethal.

“And not just that,” she continues, her voice tinged with pride. “Mr. Montgomery even had Chief personally test my capabilities. He wanted to ensure that I was more than capable of protecting you in any situation.”

The mention of Hal’s involvement adds weight to her words. I can’t help but smile at her proud expression. It appears that garnering praise from her Chief meant the world to her. “Then why are you so upset?” I ask gently. “There’s nothing to be worried about. You’ve been trained for this, and you’ve just proved that you’re more than capable.”

With a reassuring smile, I reach out and squeeze her hand. “Let’s go enjoy ourselves at the pub,” I suggest, hoping to lift her spirits. “We’ll have a great time, I promise.”

Just then Matt comes back with a grin, waving his phone. “I just arranged a VIP lounge that’ll keep you away from prying eyes. That way, you can enjoy the evening without any unwanted attention.”

He notices Vicky’s serious expression and without skipping a beat, he launches into his elaborate plan for ensuring my anonymity and safety. It’s both heartwarming and comical.Then, with a smirk, he declares, “And you know with these blue eyes, chiseled jaw and this Herculean physique, you might as well call me Superman.”

We can’t help but burst into laughter. His persuasive words manage to sway Vicky, and with a reluctant nod, she agrees. “All right then,” she concedes with a small smile, “Let’s give it a try.”

???

The ambiance is lively. Matt is laughing and chatting with the group. Vicky is sitting next to me, keeping an eye on the surrounding as well as smiling whenever someone includes her in a conversation. And I am just taking it all in, my senses overwhelmed by the novelty of it all.

Crowded places were never my thing but this feels different somehow. I’m not surrounded by judging eyes and whispered criticisms.

The people around me right now aren’t just faces in the crowd; they’re genuine, down-to-earth individuals who see beyond the façade of wealth and privilege.

I might never get used to the lights, the music, the pulsating energy of the crowd but I can’t deny the thrill of stepping outside my comfort zone.

It’s a stark contrast from my usual quiet evenings spent curled up with a book. People will always make me a little uneasy because it’s the way I am. But despite my reservations, I find myself pleasantly surprised by how much fun I’m having tonight.

I thought I would never be able to take my mind off Damian. He hadn’t called me once since he left for Dubai. And try as I might, I can’t stop thinking about it. After all, I am a wife. Not matter how unwanted I am. So… I’m glad I took a chance andcame here. Because it’s easier this way. I am able to distract my overthinking mind. And it’s all because of Matt.

I steal a glance at him and catch him staring back at me, a hint of something unreadable in his blue eyes. How long was he watching me? Before I can dwell on it further, he mouths a silent question, “Okay?”

I meet his gaze with a reassuring nod and a quick smile. He doesn’t look convinced. He parts his lips as if to say something when the beautiful brunette—one of his friends who joined us a while ago—begins pulling him toward the dance floor.

He stands but only to detach himself from the brunette and comes over. He crouches down on his haunches. “What happened?”

I look at him in surprise. “N-nothing.” The brunette was now openly glaring in our direction. “I think you should go back to your friend.”

He ignores my suggestion. “What’s the matter?” His brow furrows with worry as he leans in closer, his blue eyes searching my face. “Is everything all right? Did something go wrong? If there’s an issue with the food, I can definitely sort it out—”

His questions catch me off guard, but I can’t help but appreciate his genuine care. The way he’s ready to jump into action to fix any problem, no matter how small, speaks volumes about his character.

Touched by his earnestness, I shake my head. “No, no, everything’s fine,” I assure him, a fond smile playing on my lips. “The food was delicious, and I’m genuinely enjoying myself.”

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