Page 148 of My Ruthless Husband

“Do you want to find out how he’s doing? I can help you with that.”

The thought of Matt going out of his way to help me feels comforting.

“I’d like that even though I wouldn’t know what to do even if I had the answers,” I admit, my voice trembling. “It’s not like I can contact him. He hates me.”

Besides, Damian would be very upset if he caught wind of me going behind his back contacting Dad.

He leans in, his gaze suddenly fierce. “Hate? That’s impossible. You’re far too sweet for anyone to hate you. Even if your father is angry, it doesn’t change what you mean to him. Love doesn’t just vanish, especially not for someone as unforgettable as you.” He pauses, his eyes softening. “Trust me, there are people who see your worth, even if you can’t. You’re not just someone who can be overlooked.”

I blink in surprise, my cheeks warming at his words. When he keeps staring, I glance away, trying to gather my thoughts, feeling the heat of my blush intensify.

Probably sensing the tension in the room, he chuckles softly. “You know, your blush is really competing with the color of my shirt.”

I snap my head in his direction and notice his red button up shirt for the first time. I can’t help but let out a soft laugh.

“But seriously, you’re not alone in this,” he continues, sobering. “I’m here, and together we’ll figure everything out. I’ll help you every way I can.”

“Thank you.” I give him a smile, genuine instead of forced this time. And he smiles back.

Matt helps me to my feet and I’m surprised by his hand on my back, steadying me as I step into the hallway.

When Iris and her group of volunteers spot me, a jolt of tension races through me. I might look somewhat composed, but I’m nowhere near ready to explain my red, swollen eyes.

Matt acts swiftly, stepping in to divert their attention. In no time, they’re heading off in the opposite direction, leaving me relieved.

He catches my gaze and smiles. “Let’s head to the break room. We both need a strong dose of caffeine right now.”

I nod, but curiosity gets the better of me. “What did you say to make them leave so fast?”

He chuckles, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “I told them the art fest banner had arrived, but they messed up the sponsors’ names.”

I stop in my tracks. “You did not…”

He bursts into laughter. “Oh, I absolutely did! Now, come on, let’s find Victoria before she starts accusing me of kidnapping you.”

“Why would she accuse you?” I ask, puzzled.

“Because the moment I walked in, I hunted her down and asked for you. That’s how I ended up tracking you down in the storage room.”

“Thanks again… for earlier,” I say, my voice softening. “I really appreciate it. I—”

“River?”

Both our heads spin around and I freeze at the sight of Damian standing few feet away. Dressed in black sweater and dark wash jeans.

My mouth goes dry and my heart skips a beat. I have no idea what’s more shocking, him coming to the community center or the casual outfit he is sporting.

Laura stands beside Damian, her voice lively as she talks to him enthusiastically. In fact, the entire room is fixated on him. And why wouldn’t they be? Tall, commanding, and exuding an aura that dares anyone to challenge him, he’s impossible to ignore.

“Vicky told me you were with the volunteer group on the first floor. But you were nowhere to be found.”

Just behind him, Vicky, who is ghostly white, looks like she’s about to pass out. She stands stiff as a board, her face turned downward. Her lips are rolled between her teeth like she’s afraid even a breath might set Damian off. Hal stands to her right, stoic and unreadable.

Completely oblivious to the thick tension in the air, Anne—the moody teen—strolls up. “You’re here for volunteering?” she asks, not waiting for an answer as she blathers on. “You can be my partner for today’s session if you want.”

When Damian doesn’t even glance her way, her face turns a deep shade of red. Patricia practically flies over, grabbing Anne by the elbow and pulling her back, saving her from embarrassing herself further.

“What? I was just trying to have a friendly chat!”

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