Page 70 of My Ruthless Husband

Every fiber of my being is consumed by an overwhelming, all-encompassing, and passionate affection that defies rational explanation.

And he knows it. He has to after the night of stargazing when I kissed his cheek two weeks ago. He has to know, right?

We met for three more times over the last fifteen days and talked almost every day on the phone.

He didn’t ask why I came on to him. He didn’t rub it in or reprimand me. He simply acted as if it never happened or maybe it just didn’t matter that much to him.

Either way, I didn’t ask. I didn’t bring that night up during our phone calls or during our meetings. Maybe that makes me a coward but I don’t want to lose him.

If he had a problem with that night, he would’ve disappeared without a word. But he didn’t. Maybe that means something after all.

The confusion gnawed at me though, eating away at my insides. Every time we met after that night, it was like a double-edged sword, cutting through my heart with a mix of joy and pain.

For how long would I be able to survive like this? Sometimes I feel that rejection is a better outcome than being in the unknown.

“What are you thinking?”

Skylar watches me with narrowed eyes as she reclines on the plush, heated lounger beside me in the exclusive spa suite.

“N-nothing.” I breathe in the scent of lavender and eucalyptus mingling the air.

“We’re literally planning your twenty-first birthday, and you’re not even paying attention!”

Right. She is planning my birthday party which is still three months away.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been coerced into hanging out with them, but unlike previous occasions, something is different this time. This time I am comfortable. I know these girls now. They are talkative—beyond talkative, really—but strangely, I don’t mind.

Damian wasn’t available to meet this weekend so when Skylar invited me for a girls’ night, I didn’t say no. Because the thought of spending time with Skylar and her friends no longer felt as daunting as it once did.

Perhaps it’s the need for companionship that has softened my reluctance, or maybe, just maybe, Skylar and her friends aren’t as bad as I initially perceived.

“It’s going to be epic!” Skylar says, beaming. “I mean, how could it not be with me in charge? I’ll make sure it’s unforgettable.”

“I-I’m not really into parties, Skylar.”

Her two friends, who had been enjoying their own conversation, now turn their attention to the discussion.

She rolls her eyes. “River, don’t be a total snooze-fest!”

“But—”

“No excuses, girl,” she says dismissively.

My protests are momentarily silenced as Maria grabs her by the arm and excitedly says, “Skylar, come on! Let’s snap and insta this moment!” They start clicking pictures, flaunting their plush robes in pastel colors.

They spend good thirty minutes doing that while I lay back and close my eyes. It’s a mistake because Damian’s face flashes in my mind.

The whole day went by and I didn’t hear from him. I sent him a text in the noon, reminding him to not skip lunch but it went unanswered.

Usually, I get a one word reply if he is busy but today, I got nothing.

Is he okay? I have Hal’s phone number as well. Damian had given it to me in case he was out of reach and there’s an emergency.

This is also an emergency, right? There’s no harm in a simple text inquiring about Damiam. I reach for my phone with every intention of texting Hal when Skylar shouts on top of her lungs, making me jump.

“What the fuck!”

I glance over to find a very pissed and very red Skylar shaking with fury as she stares down her phone screen. The other two girls stand on either side of her, their faces grim.

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