Page 38 of Bossalicious Bad Boy

My phone rings, startling me. It's Ruby.

"Hey," I answer, trying to sound composed.

"Clara, I hope you don't mind me calling. I can't shake this nagging feeling that something's wrong," she says, her voice laced with concern.

"Ruby, I... I don't know what to say," I admit, choking back fresh tears.

"Let me take you out to dinner tonight. We can talk, or not talk, but at least you'll get out of the house for a bit. What do you say?"

"Okay," I whisper, touched by her kindness. "Thank you."

"Great. I'll pick you up at seven. And Clara? You don't have to go through this alone."

As I hang up, my heart feels a little lighter, knowing that in Ruby, I have found an unexpected ally. Tonight, perhaps I can begin to untangle the web of emotions surrounding Alexander's betrayal and take the first steps towards healing.

* * *

The restaurant buzzes with the clinking of silverware and murmur of conversation. The aroma of garlic and basil fill my nostrils as I stare at the empty plate in front of me. I can't seem to find my appetite, despite the enticing scent.

"Clara," Ruby says softly, her eyes full of sympathy. "You don't have to explain everything, but maybe talking about it will help."

I hesitate, feeling the weight of Alexander's betrayal pressing down on me. Taking a deep breath, I let the words tumble out like stones. "I trusted him, Ruby. I thought he was different, that he actually cared about me. But... I was wrong."

"Alexander?" Ruby's brow furrows as she tries to make sense of what I'm saying. Though I haven't explicitly said it, her mind jumps to conclusions. "Did he... use you? For your body?"

Her voice is laced with anger, and I can't find it in me to correct her assumption. Instead, I nod, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. It feels safer to let her believe that, rather than revealing the depth of Alexander's deceit.

"Oh, Clara." Ruby reaches across the table to take my hand, her warm fingers enveloping mine in a comforting embrace. "I'm so sorry. You don't deserve to be treated like that."

"I just feel so stupid," I admit, choking back a sob. "How could I not see it coming?"

"Hey," Ruby replies, her voice soothing like a balm on my wounds. "We all make mistakes, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. But it doesn't define you, okay? You're stronger than this, and you'll get through it."

As she squeezes my hand reassuringly, I can't help but feel grateful for Ruby's presence. In a world where trust seems like a fragile, elusive thing, her friendship is an anchor I can hold onto. And though the road ahead may be uncertain, I take comfort in knowing that, somehow, I'll find my way through this storm.

The candlelight flickers on the table between Ruby and me, casting a warm glow on her face. She takes a sip of her wine, waiting patiently for me to continue.

"Every time I think about it," I say, my voice cracking, "I feel like such an idiot. I should've seen the signs, but I was just so... blindsided by him. I trusted Alexander, and now..."

"Hey," Ruby interrupts gently, setting down her glass. Her eyes are filled with empathy as she leans in closer. "You're not an idiot. You're human. People make mistakes, and sometimes we don't see things that are right in front of us. But that doesn't mean you deserved what he did."

I swallow hard, trying to ignore the tightening in my chest. "But how do I move forward from this? How can I trust anyone again?"

Ruby reaches across the table to touch my arm reassuringly. "You'll learn to trust again, in time. And remember, not everyone is like Alexander. There are people who genuinely care about you —" she pauses, giving me a small smile, "—like me, for example. We're here for you, no matter what."

A tear slips down my cheek, and I quickly swipe it away. "I appreciate that, Ruby. More than you know."

"Of course." Her smile grows warmer, her brown eyes crinkling at the corners. "Now, let's forget about Alexander for the night and enjoy our dinner. You deserve a break from all the drama."

I nod, grateful for the distraction. As we dig into our meals and share stories from work, laughter bubbling between us, I find myself feeling lighter, more grounded. Ruby's unwavering support and understanding serve as gentle reminders that I'm not alone in this world.

And although the wounds left by Alexander's betrayal still sting, I can't help but feel grateful for the unlikely friendship that has blossomed in their wake. Ruby's presence is a testament to the fact that in the midst of darkness, there are points of light, guiding us towards healing and hope.

It may not happen overnight, but with Ruby by my side, I know that someday, I'll learn to trust again — in others, and in myself.

As I take another bite of my pasta, I can't shake the nagging thoughts in my head. Ruby's words provide some comfort, but I still feel uncertain about how to proceed. The weight of Alexander's betrayal sits heavy on my chest, making it difficult to breathe.

"Ruby," I begin, my voice cracking slightly, "Do you think I can ever trust Alexander again?" My eyes fill with tears as I speak, and I can feel my breath coming out ragged. "And is my career even worth all this pain?"

---