Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 127

Bennett opened his mouth as if to say something, but as soon as he caught sight of the woman's serene profile, her head bowed, he swallowed his words.

By the time they reached Northridge Manor, the sun was dipping low, painting the sky with the first colors of evening.

Ruby checked the time on her phone and let out a quiet sigh of relief.

It wasn't too late—Cassian was probably still at work.

She had agreed to return to Northridge Manor, but the thought of facing Cassian still made her uneasy, like there was a hurdle she just couldn't cross.

But as soon as she pushed open the front door, she was greeted by the broad chest of a man in a sharp black suit.

"The housekeeper's already cleaned your room."

Cassian pulled the door open wider, taking Bennett's suitcase as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Ruby felt her muscles tense.

She shot Cassian a strange look.

Shouldn't he be at the office, working late as always?

Cassian pressed his lips together, sensing her confusion, but he offered no explanation. Instead, he strode toward the living room, tall and composed.

Ruby followed, clutching Mira to her chest.

The little girl was awake now. Even though she'd been here once before, her wide blue eyes darted curiously around the grand entryway.

After all, Northridge Manor was vast, each room more opulent than the last—a kind of luxury both overwhelming and almost surreal.

"Unpack and come out when you're ready. I'll wait for you for dinner," Cassian said, setting the suitcase by Ruby's bedroom door before turning to leave.

Ruby didn't dawdle. She gave a soft "okay" and slipped into her room.

The instant she opened the door, a fresh, sweet scent—jasmine, she thought—washed over her.

Ruby's arms froze around Mira for a moment as the memory of her last day in Northridge Manor a year ago crept into her mind.

The room was just as she remembered, but her heart was in a very different place now.

Nostalgia stung, making her chest ache.

Sensing her mother's sadness, Mira reached a tiny hand into the air, patting Ruby's cheek with gentle curiosity.

Warmth spread through Ruby at the touch. She bent down so Mira could reach her properly.

The girl giggled, her laughter clear and bright as wind chimes, chasing away the heaviness in the room. Ruby felt something inside her soften and fill.

She shook herself from her reverie, opened the suitcase, and started unpacking clothes for herself and Mira, planning to hang them up.

But when she slid open the closet, she found a neat row of brand-new baby clothes—designer labels, every one of them.

Ruby blinked in surprise, picking up a tiny dress. The fabric was impossibly soft, the kind that could only come with a hefty price tag.

A strange thought struck her.

She opened the other side of the closet.

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