Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 175

Cassian sat at his desk, his demeanor cool as ever, but he listened patiently as Gennifer chattered on, answering her endless questions with a quiet steadiness.

That patience lasted—until Gennifer mentioned Ruby.

His hand stilled over the stack of files, eyes lifting from the paperwork. For once, he didn't have an easy answer ready. Instead, a flicker of hesitation crossed his face, and in his mind appeared the image of Ruby: striking, poised, and quietly resilient.

She reminded him of a wildflower growing from a craggy cliff, battered by rain but rooted fiercely in stone—impossible to ignore now that she'd taken hold in his heart.

Cassian pressed his lips together, lashes trembling almost imperceptibly. Meeting Gennifer's hopeful gaze, he turned away and replied in a cool, even tone, "Of course, it's always been you. All of Ruby's past achievements? She owed them to you, didn't she?"

He forced a small, natural-looking smile, though it barely concealed the strain behind it.

Gennifer's eyes sparkled. She ducked her head, face flushed, and leaned across his desk like a bashful schoolgirl.

From the hallway, Ruby caught sight of them—Cassian smiling affectionately, Gennifer blushing like a teenager. Her heart lurched.

She'd thought herself numb to it by now, but the scene felt like a scab being ripped open all over again.

Getting used to pain didn't mean you stopped feeling it.

Ruby pressed a hand to her chest. The light slanting through the door's crack was harsh, making her vision blur.

Why did she ever fall for Cassian?

The man who flirted with her adoptive sister behind closed doors.

The husband who belittled her until she felt worthless.

The man she'd once dreamed of marrying, the man she'd loved with everything she had.

What gave him the right?

He was even willing to deny everything she'd done for Veyne & Co. just to appease Gennifer!

Anger shook her whole body.

She couldn't stand to watch another moment. Just as she turned to leave, her coat button brushed the oak door, making a soft, betraying sound.

"Who's there?"

Cassian's expression sharpened instantly, his voice edged with suspicion.

Gennifer glanced over, following his gaze.

Ruby stood in the doorway, dressed in a plain nightgown, a trace of heartbreak still lingering on her face.

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