"You know you can tell me anything," Alex commented, sensing something was deeply amiss. But of course, she couldn't force it out of her friend. That was overstepping the boundary.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just tired. I guess I'm ready to go home."
Alex looked at her friend suspiciously. Perhaps whatever happened this time, it cut very deep and was really personal.
Ruby turned to touch the smooth fabric of the gown, gently signaling for Alex to go. Alex understood. "Okay. I'll be just outside. Come out when you're done."
"Okay." Ruby nodded.
Alex shut the door.
Ruby continued to feel the soft fabric in her hands, biting her lower lip, tears filling her eyes. Could she really tell Alex what was on her mind? Could she really tell Alex about Alec? About how he kidnapped her, imprisoned her, and stole her virginity and her heart? Her friend would think that the whole thing was a joke, and probably laugh at her. But then again, that was not Alexandra. She knew Alex would understand and comfort her. But at the moment, she just didn't feel like she was ready to tell anyone about Alec yet. And maybe never would. Maybe it was better to pretend nothing happened. Pretend Alec didn't exist. Pretend she never met him. Yes, perhaps that was the best thing she could do.
Ruby sighed and turned to look at herself in the long mirror. Yes, she noted that she did look a bit too pale and her eyes were sunken. Then the image of Alec appeared in her mind. Unshed tears stung her eyes. God, she missed him. She missed the way he looked at her, the way he touched her, and the way he called her "my lady." She even missed his Scottish brogue.
She took off her jersey and jeans and picked up the gown and tried it on. Seeing herself in the mirror, she thought it didn't look at all too bad, like she initially thought it would.
"Are you ready?" Alex asked.
Ruby came out, smoothing the soft fabric about her flat tummy.
"Oh! Whoa!" Alex grinned. "You look really good in that, Ruby."
Ruby turned to look at herself once again in the full-length mirror. Yes, she had to admit she did look good in it. Then her stomach did a flip. She wanted Alec to see her in the dress. She wanted him to see how beautiful she looked. But that would never happen because, well, it just could never happen because she would never see him again.
Once Alex paid for the dresses with her credit card, Ruby thanked her friend whole-heartedly.
"Honestly, Alex, I feel so awful. I could have bought the dress myself."
Alex chuckled. "What? My husband is a billionaire, and if I can't afford to buy my friend a designer dress after I begged her to come to a charity ball with me because I won't know anyone there and need company..."
"Well, it's not like that," Ruby said defensively. "I just--"
Alex chuckled. "I know what you mean, Ruby. Now, come along. We're meeting my husband for lunch. He's supposed to be finished with his meeting half an hour ago. He must be waiting for us."
Ruby nodded, and they headed out the door of the boutique.
Again, Jayden looked at his new business partner, Alec Hasting, across the study desk, noting the handsome man's paleness. There were dark circles under the grey eyes that told him the man must've had many a sleepless night and he wondered what could have caused it. Surely, not the new company they were building together. Everything was going according to plan.
After both sides signed on the dotted lines, Jay shut the folder.
"The room has a great view, by the way," he said, noting again the lapse in Alec's concentration, as the man had a faraway look in his eyes.
Alec blinked for a moment and turned his attention to Jay. "I knew you'd like it. And your friend in the other room? He's enjoying the view, too?"
"Actually, he's a she," Jay corrected him.
Alec cocked his head to one side, speculating. But of course, it was none of his business what his new partner was doing.
Jay chuckled, knowing what Alec was thinking. "She's my wife's best friend, here on her OE trip, as the Kiwis call it. In fact, I think they're having a fine time right now, spending my money. Alex is pretty good at doing that lately."
Alec chuckled. "Women," he commented.
"Yes, Alex is a handful. But she's amazing."
Alec's heart hammered in his chest. The look Jay had on his face pretty much said how the man adored his wife. Alec wondered if he also looked like that when he thought about Ruby. Thinking of her now, however, evoked a series of sad images rushing through his mind. He gritted his teeth and his face contorted with the turmoil of conflicting emotions. But it only lasted for a flash second, as he knew he shouldn't have been showing how he felt in front of other people.
"You just got back from the Highlands?" Jay asked.
"Yeah, but no excuses for being tired," Alec muttered under his breath. There were other reasons for his lapse of concentration. Ruby. Bloody hell! He couldn't stop thinking about Ruby and why she left him.
"You'll meet them at the charity ball," Jay said.
Alec jolted back to reality. "What?"
"You'll meet them at the charity ball," Jay repeated. "Actually, I'm meeting them for lunch now. Would you like to join us?"
Alec thought for a moment, but shook his head. "A meeting with the Mrs. Clarity, the charity organizer."
"Ah, of course," Jay replied as he stood up. "Very well then." He extended his hand, and Alec shook it. "See you at the ball."
"I'll escort you back," Alec said, leading Jay to the door. Along the great hallway, and going down the lift, they talked of the weather in London. When they came out of the lift, Alec said, "See you at the ball."
"Yes, see you then," Jay replied.
Alec headed the other direction and Jay watched him go. Just as Alec disappeared from sight, he turned to the foyer and saw Alex and Ruby coming through the door.
He grinned at his wife, who seemed all too happy to see him. From the logos on the bags she and Ruby were carrying, their shopping expedition must have gone very well.
Jay grabbed his wife in his strong arms and kissed her on the lips in front of Ruby. "Did you find Ruby a nice dress for the ball?"
"Of course I did," Alex said. "It's very pretty. You just wait and see."
"Come along then. I'm starving," Jay said.
"Did you not invite Mr. Hasting to come to lunch?" Alex whispered to her husband.
"I did, but he's busy."
"Oh, that's disappointing. I was hoping to meet him."
Jay knew she was not disappointed about meeting him. She was disappointed that Ruby didn't get to meet Alec Hasting. After Alex found out that his new partner was single and very handsome indeed, she devised a plan to match-make the two.
"You'll meet him soon enough, my love," Jay said, leading the two girls to the door.
*
TWENTY-THREE
The soapy water was so cozy and warm that Ruby closed her eyes and drifted off into her own dreamland. There she saw Alec, tall and handsome, waiting for her. It was as if he were beckoning her to come to him. Oh, how she wanted to go to him, but she knew she couldn't, and wouldn't. She turned her back on him and began to walk away. When she looked behind, he came running after her, and before Ruby could do anything, she was in his arms.
"You can't run from me, my lady," he said softly, and then...
Ruby woke up with a jolt. She blinked several times to clear her head, finding she was still in the tub. She touched her forehead, sensing a headache approaching. She sighed and cursed herself for thinking about Alec once again. God, when would she finally forget about him? Why was love so damn hard?
The phone rang, and Ruby scrambled out of the tub, putting on a robe, and rushing into the bedroom. She picked up the receiver and said, "Hey."
"Ruby? The makeup artist and hair stylist are here. We'll come over now; is that all right?"
Shit! She forgot all about them. "Yeah, okay."
"Okay," Alex said, and Ruby terminated the call.
Ruby rushed back into the bathroom and pulle
d the plug. Then she returned just in time to open the door for her friend and the other two women to come in.
"Ruby, this is Michelle, the makeup artist, and Lena, the hair stylist."
"Hi," Ruby greeted them.
The women put their equipment on the bed and proceeded to get ready.
"So, what do you want done first? Hair or makeup?" Alex asked excitedly.
"I'll go for hair," Ruby replied.
"Okay," Alex said.
Ruby sat, trying very hard not to think about Alec while Lena did her hair. When, half an hour later, she was done, Ruby looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was now full of curls piled high on her head. She looked rather lovely. By that time, Michelle was also done with Alex, and they swapped. It was an hour later when Ruby stood gazing at herself in the bathroom mirror. With her dark hair styled high on her head, a beautiful rose on the left side, near her ear, her face made up flawlessly, and her white, one-shouldered gown on, she looked absolutely, well... gorgeous, and she couldn't believe her own eyes. She bit her full ruby-red lips, a fluttering feeling beginning in the pit of her stomach.
"Hey, what are you doing there?" Alex said from the door.
Ruby turned, a nervous smile on her pretty face. "I was just looking at myself."
"Well, you look amazing. Heads are going to turn tonight." Then she silently added, I hope Mr. Alec Hasting will take one look at you and fall head-over-heels in love with you.
"Not likely," Ruby said. "But I do look forward to it. I mean, I've never been to a charity ball before. What is it like?"
"I'm not sure. I've never been to one either," Alex said seriously. "That's why I'm glad you're coming with me."
"It's a good thing then," Ruby said, linking arms with her best friend.
"Let's have some fun tonight," Alex proposed.
"Agreed," Ruby replied, deciding that whatever it took, she would not think about Alec anymore, and simply enjoy the ball.
Not long afterwards, Ruby found herself in a limo with Jayden and Alex, heading to the ball on the other side of the town. Half an hour later, they walked through the front door of a lovely Victorian mansion, and Ruby couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the house and its decor.
"Does he live here?" Alex asked her husband as she grabbed a glass of champagne being handed to her by a waiter in black and white uniform.
"Yes," Jay replied, "as far as I know."
"Who lives here?" Ruby asked before she could stop herself.
Alex replied, "Mr. Hast--"
"Ah, Mr. and Mrs. McCartney," a woman in an elegant black dress greeted them. "I am Mary Clarity. I'm so glad to finally meet you."
"The charity organizer," Jay said. "Nice to meet you. May I introduce my wife, Alexandra, and our friend, Ruby Williams-Chan? They're both half-Cambodian."
"Oh, how marvelous," the woman said. "I must show you the gallery, and of course, introduce you to our famous and kind host."
"That's great," Alex said. "I heard he does a lot of charity work for third world countries, Cambodia included."
"Really?" Ruby asked. "Whoa."
"Yes," Mrs. Clarity said. "He has donated millions to Africa, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, just to name a few."
Ruby scanned the huge room and spotted the gallery. There was something in there that drew her, and without saying a word to her companion, she headed that direction.
"Ah, I see Miss Hasting and Mr. McArthur. Miss Hasting is Mr. Hasting's younger sister. She used to be a model, and she and Mr. McArthur are engaged. It was all very recent."
Alex couldn't help exclaiming, "Oh my God! It's Brian."
"I beg your pardon?" Mrs. Clarity asked.
"Brian McArthur?"
"Yes, indeed. His name is Brian McArthur."
"Does that mean?" Alex turned to her husband who just gave her a look that said, Don't ask me. I know nothing.
Susan and Brian were suddenly upon them. He was not at all surprised to see Jayden and Alex there, nor was he surprised to spot Ruby on the other side of the room. She was at the gallery, admiring the various life-sized photos on the wall of refugees from different countries on display. He hadn't approached her yet. He hoped to delay it as long as possible, and also hoped that she wouldn't see Alec, too. His hope, however, died a sudden death when the man, himself, appeared by his sister's side.
"How are we all doing here?" he asked, a handsome smile on his face.
"I was just introducing your sister and Mr. McArthur to Mr. and Mrs. McCartney," Mrs. Clarity said.
Alex politely smiled at Alec and said, "We already met the other day."
Brian took a sip of his champagne, hoping Alec wouldn't ask any questions about the odd statement the beautiful Mrs. McCartney made.
Alec cocked his head to one side; his eyes clearly showing his confusion. "Really? How? When was the other day?"
Alex was about to say something when Brian interrupted her, "It was for coffee. I'm starving. Why don't we all go and get something to eat? How about you, Mrs. McCartney? Surely, you must be famished, eating for two."
Alex grinned and touched her tummy. "Yes, I am rather."
Jay didn't miss the panicky look that passed on Brian's face the moment when Alex mentioned they had met before. He wondered what was going on. Then, Brian glanced at Ruby on the other side of the room, a worried expression on his face. Suddenly, it all clicked. Brian. Ruby. And could it possibly be Alec? Jay wasn't sure if he wanted to get involved. Then again, it was too late anyway as all hell broke loose when Alex said loudly, "That picture looks awfully familiar. It looks like Ruby."
Hearing the name, Ruby, instantly drew Alec's attention. He frowned as he looked at Alex. But when he saw Alex looking straight past him toward the gallery, he turned and felt his heart pumping faster and louder in his chest.
On the other side of the room, Ruby stood transfixed as she gazed at the life-sized photo of a little half-Asian girl and a Caucasian boy. The photo was black and white, but Ruby could recognize the people in that photo anywhere. It was a picture of her when she was a little girl and her childhood friend. It was taken when they were living in the camp back some thirteen years ago. She felt tears brewing in her eyes and her stomach knotted. How did it get here? Who took that photo? For the life of her, she couldn't remember.
"Isn't that sweet?" Mrs. Clarity said behind her. "Mr. Hasting lived in the camp for six months when he was a teenager."
Ruby suddenly felt sick. She slowly turned, and her eyes met those of a grey color, staring back at her. She didn't know what came over her, but the room started to spin and her body shivered as if she had a fever.
What's going on? Alec is here? And also the youth in the picture with her?
"Ruby?" Alex called from a distance. Suddenly, Alex was beside her, taking her arm with concern. "Are you all right? You're so pale all of a sudden."
Ruby looked up at Alec again. His intense gaze was still on her, and Ruby wished the floor would just open up and swallow her. His eyes seemed to be blazing with so many emotions: anger, confusion, love, and desire all rolled into one.
"I... I just feel a bit thirsty, that's all," Ruby said. She couldn't stand there with Alec looking at her any longer, so she moved away, but could still feel his eyes on her.
"Hey, are you all right?" Alex asked with concern. "You want a drink or something?"
Ruby shook her head. "No thanks. I'm fine."
"Are you sure? You look awfully pale."
Ruby nodded. "Pretty sure. I just had a shock, that's all. I think I need to use the restroom."
"Okay."
Ruby hastily moved through the crowd toward the women's restroom. She needed to get away. Oh God! What the heck was going on? Why was Alec here? Why was she here?
Alone in the corridor of the big mansion, she felt tears stinging her eyes as she blindly found her way toward the bathroom. When she couldn't handle it any longer, and was sure she was about to break down any moment, she rushed into the nearest room and s
hut the door. Leaning herself against the wall, she shut her eyes and sobbed. Oh God! She never wanted to see Alec again. Why did she have to see him here? Now?
She staggered toward the sofa and sat down, trying to control her tears. A few moments later, she took deep, slow breaths and squared her shoulders. She was determined to never see Alec again; and now, she had to go down and tell Alex and Jayden that she was leaving.
Getting up, she turned to the door and jumped. For there, standing by the door, was the person she most wanted to avoid.
Ruby didn't know what to do, so she just stood there, looking shocked, rooted to her spot.
Alec watched her. A part of him wanted to take her into his arms. He just couldn't believe it. Ruby. Here. In his house. Now.
He didn't speak as he continued to observe her, wondering what she was thinking. He wanted to ask her so many questions. Why did she leave him? What did he do wrong?
Ruby could feel the tension in the air, thick and hot. She moved toward the door, but before she could make it, he wrapped his hand around her wrist and pulled her toward him. Ruby collided against his massive build, and panicked.
"Alec!" she gasped.
"Ruby," he said softly.
"Please, let me go."
"Not until you tell me why you left."
Ruby bit her lip, dreading his question and failing to find an adequate answer.
"I left because I wanted to."
"Why?"
"Because I wanted to. We have no future together, Alec. You and I. I mean--" She broke off; tears filling her eyes again. "I--"
"Do love me?"
"What?"
Alec let go of her wrist and cupped her face. He looked deeply into her eyes. Ruby wanted to break down and just tell him that she wanted to be with him. But she knew she couldn't do that. She wouldn't do that.
"Do you love me?"
She could hear the pain in his voice, begging her to take him back, and for her to come back to him.
"I.., I... "
"Ruby William-Chan, I'm sorry I kidnapped you, imprisoned you, and hurt you in so many ways in just a few short weeks, but I know one thing, which is that I love you. You're my best childhood friend. I've never forgotten you, my little Ruby, or the time we spent together in the camp." He moved his fingers down to touch the elephant pendant resting on her chest.
"You never forgot me?" she asked, tears in her eyes.