Ruby's Secret

CHAPTER- 6

"Destiny is usually just around the corner. Like a thief, a hooker, or a lottery vendor: its three most common personifications. But what destiny does not do is home visits. You have to go for it." ~ Carlos Ruiz Zafón

RUBY'S P.O.V

Feels good to be back. Those were probably the words a person would say when they come home after five hours of constantly standing and directing everyone, damaging her vocal cords.

But that person is not me. I told myself as I stared at my watch waiting for the taxi. I cannot feel my body. My legs and back are sore. New York City just held many bitter and sweet memories for me.

But now it's my home. I hailed the famous yellow cab. Once I was safe inside the cab with my black carrying bags where I have extra tape, lights, scissors, ribbons, paper, cash and what not. Just to stay safe if we need something, so I carried everything with me.

"Where to, Miss?" The cab driver asked me through the rearview mirror.

"Wooden Street."

The cab driver whistled. "A pricey home you got there, Miss."

I shrugged. Well I was indeed lucky and lived in an upper class society. Mainly because of Marcus. He was the one who gave me that apartment. It was also near, Daphne coffee shop and my office was not far from there.

After half an hour, I finally arrived at the building. As usual, the guard greeted me with a smile as I gave him a fist bump. His name was Charlie and he is forty year old. He is such a teddy bear. "Good afternoon, Ruby."

I gave him a million-dollar smile blowing him a kiss.

Entering my apartment, the white and cream-coloured apartment greeted me before leaving a smile on my face.

It was like a dream come true. Having a house of my own. But I don't mind sharing it with Daphne.

We were polar opposite. She was a loud, fearless, clubbing type girl and whereas I was a bookworm, stay at home type person. Our bedroom reflects our personality. I choose a pastel light colour with a star chandelier and bookshelves and her bedroom reflects her own personality, colourful and wild.

First thing first, I told myself. I need a long shower after the hectic day. And then I invade the kitchen. I threw my bag on the well made floral print bed sheet and removed my glasses and then my wigs as my long red hair fell loosely on my back. Taking off my glasses, I stare at my emerald eyes which were looking dull and tired. The once shining eyes, who used to dream and live are now hollow and blank.

Shaking my head, I entered my washroom and nearly groaned from the warm water sliding into my aching muscles. It's been a while since I enjoyed my shower like this.

Finally when I was satisfied in my shower, I wrapped a towel around my body, and walked into my modern kitchen and took out a Korean ramen from my cupboard, which was my daily snack. I love eating it as much as I love to watch K-dramas. Setting the timer for five minute and putting the cup inside the oven, I took out some soft drink and poured myself. The timer goes off, and like an excited kid, I took out the warm noodles and devoured it hungrily.

Once satisfied, I came inside my bedroom and started searching my wardrobe. But to my vain I found nothing suitable for the party. My wardrobe only consists of formal suits. Sighing, I took out a black suit with white shirt and black cigarette pants. Changing into it, I put on my wig as I tugged it carefully, tying it in a high ponytail. Applying some moisture and just a lip gloss, I wore my glasses and put on my heels taking my bag, I closed the apartment door.

One hour later, I stood at the elegant decorated ballroom with a proud smile on my face.

"Well, well, if this isn't my favourite person."

I felt myself grinning at the all too familiar voice that crawled my attention behind me.

I turned around to face the person, whom I wanted to impress. "Hello, Cass."

Cassandra Pallis smiled, her honey eyes twinkle as she studied me with tight lips. She looks way younger from her age. Her aura was enough to put a smile on a person's face. Her flawless skin and black hair suited her complexion. She was wearing a blood red gown, with a round neck and full sleeves. There was a slit thigh cut in her left leg stopping just at her thigh. Her neck is decorated with a diamond necklace.

"What did I tell you young lady?" She glared at me.

I laughed innocently. "What?"

"What are you wearing?" She scowled at me putting her hands on her tiny waist.

Marcus came and laughed watching my expression as he knew I was going to get an earful. Several heads turned in our direction. Wondering what had amused the couple. "Yes, baby I told her to dress nicely but look at her always so serious and professional." Marcus winked at me as he smiled evilly.

I opened my mouth to retaliate when Cassandra glared at me. "Why are you like this Ruby? Why don't you want to dress up and look pretty? Do you think I am stupid that I don't know how you avoid dresses and makeup? From a mile I can catch a beautiful thing, if I saw one and you my dear you have rare personalities. Not only from inside but you are beautiful from outside."

My mouth dried up as I nervously glanced up at Marcus for help but instead he gave me an awkward smile. "Look I forgot to tell you Mrs. Parker was asking about you. Go and meet her. She will leave soon." He changed the topic and Cassandra shot him a warming look.

"I am not stupid." She fired back, glaring at us. "And you, young lady, I will not spare you today." With that she walked out leaving me and Marcus.

"That was terrifying." Marcus spoke as he wiped an imaginary sweat from his forehead, trying to cheer me up.

I tried to smile but my eyes gave in. Marcus put his hand around my shoulder as he started walking out from the ballroom and took me to a balcony. "Are you okay?" He spoke carefully as he put his hand on my hair.

I nodded as I felt tears swelling up my eyes. "Hey! Hey! No crying."

"I am not crying." I gulped down my tears as I answered him.

"Ruby, you know she wasn't wrong?" Very quietly Marcus murmured as I nodded. "You should give it a try. I am not forcing you and I won't let Cassandra do that. It's all up to you. Just know whatever you decide I will always be there for you and I promise you, I won't let anyone harm you." He tried to make me understand as I nodded.

Apart from Daphne, Marcus also knew about my past. I told you, I have a different connection with him. He looks at me way more than his secretary. Sometimes he called me his daughter as he also wanted one.

"Good now cheer up and yes thank you for this awesome party."

"It was like a fly to me." I waved him out giving him my cheerful smile.

"But see for the person we threw this party, he is still not here." He complained glaring at his watch.

Just then we saw a commotion at the entrance. Curiously I tried to look over there from the balcony but it was difficult, suddenly Cassandra came running as she called Marcus. "Nikolas is here. Come." Marcus nodded as he started to walk.

Mid-way he stopped and turned,"Come, Ruby."

I nodded going towards him when the event planner stopped me. "Ma'am, can you please come for a moment. There's some problem in the kitchen."

I sigh nodding at him as I replied to Marcus. "I will join you later."

With that I walked towards the left side going towards the kitchen with curiosity blooming in my heart and Marcus walked behind Cassandra to receive his son."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NIKOLAS PALLIS P.O.V

Theodore briefly glanced at me before setting his gaze on the road again. "You are awfully quiet. Are you nervous?"

I looked at my car window and sigh deeply. "I'm fine."

We remained silent until we arrived at the venue. Theo parked his car at the entrance as he gave his keys to the valet. My eyes roamed all around the hall as I was impressed by the decoration. I was checking out the light when my eyes caught a figure. I easily noticed my father and another person who was wearing a black suit. My father was saying something with his hand on the person's head as the unknown person nodded. That's when I noticed the hair. It was a girl. I curiously looked at them and for a second I thought my father was having an affair but immediately shook that thought out of my mind.

I was deeply aware of the curious glances the crowd threw in our direction as soon as we stepped inside the thresholds. The woman started circling around us as I irritatedly threw a look at Theo who was enjoying the attention very much.

Entering the ballroom, my mother rushed inside taking me in her arms. She started kissing all over my face as it was the second time we were meeting after I came back. After the party Theo threw me, I got busy taking every responsibility from my father's shoulder. Meeting business partners and knowing about them. Attending conferences one after another.

My father patted my back as he also hugged me. "You're late."

I scowled at Theo who was smiling. "Ask your princess."

My mother amused glance at Theo whistling at him. "It was worth it." She hooted and made Theo show me his tongue.

"You look beautiful, babe." Theo complimented my mother, making me roll my eyes.

I knew what he was doing. "The moment I entered, I knew the most shining and precious gem was sparkling, it was none other than you."

My mother laughed while waving at him but I saw how much Theo boosted my mother's ego.

"Well mom, you overdid it again." I complained looking around the ballroom.

She always does that. If anything involves me, she will pull down everything to give me the best of the best.

"Oh silly boy, it's not me." She laughed pulling my cheeks.

I frown. "Not you?"

"Yes Nikolas. It was Ruby, who did all the work. Me and Cassie didn't even have any idea about all these."

"Then we should meet this Ruby. I frankly got tired hearing that name again and again." Theo piped excitedly.

"Marcus." Suddenly, we heard a female voice calling my father's name.

"Here." My father called out waving at her, as Theo blocked my way to look at her first.

"Ruby, meet my son." My mother excitedly spoke, taking my hand from Theo's behind.

And it was the exact moment, I knew our destiny had already decided something for us.

"You?" She screamed with horror laced in her eyes as I stared at her with an open mouth.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"HELLO LOVELY PEOPLE DON'T FORGET TO VOTE AND COMMENT."