Up on the serene and scenic patio, Ariella sat beside Ruby enjoying the tranquil view over some chocolate cake.
"You know, I've been looking forward to this meeting ever since Kai told us about you," Ariella said softly, her voice warm and inviting as she observed Ruby nervously poking at the untouched cake on her plate.
"He did?" Ruby's eyes lifted in surprise, a flicker of alarm passing through them before she quickly looked away, embarrassed.
"Yes, my dear," Ariella replied smoothly.
"What exactly did he tell you?" Ruby asked cautiously.
"Not much," Ariella said with a tender smile. "Except for the fact that you're an extraordinary young woman."
Ruby exhaled in relief, thinking the worst had been avoided. But Ariella wasn't finished.
"And that he secretly married you."
The fork slipped from Ruby's trembling hand, clattering sharply against the porcelain plate.
"H–he... he told you that?" Ruby stammered, her voice barely a whisper as fear tightened in her chest.
