Later that day, Dhruv trudged back home, the weight of Jowell's frantic explanation hanging over him like a storm cloud. With a knot of worry tightening in his chest, he climbed the stairs, each step echoing his dread. He found Ruby perched on the bed, lost in a book, oblivious to the chaos that had brewed outside. The moment his eyes met hers, a sigh escaped him — part relief, part resignation. He slid onto the mattress beside her.
"Hey… you're back," she whispered, setting the book aside, her voice trembling just enough to betray her anxiety.
"Yeah," he managed, his throat dry.
"Are you hungry? I… I made something for you.she asked
" He reached for her hand, his fingers into hers as he pulled her back down.
"Ruby…" He paused, the words stuck. "Can we talk?"
She asked in concern . "Is everything okay?"
"No," he said, voice low. "Everything isn't okay."..he responded
She pressed, "Why? What happened?"
Jowell told me what happened today..he speaks
"It's… nothing," she tried to brush it off.
"It's not nothing, Ruby. I don't want you living like this — you could get hurt, or worse."...he said
She shook her head. "I won't. I can protect myself."
"You can't," he snapped, frustration breaking through. "I'm serious. I want you to go back home."
"It's not possible," she whispered.
"You should. Kelvin said Cassandra won't get married until you return home."..he said in serious tone
Shock hit her like a cold wave. Her eyes widened, disbelief mixing with anger.
"Ruby, that's not all, there's something I need to tell you."
She waited, breath held, patience thin as paper.
"Please don't get mad at me."..he pleaded
"It depends on what you're about to say."..she said
He hesitated, then sighed. "Ruby, the person you think I am… isn't my true self."
She frowned. "What do you mean?"
"I mean I'm not poor. I'm not a baker's son."..he said
Her confusion deepened. "You're… not poor? What are you trying to say?"
"In short, I'm rich. I come from a wealthy family, not a baker's family."..he continue
Disbelief, anger, and hurt flashed across her face.
" this a prank, All my past relationships — we
They were after my money? So I pretend to be poor because I wanted someone to love __, not for my money? Someone I'll spend the rest of life with?" He explained thing to her
So this is all an act..she asked, anger beneath her voice
He nodded slowly, eyes downcast.
She ripped her hand from his grip. "I can't believe this.
Ruby, please, just listen—"he said
He reached for her again,
but she pulled away. "Just leave me alone. I need privacy."
His shoulders slumped. With a heavy heart, he rose, lingering a moment before turning and walking out of the room, the silence behind him deafening.