Ruby sat quietly inside her black car, parked in front of a magnificent mansion overflowing with lights and decorations.
The glow of the lamps reflected on the window glass, making her face in the mirror look like a silent painting .
She slowly raised her hand and took out her lipstick from her small purse.
She gently applied the color to her lips, then pressed them together, as if trying to convince herself that she was fine.
"I'll stay for a short while… then leave quietly."
She opened the car door and stepped out with steady steps.
One of the guards hurried toward her and bowed respectfully.
"Good evening, Miss Ruby."
She handed him the key calmly.
"good evening, Here."
Then she walked toward the mansion entrance.
The house was enormous, with its white façade, tall columns, and brightly lit windows.
Inside, it was bustling with servants and guests, soft music, and scattered laughter.
A servant approached her.
"good evening miss ruby,The party is in the back garden"
She nodded and followed him.
As soon as she arrived, she paused.
The garden looked like a scene from an exaggerated dream…
Colorful lights, balloons, decorated tables, flowers everywhere, and a large banner that read:
Happy Birthday, Rina!
Ruby smiled faintly.
"It suits her perfectly… exaggeration and joy in everything."
Before she could finish her thoughts, she heard a familiar voice calling out excitedly:
"Ruuuuby!"
She turned.
Rina was running toward her in her shiny pink dress, her face overflowing with happiness.
"You really came! I was afraid you wouldn't!"
She threw herself into her arms.
Ruby hesitated for a moment… then returned the hug.
"Happy birthday, little one… I wish you a beautiful year."
Rina smiled brightly.
"Thank you for coming. Having you with me today is the best gift I could ever get."
She pulled back slightly and looked at Ruby's formal outfit.
"But… why are you dressed like this? You look like you're going to a business meeting! This is a birthday party!"
She laughed lightly.
"At this rate, you'll never get married! You know men run away from seriousness!"
Ruby laughed and gently pinched her cheek.
"Be quiet, you little troublemaker."
Suddenly—
"Ruby?"
A voice she didn't like hearing.
Her body stiffened.
She turned slowly… and her smile faded.
Her mother was approaching them with a hesitant smile.
"How are you, my daughter? It's been a long time…"
Ruby replied coldly:
"I'm fine.
And you look perfectly fine too."
Rina quickly intervened to ease the tension.
"Mom, you know Ruby always loves formal clothes, even at parties!"
Her mother laughed.
"She's been like this since she was young… just like her father."
A shadow crossed Ruby's face.
"I'm surprised you still remember his clothes, at least."
A heavy silence followed.
Rina felt nervous.
"Come on, Ruby, let me show you the decorations! There's a beautiful spot for photos!"
She gently pulled her away, trying to save the atmosphere.
Ruby spent the entire party watching from afar.
She smiled at Rina, who was having fun with her university friends.
Although she was happy for her sister,
she felt suffocated and wanted to leave as soon as possible.
She glanced at her watch.
"I stayed longer than I expected…"
She stood up and walked toward her sister.
"Rina, I'm leaving now."
"What? No! Stay longer!"
"I can't. I have work tomorrow."
She took out an elegant box from her bag.
"This is for you."
Rina grabbed it and opened it quickly.
Inside was a silver necklace with a small diamond bunny pendant.
"Oh my God! It's so beautiful, sis! You really know me well! Thank you!"
She hugged her tightly.
"I knew you'd like it. It suits you…
Well, I'm leaving now."
"Ruby, please stay with us tonight. Please."
Ruby shook her head.
"Don't try… I won't change my mind."
She started walking, while Rina held her hand, escorting her to the door and still trying to convince her to stay.
"You're so stubborn."
Ruby smiled gently and hugged her.
"You've grown up with this stubbornness… Aren't you twenty-four now? Men don't like stubborn girls either."
Rina frowned.
"I don't care! I'm not even thinking about marriage!"
Ruby laughed.
Suddenly, a masculine voice called out.
Her stepfather stood there, holding her mother's hand.
"Dad!"
Rina ran toward him.
"You came early for my birthday, didn't you?"
He smiled and patted her head.
Then he looked at Ruby.
"How are you, Ruby? It's been a long time… I'm happy to see you here."
Ruby bowed politely.
"Good evening, Mr. George Clooney."
He laughed.
"No need to be so formal… I'm your mother's husband."
"This way makes me more comfortable," she replied calmly.
Rina tried to change the subject.
"Dad, I asked my sister to stay tonight, but she refused."
George looked at Ruby.
"Ruby, you know this is your mother's house… your house too. Why don't you stay tonight for your sister?"
Ruby answered coldly:
"I have work tomorrow morning. I can't stay.
And… I don't want to ruin your beautiful family atmosphere.
After all, I don't belong here."
Her mother's face changed.
"Oh my God! How can you say that? I'm your mother! We are your family!"
Ruby smiled faintly with sarcasm.
"Oh… I almost forgot I had a mother."
Rina gasped.
"Ruby, stop it! You're hurting Mom!"
Ruby looked at her deeply.
"When was the last time you visited Dad's grave?"
Rina fell silent.
"Your absence all these years hurts him too…"
A heavy silence filled the air.
Ruby took a deep breath.
"…I have to go."
She bowed lightly.
"Take care of yourselves."
Then she turned…
And walked away.
Without looking back.