Ruby
I drove back to our villa. I dropped Max off and told him I was going—he already knew where.
I was heading to my own villa.
My little world.
I pulled up in front of the gate. My staff and butler were already standing outside, bowing to greet me.
I spend a lot of time here.
With my true self... I guess?
I didn't go to the bedroom. I went straight to that room. The one with the high walls, colorful paints, and big windows that opened into the backyard.
A room full of sketches, portraits, and the soft scent of dried paint.
Yes—I love art.
I'm an artist.
Only a few people know that.
I grabbed a blank canvas. Empty. Quiet. Waiting.
Without thinking, I started painting. The first stroke? Blue. A soft, almost melancholy blue that covered the entire canvas. Then my hands moved on their own.
Not my mind. Not even me...
Just my hands.
I painted soft violet hair. Those same blue eyes—hazy and full of something I couldn't name. That smile.
My brush, my strokes, every shade—it all came together, piece by piece, turning into something... beautiful.
Maybe one of my best works ever.
I didn't even remember the last time I held a brush. I couldn't recall my last painting, my last sketch...
But this?
I stared at the canvas.
It was beautiful.
Just like Aveline.
I had captured that exact look she gave me while dancing. That moment—it was burned into my memory. And now... it was here.
My butler walked in, froze, and said softly,
> "Master… it's been so long since I saw your work."
He paused. Then added,
"It's beautiful. But who is she?"
I looked at him and smiled for the first time in a long time.
> "Someone important, I guess."
He nodded, handed me a glass of water, and said,
"Then she must be someone who changed you."
I raised an eyebrow and chuckled.
> "Sure, sure, butler. Whatever you say."
Even though… he was probably right.
I had almost given up on art.
But today, my body moved before my mind could.
She was still in my head. Still spinning circles in my thoughts.
She was driving me insane.
Later, Adam and Luna came to visit. My villa isn't in the city—it's surrounded by calm, nature, the kind of place only the wealthy can afford.
I'm not flexing, just being real. It cost me millions.
We hung out, talked about random stuff. The business. Mafia things.
I rarely smoke, but today, I did. I was sitting there, blowing smoke like I was trying to make shapes out of it, just to keep from thinking too hard.
Then Adam leaned forward.
> "Sooo... you like her?"
I coughed.
> "What…?"
Luna looked dead serious.
> "Come on, Ruby. You like her."
> "Nope. I don't like her," I said instantly.
Adam raised his brow.
> "Then why did you paint her?"
I opened my mouth. But no words came.
I didn't know why.
I really didn't.
> "Just... I was just—"
> "Just what, Ruby?" Luna snapped, not letting it go.
I looked between them. And for the first time in my life...
I wondered.
Why did I paint her?
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