Silver was in a bad mood since he left Rubisha’s condo. The jealousy seemed to course through his blood thinking he had to leave Rubisha with Xiran. Although he couldn’t feel anything romantic between them, it still gnawed at him.

Returning to his condo, he took a shower and rummaged through his fridge for something to eat.

Rubisha had heard his door opening and closing so knew he was back. She had prepared dinner, and placing it in the bowl she carried it to his place and knocked on the door.

Hearing the knock, Silver opened the door and found Rubisha standing there with food and a broad smile.

"Hey! I heard you are back. I brought food," he didn’t return her smile and stepped aside so she could enter.

"What’s wrong? Did you encounter some rogues?" Rubisha inquired while entering and placing the food on the table. She turned to face him and crossed her arms.

"No, everything was peaceful," he settled down on the sofa and didn’t meet her gaze. Spreading his legs he placed his elbow on the armrest. An unreadable expression spread on his strikingly stunning face.

"Then what? Why won’t you look at me?" Rubisha drew near him and got down on her knees so she could gaze into his eyes and see what was bothering him.

"What are you doing?" he finally met her questioning orbs and asked. His eyes were back to being icy.

"Trying to understand what’s bothering you," Rubisha didn’t stop staring nor she made any effort to get up.

"Why was Xiran here? And what relationship do you have with him?" and it clicked with Rubisha and she began to chuckle instead of answering him and his brows knitted in confusion at her reaction.

"You are jealous of Xiran, aren’t you?" she moved closer and placed her chin on his knee, tilting her head she smirked at him.

"Why would I be jealous of him?" he raised his brows at her and asked in a stern voice.

"Maybe you find me irresistible and want me all to yourself, that’s why," she fluttered her eyes at him trying to make him smile.

"Answer the question Rubisha," his sharp gaze was boring into her and she could sense it dwelling deep into her soul. She gulped awkwardly before saying:

"Ahh! Remember I told you about my family? I have two brothers, Xiran is their best friend. They grew up together. Since I mostly ignore my brothers and don’t listen to them, they send Xiran in their place whenever they want to convey a message."

The seriousness in Silver’s eyes never abated and he kept glaring at her.

"And why do you listen to him?"

"Because he is kind and tries to take care of me. And seeing his life reminds me I don’t have it as bad as I like to think."

Her answer threw him into an agitated state. He never liked Xiran but thinking back, all his hatred was based on the fact that he was the son of their greatest enemy. But hearing his story, Silver knew he was more of a victim to his father than they all ever were. So why did he still dislike him?

Was it because of what he did to Aselia? But then again, didn’t he want them to separate in the first place? He didn’t want Aselia to be involved with him and he did just that. He let Aselia go so why was he still harbouring hatred for the man who had been struggling all his life and was under immense emotional turmoil? He had sensed it when Xiran held him.

Silver knew he needed to let that unfounded hatred go but his ego wouldn’t allow him to do that so easily. He told Rubisha:

"I know about his life. His city was attacked by his father recently and there was a lot of damage and loss of human lives. He has collaborated with hunters now and formed an alliance." 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"That’s good, I hope all of you will be able to put an end to his father once and for all," Rubisha answered placing her chin on his knee and her hand on his thigh.

He didn’t stop her, although his instincts were telling him he should be pushing her away. His hands refused to move and his mouth refrained from forming words.

Silver knew he would be leaving soon and he didn’t want to get any closer to this woman who was becoming dangerous for his existence and yet his heart refused to accept. Seeing him lost again Rubisha announced:

"Come, let’s eat. I am hungry," she got up and brought food and cutlery. Filling his plate with pasta she handed it to him. He quietly took it and began to eat. They finished their meal in silence. Rubisha threw cursory glances at him throughout their meal while his face remained stoic.

"You are still being very quiet, why?" Rubisha began picking up the cutlery and Silver landed a hand.

"I don’t like to talk much. I am mostly quiet," he helped her wash the dishes and put them away.

After finishing their task, they returned to the living room. Instead of returning to her condo, Rubisha plopped herself on the sofa and patted the side beside her, inviting him with her hand. Soon he joined her and instead of sitting at a distance, Rubisha snuggled with him like a needy cat.

Her hands clasped his waist and her head rested on his sturdy shoulder. One of her legs was on his thigh. He never let anyone snuggle to him like this and yet he embraced her while she giggled in satisfaction. Her heart at ease, she soon fell asleep. Her head drooped and Silver discovered that she had already gone to sleep.

Did she find his presence soothing? He nervously shook his head before carefully scooping her up in his arms and taking her inside the bedroom.

"What am I going to do about you? I don’t think I have the heart to push you away," he laid her down on his bed and sighed deeply while covering her with his blanket.