My five ghostly husbands-Chapter 358 Pay attention to me

Next day came with a little bit of fresh sunshine peeking through the usual drizzle, almost like the sky itself was giving them one tiny blessing. The children returned early, bundled up in their colorful raincoats, their cheeks bright and giggles echoing in the big, cleared-out space of Ruby’s workshop.

Karl was ready too, fussing over his hair for the tenth time, smoothing down the sleeves of his new raincoat and peeking into every shiny surface he could find. He looked much better than yesterday — his eyes clearer, his grin back in place, that sparkle of mischief returning to his voice as he teased the kids and fixed their hoods just right.

The photographer, now more hopeful than tired, positioned her camera and gently guided everyone, "Stand here — turn a little — lift your chin..." But what no one expected was that perfect moment would come all on its own, without a single forced pose.

One small boy tried to jump, tugging playfully at Karl’s side as Karl’s hand came down over the boy’s hood to keep him from toppling over. A little girl behind them fiddled with her hood strings, her tiny tongue poking out in concentration as she tied her coat tighter. Karl’s smile wasn’t posed — it was wide, warm, almost caught mid-laugh, his eyes bright and alive.

Click.

It happened so fast — a single shot that held the real joy they’d been missing. When the photographer showed Ruby the frame on her small display, Ruby’s heart did a little flip. The colors were bright, the coats looked soft and comfortable, but more than that you could feel the mood. Warm, real, alive.

Karl peeked over her shoulder at the photo, eyes huge. The kids crowded around too, bouncing on their toes to see. For a second they all stood frozen, then they exchanged glances with each other — wide-eyed, surprised, almost confused.

"Wife!" Karl whispered dramatically, "How is this possible? We’re done?! It’s really done?!"

Even the children looked a tiny bit disappointed. They’d come prepared this time — tiny tiffins from home packed by their parents, little snacks wrapped in paper, like they were going to work like grown-ups. Now they fidgeted, glancing at their bags, as if they couldn’t believe the ’job’ ended so soon.

Ruby couldn’t stop her soft laugh. She bent down and held out a small envelope to each child, her eyes twinkling as she teased, "Your salary. You all worked hard. You deserve this."

The kids gasped, their small fingers clutching the envelopes like treasure, tiny squeals escaping their lips as they hugged Karl and even the amused photographer. Karl puffed up his chest proudly, his arms around their shoulders like a big brother. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

Ruby just stood there a moment longer, the final photo glowing on the screen behind her, her chest warm and light. Sometimes, the best moments come when you stop trying too hard and just let people be happy, she thought.

Then, while the children chattered excitedly about what they’d buy with their little envelopes — candy, small toys, maybe shiny pins for their hair — Ruby thanked the photographer and asked her to send the final photo file to her as soon as possible.

"Yes, of course," the photographer said, her voice lighter than yesterday, her eyes crinkling with relief now that the perfect shot was finally caught. She and Ruby gathered the camera bag, extra lenses, and some notes, then made their way toward Ruby’s small office down the hall to finish up the paperwork and sign the last details for the poster print.

Karl stayed behind with the kids, watching the small group run around in their new raincoats like they were showing off tiny trophies. He stood near the window, hands folded behind his back, lips pushed out in a little thoughtful pout.

Salary, huh... Karl peeked at the children slipping coins from their envelopes and hiding them away like precious jewels. For a second, his blue eyes sparkled with dramatic hope. Maybe Wife will give me an envelope too...? But then he caught himself, snorting under his breath.

He shook his head, trying to look noble. "Hmph! It’s fine if she doesn’t," he muttered, brushing off imaginary dust from his sleeve. "All Wife’s money is mine anyway... and all mine is hers..." His shoulders slumped a bit. "Though I don’t really have anything."

He glanced at the door where Ruby had disappeared with the photographer, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth despite his silly sulk. It’s alright, he told himself, his heart soft as he watched the rain patter against the window. Wife works so hard. One day, I’ll earn something too and it’ll be all hers, like everything else.

After Ruby finished discussing the final details and saw off the happy children — each one waving their tiny envelopes like treasures and thanked the photographer at the door, she let out a soft sigh of relief. The big poster project was finally halfway done. But as always, work never truly ended.

She went back inside her small office, the room warm and smelling faintly of ink and fresh paper. Stacks of fabric samples sat in one corner, the new order books spread out across her desk. She tied her hair up in a quick knot, rolled up her sleeves, and got right back to sorting the next orders and checking account sheets in her office computer.

Outside her half-closed door, Karl peeked in like a curious cat, his big blue eyes darting around the room until they landed on her. He could see the tiny crease between her brows — the one that always appeared when she was concentrating too hard. His lips curled into a small mischievous grin.

Quietly, he padded inside, closing the door behind him so no one would interrupt. He crept over to where she sat hunched over her books. Then, instead of speaking, he leaned forward until his chest brushed against her back, the warm press of him impossible to ignore. He made sure his shoulder brushed her hair too, just enough to remind her: I’m here. Pay attention to me.

—To be continued...🪄

Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.c(o)m