Ruby was sitting on the edge of the couch, one leg crossed over the other. She was holding a cushion on her lap, observing Hunter, who never looked this hot in her previous life.

He never raised his voice or laid a hand on her when he was her spouse. Nor did he ever question her decisions.

He was a perfect gentleman, and the way he’d started caring for Sienna in this life, Ruby was sure that Sienna had made some kind of deal with him.

Of course, Ruby was not a fool.

Her father had asked her to apply for a job in Sienna’s company and be useful. In return, he had assured her that he would help her get out of the abusive relationship.

"Careful, ma’am," Brian said, setting the tray down, "It’s hot."

Ruby smiled at him with an odd expression on her face. She never had a butler in her previous life. Hunter could never afford it.

Then what happened now? Or was it Sienna who hired him?

Brian’s eyes briefly flicked towards her face before he walked away, leaving them alone. Hunter stood near the window, watching Ruby.

He had no idea why she was there. It would have been better if she had visited him in her sister’s presence. He turned and walked over, taking the seat across from her, "What is it?"

Ruby let out a slow breath, "I know— you know nothing about me," She started, and for some reason, she wanted to remind him about their previous life, "But I needed to come because I have nowhere to go."

When Hunter didn’t speak, she continued with a small smile, "My husband is abusive, and I can’t live with him anymore."

She tucked her hair behind her ear, letting him see the mark on her wrist. For a brief moment, a few lines appeared between his brows, but he remained quiet.

Ruby wanted to grind her teeth. What was so special about Sienna that men always wanted her attention?

She had seen how Hunter kissed her, not caring that they had an audience.

Her eyes suddenly turned glossy, "I really need help, Hunter. He might kill me if I don’t get out of there."

Hunter still seemed unimpressed and unbothered.

"What about your parents?" He leaned back, spreading his legs ahead. Ruby realized that he had gained more muscles because the way his denim pants were tight against those powerful thighs...

At the start of their marriage, she often fantasized about him kissing her.

Ruby jumped when Hunter snapped his fingers near her face, "I asked you something, Ruby. What about your parents?"

Ruby picked up her coffee cup with a nervous smile, "They’re not interested in helping me. I can’t go back to Tom, I’m not safe there anymore."

"I understand," Hunter nodded, and Ruby felt a hint of hope in her heart. She knew Sienna lied when she said Hunter wouldn’t allow it.

She wanted to give a surprise to her elder sister once she came back. How would she feel when Ruby would be standing on the entrance door, welcoming her sister?

She quickly tried to hide the smirk that formed on her lips.

"I just ... needed someone to listen, Hunter," She said softly, lowering her lashes as if trying to hide her tears.

She was badly in need of some sympathy, and right now Hunter was a perfect choice.

"I came here because Sienna told me you’d understand," she took a sip from her coffee and closed her eyes, giving the impression that she felt at home here.

She could feel him watching her as she slowly finished her coffee and placed her cup down carefully on the table, "I’ll be independent once we start the shoot... until then... I was thinking..." She nervously dabbed a napkin against her lips, "I was thinking if I could stay here for a while..."

She gave him a shy smile, tilting her head a little, "I won’t be a burden, I swear..." she batted her lashes, "It’s a temporary arrangement."

For a second, he stayed quiet. Ruby held her breath as she waited for his response with fingers crossed.

A soft smile formed on his lips, and Ruby knew that she had won. Her face lit up.

"Ruby," He said gently, "That’s not possible."

The smile on her lips froze as she quickly blinked several times, "Excuse me?" She whispered.

"I’m sorry, but this house belongs to Sienna, and I can’t say anything without consulting her. Let me talk to her first..."

Ruby thought she had heard him wrong. What did he mean by that?

He never consulted her for any decision in her previous life, so what changed now?

Her eyes welled up with genuine tears, "It was just for a while..." she sniffed her nose.

"I know," His voice remained soft, "But my wife isn’t home, Ruby."

Disappointment surged through her heart as she intertwined her fingers tightly on her lap to keep them from shaking. She never expected this.

What was happening this time? Why was everything going in Sienna’s favor?

***

"Hunter called," Sienna told Lina before fixing her pillow on the bed, "Ruby went there and told him the same story."

Lina got up as she watched her friend tying her hair into a braid, "Seriously? What a bitch she is!"

"I know," Sienna rolled her eyes as she lay on the bed, "She forgets that this is real life, not a movie shoot."

"And let me guess. She tried to act innocent?"

Sienna shook her head while looking at the ceiling, "The same old Ruby and same old tactics."

"Don’t go soft on her, Sia."

"I won’t."

"I mean it," She turned to watch her friend, "Remember? She didn’t spare you."

A cold smile crossed Sienna’s lips, "I haven’t forgotten anything, Li. She thinks she can cry her way into my house," she muttered, "Well...not this time. Not in this life."

Closing her eyes, she yawned loudly, "She picked the wrong person, Li."