“Are you okay?” Otiz presented Ed with a bottle of mineral water.They were already in the VIP waiting room at the airport, but Otiz would run out if necessary—if Ed needed medical help.In Otiz’s eyes, Ed looked like he was having a heart attack. Ed returned to the car, pale as a ghost, completely unresponsive, not even objecting when Otiz drove. Ed just sat there, holding his head, for the entire trip.He was still sitting there, looking unwell. Otiz was understandably worried.“Did something happen?” Otiz asked. He knew it was a stupid question because, clearly, something had happened to make Ed look so empty.“Is Liz in Mexico?” Ed inquired again, pressing firmly against the aching side of his face. There was no way he could be calm after all this.“Yes. I also confirmed that she’ll be in San Miguel de Allende for the next few days.” Of course, Otiz requested not just photos but also other information.“Then who was that here?” Ed murmured quietly.Not Liz. Ed was now sure. He cou
"AJ? Are you done? It's time for breakfast!"Ruby called out, her gaze shifting to the bed. The clothes she had prepared were already gone. For the past few months, AJ has no longer needed her help getting dressed. The last time, AJ had learned to button his shirt, and now he was quite capable. He now refuses Ruby's help every time."I'm done!" AJ appeared at the top of the stairs. He had been downstairs earlier."Oh, alright. Good job." As she walked into AJ's room, Ruby patted his head, praising him."Wait, where's the undershirt you wore to school a few days ago? I only found the shirt."Ruby checked the towering pile of clothes once more—clothes she had been trying to ignore for a few days due to being overwhelmed—and found something missing."Oh, I gave it to Beast. His ear was hurt." AJ paused for a moment to explain, then ran downstairs."Be careful!" Ruby warned, but AJ had already reached the dining table, and Rub
"Sorry, I seem to be quite busy today."Ruby handed Ed his coffee, trying to keep her tone as friendly as possible."Are you the owner of this place?" Ed asked, though he already knew. Sitting for hours didn't mean Ed noticed anything besides reading.Ed glanced often at Ruby, observing her as she worked. Seeing how several employees—both from the kitchen and waitstaff—asked her questions, Ed knew that the woman sitting in front of him was more than just a cashier."Yes, that's right." Ruby nodded."A remarkable achievement." Ed didn't mince words. Owning a medium-sized and seemingly successful business was no straightforward feat."Thank you." Ruby smiled politely."Sorry, but you mentioned AJ earlier. How do you know him? Frankly, it makes me uncomfortable. You're a stranger." Ruby firmly reprimanded him, making an effort to treat Ed as distantly as possible."I mean no harm. AJ helped me when I was in trouble; we
[Where are you?]Otiz sent a message. Even though it was just a message, Ed could imagine Otiz's worried face as he sent it. He must have panicked when he realized Ed had left without him, not saying where he was going either.They were still in New York, not in Mexico. Otiz always believed Ed was in danger. Russell 'owned' the streets there; Ed shouldn't be aimlessly wandering around the city.[Just wait]Ed replied briefly, then leaned back in his seat again. He waited while holding a book, occasionally glancing at the group of children playing not far from his bench.There was a fairly large playground in the park, and Ed knew AJ would be there every Wednesday and Friday. He had observed this last Sunday.AJ would be in school in the mornings, except on Wednesdays and Fridays, when Ruby would pick him up herself. However, a staff member from one of the daycares would pick up AJ on those two days. Ruby would only pick him up in the evening
Ruby glared at Ed, but she didn't immediately get frustrated with him. She crouched down and cleaned AJ's dirty knee while AJ kept his head down.“AJ, did you forget what I told you?” Ruby asked, not shouting, but sharply and firmly.AJ shook his head and didn't dare lift it.“Then why are you with him and not with Ms. Summers? You can't go near strangers.” Ruby pointed to the daycare caregiver watching from a distance.Ed followed her gaze and finally understood. The sight of Ruby puzzled him slightly, as he had expected her to arrive later. But seeing the phone in Ms. Summers' hand made the answer clear. Ruby came because they reported to her.“But I was only talking to Beast. He's not a stranger,” AJ muttered, his hands fidgeting nervously.“AJ didn't…”“QUIET! You can't interfere! I'm scolding my child!” Ruby cut off Ed, who was trying to defend AJ. The shout was t
"We're going to move to a new house in a new city. It might even be more beautiful than this one."Ruby coaxed, pushing aside AJ's curly hair that covered his forehead. She still wanted AJ to accept her suggestion."I love this house! Why do we have to leave? I love it here. All my friends are here." AJ shook his head. He couldn't empathize with that reason and would continue to refuse."You'll make new friends, and there will also be...""I want to stay here! My friends are here. Why go? What about Abuela? She's sick." Even AJ realized he couldn't take his grandmother far away.Ruby sighed and patted AJ's head, then unlocked the car."Get out. Ms. Rosemore will worry if you're late." Ruby stroked AJ's head and kissed his forehead."I don't want to move!" AJ repeated it once again."I know." Ruby gently patted AJ's cheek and then opened the car door."Bye, bye, El Cielo."AJ only smiled after hearing that nickname
Ruby felt like she was swimming in dark soot without a way out. She couldn't understand how her day could change so suddenly. It seemed as though someone suddenly twisted her fate in an unexpected direction."A detective will come in later to explain. This… is for the lawyer." The officer who had brought her into the police station handed her a phone, and Ruby could only stare.She had yelled for a lawyer out of reflex. Ruby didn't really know any... Alejandro! Ruby didn't feel like she knew him well, but he was the only lawyer she knew."Delia?!" Of course, Ruby could only call Delia. She didn’t have Alejandro’s number memorized."Ruby? Where are you calling from? Why...""Please call Alejandro. Tell him to meet me at the police station." Ruby mentioned the police station’s address, which wasn’t far from her home."Huh? But...""Sorry, do it quickly." Ruby couldn't explain further because the officer ha
"I'm getting married today." Ruby muttered to herself, while pinching her thigh hidden beneath the billowing skirt of her white wedding dress. Making sure she wasn't dreaming.She was indeed getting married today, even though just two days ago she didn't have a boyfriend."Remember, if you want your mother to receive care and that money, you must not withdraw or annul the agreement between us."Ruby, who had just held her breath—calming the nausea in her stomach—turned to look at the bald-headed old man who was currently holding her arm. The words were only whispers, but they were clear enough amidst the buzz of the guests in front of the altar."I have promised; I will not break it." Ruby whispered back, affirming that she would fulfill her part of the deal they had agreed upon.Ruby agreed to marry a stranger she had only seen in a photo in exchange for money. That was the essence of her role. Ruby was aware of all the risks, and she believed they were worth it."Remember it for the