No Need to Hope

Ruby's body might have initially responded, but slowly it changed into a very different feeling. Ruby couldn't forget that pain. Ed's rough movements and the way he made her feel like a slut left a lasting impression on Ruby.

"Don't..." Ruby whispered, pleading and shaking her head. The tremble that engulfed her was no longer from desire, but from fear.

"Don't what?" Ed stopped holding his hands and frowned. Ed couldn't comprehend why the woman, who had evidently provoked him earlier, suddenly pleaded with harsh words. Ed looked at her bowed head.

"Are you so afraid of my face?"

Ed withdrew his hands and stepped back. The question wasn't even a shout, and it didn't require an answer. Ed just reminded himself that the woman in front of him had fainted when she first saw him.

"I forgot." Ed smiled bitterly. He forgot that he shouldn't hope for a woman to accept him when Mayte—who had been with him long enough—felt doubtful.

Ed then