"I’ve already packed my suitcase," Adrian continued, his tone calm but his eyes locked firmly on hers. "It may take a few days. Don’t worry, I know so hotels there."
Ruby’s chest tightened. She wanted to argue, to tell him not to go without her, but she only nodded again, already missing him before he even left. Adrian’s hand brushed hers in a fleeting gesture of reassurance before he stepped back.
Not before turning his sharp glare on Louis. The fat ghost stiffened, his eyes narrowing suspiciously at their closeness.
"Let’s go," Ruby finally said, stepping forward, her face calm though her heart was heavy.
Karl, who had been leaning against the wall, couldn’t hold himself anymore. His teeth sank into his thumb as he chewed in frustration, his whole body tense. His fiery eyes followed Ruby as she walked out the door with Louis beside her. His fists clenched, and his heart hamred.
He wanted to shout, to drag her back, to punch Louis until his round face caved in—but all he could do was stand there, furious and helpless.
*************
anwhile, Ruby was already regretting her life choices.
She didn’t want to be here—especially not with him. But here she was, standing in the middle of their small village market, surrounded by the noisy chatter of rchants, the sll of roasted nuts, and Louis’s constant voice echoing beside her.
She could have taken him to the larger town market, but no—Ruby deliberately brought him here, to the dusty old market of their village.
Louis was already fanning himself with a handkerchief, his round cheeks flushed. "This place is too small! Don’t you have better places to shop? My mother said I should take you to the Golden Market in the neighboring town. There are so many better shops there!" he complained loudly, his tone making heads turn.
Ruby gave him a flat look. "I like this market," she said calmly, walking ahead. "And I don’t rember asking for your opinion."
Louis blinked, caught off guard by her sharp tone. "B-but... we should buy good things for our wedding, right?" he said, following behind her like a lost puppy, his robe dragging in the dust.
Ruby ignored him completely. She stopped by a stall selling simple robes, picked a few colors, and handed them to Louis. "Hold these."
Louis blinked. "What? You an ?"
"Yes," Ruby said sweetly. "You wanted to co with , didn’t you? So you can be useful. Hold them."
He grumbled but took the pile. A few minutes later, Ruby bought more—decorations, food ingredients, small gifts and dumped everything into his arms. By the ti they reached the next stall, Louis was barely able to see over the stack he was carrying.
"Wife—uh—I an, Ruby!" he puffed. "You’re buying too much!"
Ruby’s lips curved in a calm smile. "I told you not to call wife. And I’m not done yet. I still have more to get."
Louis’s face fell. "More?"
"Yes," she said, walking away gracefully, leaving him to stumble after her like an overloaded donkey.
A few people in the market were already laughing quietly, whispering behind their hands.
"Isn’t that Mada Shades’ son?" one old witch murmured. "Looks like he’s carrying half the market."
Ruby caught their voices and smirked faintly. Serves him right.
She stopped at another stall and turned slightly to look at Louis, her eyes calm but sharp. "You know, Louis, if you’re already this tired, I don’t think you’re ready to be my husband."
Louis straightened, sweating nervously. "N-no, I am! I’m very strong! I can handle everything!"
"Good," Ruby said, handing him another bag full of vegetables. "Then prove it."
Louis groaned but didn’t dare say a word.
Ruby walked ahead, her expression calm, but her thoughts were far away. She knew this marriage act had to continue, but at least she could enjoy watching him struggle a little.
After torturing poor Louis with endless shopping, Ruby returned ho in the afternoon, feeling much lighter and strangely satisfied. The mont she stepped inside, the sweet aroma of tea filled the house and so did voices.
She paused, surprised for just a second, before a fond smile crossed her lips. On the couch sat Angeline, looking as lively as ever, her hair tied up in a ssy bun and her sharp eyes full of warmth. Across from her were Milo and Karl—Milo sipping tea nervously, and Karl looking happy.
"Angeline?" Ruby blinked, pretending to be surprised.
Angeline stood up the mont she saw Ruby. "You ca? Why didn’t you tell everything before, you stupid witch! I should have helped you from the beginning!" she scolded, her tone fierce but her eyes watery.
Ruby blinked, then laughed softly. "Angel, calm down," she said, but Angeline was already striding toward her.
In the next mont, Ruby found herself pulled into a death-tight hug. "I was so angry when I found out everything from Adrian and Karl! You kept all this to yourself! How could you not tell , huh?"
Ruby hugged her back gently, her voice warm. "I’m sorry, Angel. I didn’t want to drag you into this ss. Mada Shades is dangerous... she’s not soone ordinary to deal with."
Angeline pulled away just enough to cup Ruby’s face and glare at her affectionately. "Silly witch. I’m your friend! Of course I’d help you. You think I’d just sit and drink tea while you’re fighting monsters?"
Ruby smiled, her chest tightening with warmth. "You really are my angel."
"Of course I am," Angeline said proudly, flipping her hair. Then she smirked. "And don’t worry, I already sent help. I believe Adrian and the others will co back victorious."
Ruby blinked in surprise. "You did?"
Angeline grinned. "Yes! I sent Kenji and Hugo with them. Kenji’s parents’ house is in that sa village, rember? His mom works as a civil protector officer. They know every corner of that place. No one’s getting away from them."
Ruby’s eyes widened, her lips parting in relief. "Oh my gods... Angeline, thank you so much!" she said, her voice shaking with emotion. Without hesitation, she pulled her into another tight hug, squeezing her like she never wanted to let go.
Angeline laughed softly, patting Ruby’s back. "You don’t need to thank , silly. I just want you and your husbands safe. And that Mada Shades? We’ll make sure she never hurts anyone again."
Ruby nodded, her heart full. "You’re really my angel," she whispered again, this ti smiling through teary eyes.
Karl, watching them from the couch, sniffed dramatically. "So touching..."
Milo nodded quickly, his big eyes soft. "Wife, you’re lucky to have a friend like Sister Angel!"
Angeline turned and winked at them. "And you two—don’t let her carry everything alone, alright? Be her wall, not just her audience."
Karl saluted. "Yes, ma’am!"
To be continued... 🪄
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