"If you want to go and win the championship, I'd go through hell and high water, giving my all," Marcel said determinedly.
"Enough, old man, stop trembling. Hurry up and eat; the food is getting cold," Ruby said, half teasing, half urging.
"As you command, my dear wife," he replied with mock solemnity.
The warmth between them was palpable, enough to make any onlooker envious.
「The Horne Family Villa.」
Ruby parked her car in front of the villa but didn't drive inside.
She had just dropped Marcel off at the military base to report. After he asked his superiors if he could visit his grandmother first, they granted him a two-day leave. He had just returned after a long absence, and his leaders were well aware of his situation.
After eating out together, Ruby drove him back to the Horne Family estate.
"Why didn't you drive in?" Marcel turned, his gaze fixed intently on Ruby.
Gazing at the familiar grand villa before her, Ruby felt a wave of apprehension. Her relationship with Marcel had already infuriated her father, who staunchly opposed it. What about the Horne Family? If they knew her love was Marcel, and that Marcel deeply loved her in return, what kind of tempest would they stir up?
Why did she always encounter so many obstacles in her pursuit of happiness?
Ruby didn't answer Marcel. Her red lips pursed, and her silky hair fell quietly down her back.
Silence suddenly enveloped the car.
Ruby knew she shouldn't be scared—that wasn't her style. Yet...
Sigh, people are so contradictory sotis. Her heart told her not to be afraid, but her expression still betrayed a hint of timidity.
At her own ho, her parents were, after all, her parents. They doted on her and, despite their opposition, would never hurt her. But the Horne Family was different. Because she had fled her marriage, they all held a significant grudge against her. Marcel wouldn't push her away now, but if the Horne Family truly opposed their relationship and persisted, would Marcel be driven from his ho?
Out of nowhere, a large hand reached out, grasping hers firmly. Marcel gently pried her hand from the steering wheel and pulled her into his embrace, holding her tight. He lowered his head, resting his chin on her head, and spoke in a low, soothing voice, "Ruby, on this path, you've been stronger and braver than . You can't lose heart now. Our revolution isn't complete yet; we still need to strive. Gian always said that no matter if there's wind, rain, or snow ahead, we must press on."
He had seen all of Ruby's worries. Witnessing her anxiety, his heart couldn't help but ache.
If only he had confessed his feelings to her sooner. Perhaps she wouldn't have beco Gian's girlfriend, and they wouldn't be facing so many problems today.
Ruby's heart stirred. Yes, that's right! She had always been strong and courageous. She had even dared to flee her wedding! How could she shrink back into her shell like a coward now?
"Marcel." Ruby returned his embrace, her arms wrapping around his sturdy waist. In his arms, she felt as if all was right with the world, safe and secure—as if he would shield her from anything, even if the sky itself were to fall.
"Don't be afraid. I'm here with you. Trust , I can be just as authoritative as Gian," Marcel whispered, planting tender kisses on her hair, a resolute light shining in his eyes. That commanding presence radiated naturally from him.
Even though he wasn't a businessman, being born into such a family ant his authoritativeness was innate. Years in the military had tempered him, transforming that assertiveness into dignity.
In the army, he needed that dignity—an attribute that commanded obedience and respect from his soldiers.
"I'm not afraid." Ruby's defiance returned, and she dismissed her earlier worries as if they were fleeting clouds, scattered by a re gust of wind.
Marcel extended his large hand toward her and said firmly, "Co, let's go in together."
Ruby reached out, her fingers intertwining with his. Together, they stepped out of the car and walked towards the Horne Family Villa.
At that mont, the Courtyard was quiet. The servants had finished their work and were taking their noon rest. Most of the family mbers were out during the day, and the old matriarch, the only one at ho, was also napping.
However, the sound of Ruby's car had disturbed the Housekeeper, Uncle Yin, from his rest.
He hurried from his room. When he saw Marcel in military uniform, holding Ruby's hand and striding in, he froze in astonishnt.
He thought he was seeing things. How could Young Master Marcel be back? And holding Miss Ruby Bluen's hand? They looked as intimate as lovers!
Uncle Yin had worked for the Horne Family for over a decade and had watched the young masters grow up. Before the family split, Gian Horne and his two brothers had all lived in this villa. The Bluen sisters often visited due to the close ties between the families. As such, the young Horne masters had grown up alongside the Bluen sisters. Apart from Jas Horne, the fourth young master, the other four Horne masters were all very kind to the Bluen sisters. But Uncle Yin couldn't understand how Young Master Marcel could have ended up with Miss Ruby; he had always thought their bond was purely platonic, like that of siblings.
Suddenly, Uncle Yin recalled sothing from over a month ago. On the day Young Master Marcel had co ho on leave, Miss Ruby had arrived hurriedly at the villa. At that ti, Young Master Marcel was the only master of the house present. Since Miss Ruby was betrothed to the Eldest Young Master, Gian Horne, she should have been the most inford about his whereabouts. Why would she rush to their house then? Could it be that she knew Young Master Marcel was back and had co specifically for him?
"Uncle Yin, don't you recognize ?" Marcel approached Uncle Yin, still holding Ruby's hand. His face was stern, his deep eyes fixed sharply on the Housekeeper, emanating a chilly aura. He was naturally a reserved man, his tenderness rarely shown, and then only for the woman he loved. To outsiders, he remained an icicle.
His aura bore so resemblance to Jas Horne's. However, Marcel's coldness carried an air of righteousness, whereas Jas's was tinged with gloom.
"Young Master Marcel..." Uncle Yin scrutinized Marcel from head to toe, as if repeatedly confirming his identity. Suddenly, he spun around and rushed toward the Main House, his steps urgent.
At the entrance to the Main House, he bumped into his wife, Aunt i. He imdiately told her, "Quick! Tell the Old Madam that Young Master Marcel has returned!" The old matriarch hadn't seen Marcel in many years.
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