CHAPTER 3

Meeting Him

She hated that her voice trembled. She wished she sounded angry and would be brave enough to tell him to take her with him, but all that came out was fear.

Anderson exhaled, slow and heavy, before turning to her. His eyes softened for a moment, and Ruby caught a glimpse of the father she once knew—the one who carried her on his shoulders when she was six, the one who used to tell her stories at night before the house grew cold after her mother’s death.

“Yes, Ruby,” he said gently. “There are business issues that require my presence. I’ll only be gone a few months.”

A few months.

That was what he said last time. Last time, he promised three months and stayed almost a year.

Ruby swallowed hard. “But… Why now? You just got back.”

Anderson ran a hand through his hair, as though searching for the right words. “Grey Enterprises is on the verge of a partnership with a foreign firm. They need someone trusted to oversee the negotiations.”

“And it has to be you?” Ruby whispered.

“It has to be me,” he replied.

Those five words fell between them like stones.

Behind them, heels clicked against marble flooring—sharp, confident, and too familiar. Vivian appeared at the foot of the staircase wearing her satin robe, her expression carefully composed. She was the type of woman whose smile was never genuine unless she was getting something out of it.

“Darling, the car is ready,” Vivian said sweetly.

Anderson nodded, then looked back at his daughter. He hesitated, as if battling guilt he wasn’t sure how to process. “Ruby… I trust Vivian to take care of you.”

Ruby’s stomach twisted.

But she said nothing.

Because what was the point? He believed Vivian’s act—the loving wife facade he saw only on the surface.

He stepped closer and placed a hand on Ruby’s shoulder. “I need you to be strong.”

“I’ll call often,” he added, though his tone lacked conviction.

Ruby forced a nod.

Vivian’s expression tightened, but she quickly smoothed it into a soft smile. “She’ll be fine, Anderson. You don’t need to worry.”

Ruby wanted to scream that it was a lie. That she wouldn’t be fine.

But Anderson didn’t see her desperation, or he chose not to. Instead, he kissed her forehead briefly, then walked toward the door.

“Take care, Ruby,” he said.

And then he left.

Just like that.

The door closed with a hollow thud that echoed through Ruby’s chest.

When the car engine started, Vivian’s smile vanished instantly.

“Well,” she said sharply, crossing her arms. “Since your father is gone, you’d better behave. I don’t want unnecessary noise in this house. And don’t expect me to pamper you. You’re old enough to take care of yourself.”

Ruby lowered her gaze, her throat burning.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good.” Vivian turned to leave but paused. “Oh—and don’t think about calling your father for every minor issue. He’s busy, and I won’t have you distracting him.”

Ruby nodded again, numb.

When Vivian disappeared into the kitchen, Ruby stood there for several seconds. The quiet felt heavier now, like it wrapped around her and pressed into her lungs.

Her father was gone, and she was alone again, with a woman who saw her as nothing but a responsibility she never wanted.

Ruby tightened her grip on her bag. She had no choice but to endure it—again. Be strong, she repeated to herself.

………..

She woke up late—thanks to Clara, who unplugged her phone from charging so the alarm wouldn’t ring.

By the time Ruby opened her eyes, the sun was already rising sharply through the thin curtains.

“Oh no…” she whispered, jumping off the bed.

She didn’t have the luxury of waking up late. Not in that house.

She rushed through her chores, sweeping, cooking, cleaning, and ironing Clara’s outfit for school. By the time she finally made it out of the house, she was breathless. She walked fast—almost running—hoping she wouldn’t miss too many morning lessons.

The road was busy, dusty, and noisy as usual. People hurried past her cars honked impatiently. Ruby clutched her torn bag to her chest, trying to navigate the crowded walkway.

She reached a junction and stepped forward, intending to cross—

Vroooom!

A black SUV swerved sharply around the corner, tires screeching against the asphalt. Ruby jumped back, her heart slamming against her ribs.

“Hey! Be careful!” a man shouted from across the road.

But it was too late—Ruby slipped on loose gravel and stumbled right into the street.

The SUV stopped inches from her.

Her breath caught.

For one moment, the world went silent.

The car door opened.

And he stepped out.

Leo Carter.

A man whose name carried weight, power, and mystery. Billionaire of Carter Holdings. A man people only saw on TV, magazines, or billboards. A man whose presence made even successful businessmen stammer.

CHAPTER 4

Leo Carter

He was tall, dressed in a perfectly fitted charcoal suit. His expression was sharp, intense-eyes like polished steel. His dark hair, slightly tousled from the morning breeze, softened his otherwise intimidating appearance.

He walked toward her with long, confident strides.

Ruby froze.

Her pulse thundered in her ears.

She had never seen someone like him in her entire life.

"Are you alright?" Leo asked, his voice deep, calm, but carrying authority.

Ruby opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Her throat felt tight.

She nodded quickly.

But Leo didn't seem convinced. His gaze swept over her-her worn out shoes, her faded uniform, the small bruise forming on her knee.

"You almost got hurt," he said.

"I'm-I'm fine," she whispered.

A small crowd had gathered, murmuring.

"That girl is lucky. That car almost hit her."

"Isn't that Leo Carter?"

"Why is he talking to her?"

Ruby felt her cheeks burn. She hated attention. She hated being stared at like she didn't belong.

She stepped back, bowing her head.

"I'm sorry for causing trouble."

Leo raised an eyebrow. "Trouble? You fell. My driver should have slowed down."

He turned to his driver.

"Martin, watch blind corners. People walk here."

"Yes sir, I'm sorry sir."

Ruby blinked.

A billionaire apologizing on behalf of someone else?

She had never seen humility from even normal rich people, let alone a man like him.

"Do you need to go to a hospital?" Leo asked.

"Oh no sir!" Ruby quickly waved her hands. "Please don't bother yourself. I'm late for school already."

"School?" he repeated, eyes narrowing slightly, as if he was analyzing her entire life from that one word.

He glanced at her torn bag and the worn strap hanging by threads.

"What school?"

"Ridgeway High," she said softly.

He nodded slowly.

Then, without warning, he crouched slightly-yes, Leo Carter lowered himself-to look at her scrape.

Ruby panicked and stepped back. "Please, sir! You don't have to-"

"You're bleeding," he said, not listening.

"It's just a scratch," Ruby insisted. "I'm used to it-"

She stopped herself.

Leo's eyes lifted to hers sharply.

"Used to it?" he repeated with a tone that was almost too calm. A warning tone.

Ruby's stomach tightened. She looked away. She didn't want anyone to know about her life-especially not a stranger. Especially not a man who could read people too easily.

Leo straightened and nodded to Martin.

"Get the first aid kit."

"No, sir," Ruby pleaded again. "Please, I'm fine. I really need to go-"

"Are you always this stubborn?" Leo asked.

Ruby's breath hitched. "I'm not-"

A tiny smile touched his lips.

"Hold still."

Martin approached with the kit, and Leo took it from him, gently cleaning her knee. His touch was careful but confident-like someone used to taking control.

Ruby stared, confused.

No one in her family had touched her with such care in years.

She didn't understand why a billionaire would kneel to help a girl he didn't know.

When he finished, he stood up, closed the kit, and studied her again.

"What's your name?" Leo asked.

"Ruby," she whispered.

"Ruby..." he repeated, as if testing the name on his tongue. "Pretty name."

She flushed.

No one had said her name with that kind of softness in a long time.

Leo reached into his coat and pulled out a sleek black card.

"If you ever need help," he said, "call this number."

Ruby stared at the card like it was a forbidden object. She didn't reach for it.

"I don't think I should take that," she murmured.

"And why not?"

"Because..." she swallowed, "...people like you don't talk to people like me."

Leo's expression changed-sharp, unreadable.

"Take it," he said simply.

Ruby hesitated.

Leo stepped closer. "Ruby, life doesn't choose who to be kind to. People do."

Her heart trembled.

Slowly, with shaky fingers, she took the card.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Leo gave a small nod, turned, and walked back to the SUV.

The crowd dispersed.

She stood there, staring at the black card resting lightly in her palm.

Leo Carter Carter Holdings Private Line

Her own reflection stared back at her on the glossy surface.

Carter's mansion was quiet.

Not the peaceful silence of a home, but the kind that hovered in the air, heavy and expectant, as if the walls themselves knew what was coming.

Leo stood at the entrance, hands in his pockets, staring at the massive mahogany doors. He had been away from this house for months, drowning himself in work, hiding behind meetings, contracts, and flights across continents. Yet here he was again-summoned.

And nobody ignored a summons from Richard.

The doors opened before Leo could knock. The butler, Mr. Halden, bowed slightly.

"Welcome home, sir."

"Thank you," Leo muttered, stepping inside.

The mansion smelled of polished wood and expensive cologne. Everything seemed almost too clean, too flawless-like a museum meant to display the Carter name rather than house a family.

Leo walked past the grand staircase, his shoes silent on the marble floor. The closer he moved to his father's study, the colder the air felt.

He stopped at the heavy double doors, he knew the conversation waiting behind it, he also knew he couldn't avoid it any longer.

Leo exhaled slowly and pushed the door open.

Richard sat behind his enormous desk, dressed in a dark suit even though he wasn't going anywhere. His hair, once jet black, had begun to gray around the temples, giving him an even more commanding look.

CHAPTER 5

Don't dare talk about her.

He didn't look up immediately.

That was Richard's way of reminding Leo of his place-second to business, always.

Leo waited silently.

Finally, Richard lifted his gaze, sharp and calculating, the same gaze that intimidated boardrooms full of executives.

"You're late."

Leo didn't flinch. "Traffic."

Richard scoffed. "You own half the cars that create traffic."

Leo didn't entertain the remark. Instead, he sat down across from his father, maintaining the calm, professional composure he had mastered over the years.

Richard folded his hands. "You've been avoiding me."

"You haven't called."

Richard's eyes narrowed. "I shouldn't have to call. You know your responsibilities."

Leo leaned back. "I've been handling everything at the company."

"Business is not the issue." Richard's voice was firm. "You know what the issue is."

Leo's jaw tensed.

He knew the real reason he had been summoned.

Richard stood from his chair and walked toward the window overlooking the massive Carter estate. He clasped his hands behind his back.

"You're twenty six, Leo."

"And?"

"And it's time."

"For what?" Leo asked sharply, even though he knew.

Richard turned, giving him a knowing look.

"For you to get married."

Leo's muscles tightened. He had known this conversation would happen eventually, but he had hoped he still had time-time to breathe, time to live his own life, time to avoid the prison his father was building for him.

"Dad," Leo said slowly, "I'm not interested in an arranged marriage."

Richard raised an eyebrow. "Who says it must be arranged? Find someone on your own, then. I don't care how it happens. What matters is that it happens soon."

Leo laughed under his breath, though nothing about this conversation was funny.

"I don't have time for a relationship."

"You make time," Richard snapped.

Leo clenched his fists. "Why are you pushing this so hard?"

Richard moved back to his desk, picked up a thick file, and tossed it in front of Leo.

Leo looked down, a company projection report, Shareholder conditions, public relations strategies.

Then he saw the highlighted line,

"Long term succession stability depends on their projection within five years."

Leo felt his stomach drop.

"You're joking," he said.

Richard shook his head. "I'm not. The board wants assurance. Investors want security. The media wants a story that stabilizes our stock. Everything is tied to legacy now."

"And you think marriage will solve that?" Leo demanded.

"It will solve many things," Richard replied. "A stable image, secured line of leadership, continuity."

Leo stared at him in disbelief.

"You want me to get married for a corporate image?"

Richard's voice was cold.

"I want you to protect what you will inherit."

Leo pushed the file away.

"I don't need a wife to run Carter Holdings."

"You do," Richard answered calmly. "If you want to keep your position."

Silence slammed into the room.

Leo felt like the air had been sucked out of his lungs.

"Dad," he whispered, "are you threatening to take the company away from me?"

"Not threatening," Richard corrected.

"Warning."

Leo stood abruptly. His chair screeched against the floor.

"This is ridiculous."

Richard didn't look fazed. "Sit down."

Leo stood still.

Richard sighed, showing the first hint of emotion-a controlled frustration.

"Leo, listen," he began again, more softly this time. "Your mother wanted-"

"Don't," Leo snapped, his voice sharp as broken glass. "Don't bring her into this."

Richard fell silent.

Leo rarely raised his voice, but the moment his mother was mentioned, something inside him hardened.

Richard exhaled.

"She wanted you to be happy."

Leo's chest tightened painfully.

"My happiness is my decision."

Richard nodded slowly. "Then make a decision, soon. Before someone else makes it for you."

Leo felt like a storm had been building inside him.

He turned away, staring at the window-at the life he never really chose, at the empire built on expectations, demands, and sacrifices.

He spoke quietly but firmly.

"I won't marry for the company."

Richard leaned forward.

"Then marry for yourself."

Leo turned back, eyes cold.

"And what if I don't want marriage at all?"

Richard straightened, his expression turning to stone.

"Then you're not ready to lead Carter Holdings."

Leo inhaled sharply.

Leo sank back into the chair, his hands rubbing his temples.

"You think this is easy for me," he muttered.

Richard didn't respond.

Leo continued, voice low and bitter.

"You think I don't understand the weight of the family name? I do. I have carried it my entire life. Every movement I make is a headline. Every mistake is a scandal. Every decision is judged by thousands of strangers."

He looked up, meeting his father's eyes.

"But you never cared about my life outside business. Not once."

Richard didn't deny it.

Leo continued.

"You pushed me into leadership before I even knew who I was. You drove me into maturity at an age when kids were playing outside. You trained me like a soldier, not a son."

Richard's jaw tightened. "I did what I had to do."

"No," Leo corrected. "You did what you wanted for the company, for the Carter legacy."

Richard spoke through clenched teeth. "And now you will do what you must do."

Leo fell silent.