Jo Togame, the Vice President of a gang, finds himself unexpectedly falling deeply in love with Murshene Ruby, a successful professional, despite their significant age difference.
As they navigate their complex relationship, they uncover a profound...
The next morning, I wake up with a pounding headache. It's clear I need to cut back on alcohol; it's not helping anymore. Thoughts of him still linger.
Ayato knocks on the door. "Hey, you're finally up. Good morning," he says cheerfully.
"I felt like making you breakfast. Ta-da! Hope you like it," he announces, showing a plate before me, showcasing his culinary skills.
He's prepared pancakes topped with whipped cream, maple syrup, and sliced strawberries.
I giggle. "Ayato, why aren't we a couple? Only couples do this," I say.
He sighs. "You know why, Ruby." Sitting next to me on the edge of the bed with the plate in hand, he continues, "I can't hurt Miko. Just like I'm here for you, she's always there for me. Anyone else would have an issue with how much time I spend with you, but not her." He smiles fondly. "She's amazing that way." Handing me the plate, he adds cheerfully, "Now, dig in!"
Sitting up against the headboard, I take the plate from him.
"She's one lucky girl indeed, and vice versa." I smile at him. "Thank you for the breakfast. It looks delicious. Want to share?" I hand over the fork to him.
"No, it's alright. I wanted to eat breakfast at Miko's. I'd better get going. Are you going to work today?" he asks.
"I have to. I've been avoiding it, and I think it's time to take it easy with the alcohol. I'm beginning to hate how it makes me feel," I say, sounding disgusted.
He's visibly happy to hear my resolve. He pinches my cheeks. "That's the Ruby I know! She bounces back and tackles life head-on," he says excitedly.
I laugh at his reaction.
"Hey," he suddenly says, "you always have me, okay? No matter what, I'm always going to be there for you." He places his hand on my head, giving me some reassurance.
I smile. "Of course! Even if you leave me, I won't let you go."
Ayato leaves my place, and I look at the time. It's 9:00 a.m. I quickly get ready and head to the office. --- Work keeps me extremely busy, and thoughts of Togame are temporarily erased from my mind. My phone starts to buzz.
"Huh? Dad's calling? What's his deal?" Curious, I answer the call. "Hello, Dad?"
"Ruby! How are you? It's been a while since we heard from you."
Annoyed, I respond, "I've been busy. I'm at work right now. Anything urgent?" I quickly want to disconnect the call.
"Oh, nothing urgent! We're catching up with a few work friends tonight, and I need you to come with us. I'm not taking no for an answer. This is important, so don't try to say you're busy; I'm not buying it."
I sigh and acknowledge.
"Great! We'll pick you up at 7:00 p.m."
We disconnect, and time flies. It's time for me to log out. I head home to get ready for the dinner party.
I see a box outside my apartment. "Huh? What is this?" I look at the label on the box.
''Ruby Dear! You will wear this dress tonight.'' - Mom
"Oh jeez! What is that witch even planning?" I pick up the box and head inside. I start unboxing and look at the outfit. "Wow! This looks stunning." I'm surprised.
Isn't this a bit over the top for a dinner party? I think.
I put on the pastel pink off-shoulder satin dress. It fits perfectly, highlighting my curves and revealing a hint of cleavage. The knee-length design pairs beautifully with see-through rhinestone pointed-toe heels and a sleek black coat.
I quickly finish my makeup and hair, and in no time, my parents arrive, and we're off to the dinner party.
We arrive at an enormous house. "Who are these people?" I wonder, staring at the mansion.
As we enter, I notice everyone is dressed elegantly. In the distance, I spot Togame's parents.
"What are they doing here? Is he here too?" Panic starts to set in. I quickly excuse myself and head to an empty room. After checking to ensure it's vacant, I close the door behind me.
"What is going on? I need to get out of here." Suddenly, I hear footsteps approaching, and someone tries to enter the room.
I quickly hide behind the big window curtains and hear a familiar voice.
"Mom?" I whisper, standing still.
"Oh dear! Our daughter is so clueless."
What is she even talking about? I wait to hear more.
Peeking through the curtains, I see my parents adjusting themselves as if preparing for a speech before leaving the room.
Are they planning something tonight? I need to find out. I slip out of the room and head to the main hall.
I recognize a few faces from the previous event I attended with Togame. They give me odd looks, making me self-conscious, and I mostly look down.
And then I see him. Togame is standing with a group of guys. He notices me but ignores me as if I were a stranger.
I look away, disappointed, and am startled by my parents as they drag me to the middle of the hall. "What's this about?"
Suddenly, someone begins speaking into the mic, and the spotlight shifts to him. All eyes are on a young man, likely in his late 20s.
"Hi everyone! My name is Sukuna Kenji, and I hope you're all enjoying the evening. Tonight is special, and you'll soon understand why. Unfortunately, my father, the head of the family, couldn't be here due to business commitments."
"What is he rambling about now? Ugh, why did I even bother showing up?"
He continues, "My elder brother is getting engaged, as most of you are aware, and that's why we've gathered here tonight. Could we have the spotlight on the bride and groom, please?" he announces.
The spotlight falls on me, and when I glance to my right, I see... it's that guy I bumped into last night. Megumi? I'm utterly shocked. What on earth is happening?
Looking around, I see all eyes on us. People begin to clap, cheer, and whistle.
My parents guide me towards Megumi.
My mom whispers in my ear, "You better not make a scene." I freeze as the spotlight shines on me, uncertain of how to react.
Did my mom's words from earlier in the room mean this?
I notice Megumi being urged forward by his relatives. He tries to resist their insistence, pushing back gently, but eventually, he gives in and steps closer to me.
Megumi turns toward me, smiling awkwardly. "Aren't you the one I bumped into last night? You look..." His eyes light up, but he trails off, not finishing his sentence.
I nod, averting my gaze. "Yes, I am. Do you know what's going on here?" I pause, wondering if he was about to comment on my appearance.
He shakes his head slightly. "No, I was just told to be here. Looks like we're both in the dark."
The crowd continues to cheer around us. Suddenly, someone pulls Megumi aside and hands him a small box, whispering urgently in his ear. He appears to argue briefly with them, his expression tense.
Returning to me with a frustrated look, Megumi says, "I'm sorry. Please forgive me for what I'm about to do." He takes my right hand, kneels before me, and meets my eyes.
My mouth opens, and my head begins to spin.
He swiftly places the ring on my finger and kisses it.
I find myself overwhelmed. I glance in Togame's direction; he's watching me intently, unwilling to look away. His lack of reaction bewilders me.
Why? Why doesn't he intervene to stop this madness? Why are you just standing there, Togame?
I silently pray for him to rescue me from this nightmare.
As I see him standing there, seemingly unaffected, his earlier words echo in my mind.
So it was true after all, "You never loved me." I turn away, fighting back tears.
I resign myself to whatever fate this is leading me towards. If this is what I must endure, then so be it.
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