Ruby Red, The Sequel - The Romance Story Continues (Complete)

Chapter 16

Holding Ali's hand in the back of the limo, Sam was thrilled to see a genuine smile on her face. The re-introduction of Jack into their lives had taken a toll on his girlfriend, leaving her subdued and sullen these last few days. This was not the Ali Sam was used to and he didn't know how to combat the lingering depression.

He could not blame her.

The anticipation of her ex-husband's interview had almost been worse than the event itself. Sam and Ali discussed over and over what Jack might say and how far he would be willing to go to meet his goals. They tried to get at his motives, his timing, his potential manipulations.

In the background, unbeknownst to Ali, Sam's father had a team of lawyers trying to squash the interview, delay it, have the parts about Ali removed or at least softened. With time against them, they couldn't even get an advanced copy to prepare a counterattack.

So Sam and Ali sat down in front of the TV with the rest of America to watch the master of manipulation expose himself to the country. Sam held Ali's hand then as well. It wasn't enough but he wanted to assure her that no matter what, he was with her. Pushing aside his own feelings, Sam focused on Ali. This time he wouldn't miss anything.

The interview started with the basics, Jack smiling at the camera, looking every bit the successful businessman. His custom-made dark suit fit him like a glove, his black hair was freshly cut and his baby blue tie matched his eyes perfectly. He looked like the man men envied and woman wanted.

Jack Blackhorne was the center of attention and he was loving it. The woman interviewing Jack laughed at his little jokes, tilted her head in understanding as he answered her softball questions. She responded in delight as he announced his intention to run for governor. Then she paused and took on a serious demeanour as she started to delve into the topic of his divorce.

Ali tightened her grip on Sam's hand as Jack's face took on the look similar to a penitent child that knew saucer eyes and apologies were the only way out of trouble. He made excuses, obsessed with his work led him to spend late nights at the office.

Jack hesitated as if overcome with emotion. His voice wobbled as he admitted to not realizing he was ignoring his wife's needs. If you didn't know him, it would be easy to believe he was regretful.

But Sam knew Jack. Had seen the beast up close. Sam's stomach twisted at the sight. He knew that Jack Blackhorne purposefully and cruelly ostracized his wife, isolating Ali from friends and making her life a living hell in a gilded prison. It was a good thing the man was a continent away because Sam wanted to rearrange Jack's face.

Then came the question all reporters ask.

"If you could talk to your ex-wife right now, what would you say to her."

Jack cleared his throat and poured his puppy dog eyes into the camera. "Alexandria, I'm so sorry for what I put you through. I never meant to hurt you. I...I know I did," pause for dramatic effect, "but I see the error of my ways now. I know it is too late, but I'd do anything to have you back in my life."

Sam forced himself to breathe normally, remain calm. He knew Ali would never go back to him.

But that didn't mean Jack couldn't still influence her. She was going through the motions of life, but not actively taking part. She hadn't left the apartment for days, coming up with excuses, mostly around needing to finish her book. Sam didn't know what to do.

When his cousin Charlie had texted, asking him to come out to the club, Sam saw an opportunity.

Running around the other side of the limo, Sam opened the door for Ali. Taking her hand, they made their way down the roped-off section outside the club, quickly aiming for the entrance.