CHAPTER 401: CHAPTER 401 KARL’S ROOMMATE

But what about him? Julian’s gaze lingered on his own hands, his fingers curling slightly. He couldn’t paint, he wasn’t good with numbers, and he didn’t have Karl’s charisma to win people over. He was just... there. Always in the background, doing little things no one noticed. A quiet ache settled over him, and he turned away from the bed, wondering if Ruby ever thought he was just taking up space.

He sighed, trying to shake off his thoughts and laid beside karl.

***

The next day, Ruby stood near the doorway with Karl’s large suitcase in one hand and a bulging bag of necessities in the other, quietly observing the dramatic scene unfolding before her. It was supposed to be a cheerful send-off, but the courtyard looked more like a funeral.

Angeline’s husbands were there, Pillu was there, and even a few of Karl’s friends had come to bid him farewell—only to join in his misery. And at the center of it all, Karl was crying his heart out, his face buried in Milo’s shoulder as if he were being sent away forever. "I’ll miss you! Don’t forget me!" he wailed, his words breaking into hiccups.

Milo, who had promised himself he wouldn’t cry, was blinking rapidly, his own eyes shimmering. Hugo was sniffing loudly, and someone in the back actually passed Karl a handkerchief like this was some tragic last goodbye. Ruby sighed, adjusting the heavy suitcase.

Honestly, she wasn’t sure if she was sending her husband to a film set or a war zone.

When the crying didn’t stop, she finally stepped forward. "Alright, that’s enough. He’s not being exiled to another world," she said, her voice calm but carrying a hint of amusement.

No one moved, so she added, "And if you keep crying like this, he’s going to miss his first dorm check-in."

Karl looked up at her with teary eyes, his cheeks damp and blotchy, but when he saw her holding the big bag he perked up a little.

"Wife, you packed my favorite cookies, right?" he asked in a trembling voice. Ruby rolled her eyes but gave a small nod. That seemed to soothe him just enough for her to guide him toward the car, the others trailing behind like mourners escorting a coffin.

She loaded the suitcase and bag into the trunk, shut it firmly, and opened the passenger door for him. He climbed in reluctantly, still dabbing at his eyes, and the moment she slid into the driver’s seat she could hear the faint sobs start up again. Ruby glanced at him, then at the cluster of sad faces waving from the doorway.

After nearly an hour’s drive, Ruby finally reached the city. Karl’s restless chatter had filled every quiet moment. She parked near the back entrance of the Soulstream complex, where dozens of filming sets stood in neat rows. The area was bustling with people carrying props, adjusting costumes, and rushing to meet deadlines. Karl’s head turned from side to side like an excited child, taking in every detail.

"This place is huge..." he murmured, gripping the handle of his suitcase as if it might roll away from him.

Ruby, holding the pass card she’d been given, glanced down to check the details: Building number 20, dorm number 30. With her free hand, she adjusted the strap of the large bag she carried for him, filled with essentials he’d inevitably forget to pack himself.

They wove through the maze of corridors and open walkways, the scent of fresh paint and distant brewing coffee in the air. After a short walk, they reached Building 20, its clean white facade bright against the afternoon sun, the wooden doors polished to a warm, welcoming sheen. Inside, the glossy floors mirrored their steps as they headed toward the elevator. Ruby pressed the button for the third floor, and a soft metallic hum filled the small space as they began to ascend.

Finally, they stood in front of dorm number 30. Ruby handed Karl the pass card. "Go on. Ring the bell," she said.

Karl, grinning, pressed the button. Moments later, the door swung open to reveal Kaelan, standing there in a loose robe, his golden hair slightly tousled as if he’d just woken from a nap.

"Hey hey hey!" Karl greeted, bouncing on his heels like he was meeting an old friend.

"Hey," Kaelan replied lazily, his voice low. But then his eyes widened the instant they landed on Ruby.

She stood in the hallway, dressed in a sleek black robe that cinched at her waist, her long white hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders. Her gaze was fixed on the suitcase, but there was no hiding the quiet elegance she carried.

Karl, beaming, turned and said without a hint of hesitation, "Hehe, beautiful right? She’s my wife." Then he marched inside, leaving Kaelan staring.

Ruby finally lifted her gaze, and their eyes met. Recognition flashed instantly.

"You!!" they said at the same time.

Kaelan’s jaw tensed. For reasons he couldn’t quite explain, his chest burned at hearing Karl claim her so casually. He shouldn’t care—he knew that but something about seeing her here, like this, was unsettling.

Without a word, he stepped aside. Ruby walked past him into the room, her eyes scanning the space.

It was neat, with two separate beds placed opposite each other. A small kitchen stood tucked into one corner, clearly meant for them to prepare their own meals. The bathroom was compact but clean, and the walls were painted a soft lavender that gave the space a surprisingly cozy feel. A simple dressing table and a wardrobe stood beside each bed.

Karl had already flopped face-first onto one of the beds, hugging the pillow as if it were an old friend.

"Hey, Karl! You can’t sleep without changing the bedsheets," Ruby called out, frowning slightly.

Before Karl could answer, Kaelan’s smooth voice cut in, "It’s fine. Those are my bedsheets, and they’re new." He leaned casually against the wall, offering her a smile so perfectly charming it could have been rehearsed.

Ruby blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the sight of it. For a second, her mind faltered, but she quickly regained her composure and gave a polite nod. "Thank you," she said, her tone calm but guarded.

Kaelan’s smile lingered, though his thoughts were far less easy to read. And Ruby... well, she had no intention of letting him see that for a brief, dangerous moment, she had almost smiled back.

To be continued... 🪄