CHAPTER 416: CHAPTER 416 KAELAN PARENTS

Adrian spoke next, his tone steady and calm. "Healer William wouldn’t have trusted you with the herbs if he didn’t think you could handle it. Just follow the steps carefully—you’ll do fine."

Ruby watched Julian quietly through all of this, her eyes soft with warmth. She reached out again, giving his hand a light squeeze under the table. "You’ve always been more capable than you think, Julian. I believe in you."

Julian lifted his eyes slowly, catching her gaze, and for the first time in weeks, he let out a small, relieved smile. "Alright... I’ll do my best."

***

Ruby had been running herself thin that week—balancing the fast-growing company, sneaking in time for her game project, and fighting with endless sound files that never seemed right. She had searched all over for someone who could create proper effects with full copyright, but for now she kept pushing through, determined not to stop halfway. Even so, no matter how busy she got, she always made sure to check the new construction site, walking through the dust and scaffolding with her rolled-up plans, watching her dream slowly take shape in bricks and beams.

By the weekend, she finally carved out time to visit the film set. Karl’s face lit up the moment he spotted her, his grin so wide it nearly reached his ears. But his smile faltered just a little when he realized it was only her there.

"Wife, where is Jules, Brother Adi, and Milo?" Karl asked with a pout, his shoulders dropping.

"Jules went to the monthly check-up with Milo," Ruby explained gently. "And Adi is away on a business trip."

Karl’s expression fell further. "Wife!!! At least you should have brought Brother Adi with you!" he said with exaggerated sadness, his hands flailing dramatically.

Ruby chuckled, reaching out to pat his arm. "Karl, Adi is sorry for you, but this business trip was important for him. Our winter collection is going to appear in an exhibition, so I sent him there myself. He’s been working hard for this project. I should have gone with him, but instead, I came here to see you, didn’t I?" She smiled warmly.

That reassurance was enough to make Karl perk up again. He nodded quickly, his pout vanishing. "That’s true, Wife. You came just for me."

As they walked toward the stairwell together, Ruby teased him lightly. "I see you have a star’s glow on your face. Who would’ve thought you’d end up being a star?"

Karl laughed, fishing out a key from his pocket. "Thanks to you, Wife. Being your model at that fair helped me get here." His chuckle was softer this time, a hint of pride beneath his playful tone.

Ruby’s heart softened. Watching him like this, she couldn’t help but notice the subtle changes. He still had his childish, joking nature, but there was something steadier in him now. Maybe living alone in the dorm had forced him to grow a little—it suited him.

But all her thoughts scattered the moment Karl opened the door to his room. Both of them froze in place. Inside sat a stunning couple, their presence so striking it was impossible not to stare.

The witch was sharp-featured, with shoulder-length golden hair that framed her face perfectly, her blue eyes cool and piercing, holding a maturity that carried quiet authority. Beside her sat a man with dark hair and equally blue eyes, his features softer, calmer, almost aristocratic like one of those well-mannered European gentlemen Ruby had only seen in portraits. He radiated gentleness, the perfect balance to the sharpness of the woman at his side.

Karl’s eyes went wide, his jaw nearly hitting the floor. "Who are you?" he blurted before he could stop himself.

Just then, Kaelan emerged from the kitchen, a dish towel in his hand and the most awkward expression Ruby had ever seen on his usually gergeous face. "Guys... meet my parents," he said flatly.

Karl immediately straightened his back so fast it was almost comical, like a boyfriend caught meeting his partner’s family unprepared. Ruby bit her lip to hide her own awkwardness, unsure whether to bow, smile, or say nothing at all.

Kaelan rolled his eyes at Karl’s dramatic posture, but before he could say anything, Karl hurried forward, his grin as wide as ever. "Hello, beautiful sister, I am Karl!" he announced proudly, puffing his chest.

Then he spun toward the man with the same confidence. "Hello, beautiful brother, I am Karl!"

Ruby blinked, her eyes widening in horror while Kaelan’s lips twitched violently. Sister? Brother? Did Karl forget they were supposed to call them Uncle and Aunt?

The sharp-eyed witch raised one brow in amusement, the calm ghost beside her chuckled softly, and Kaelan buried his face in his hand, muttering under his breath. "This idiot is going to be the death of me..."

"Hello, Karl! I am Martha, and this is my husband Loren," the woman said with a light chuckle as she rose gracefully from the bed. Her presence carried elegance even in the smallest gestures. She extended her hand toward Karl, her blue eyes glinting with a mix of sharpness and warmth.

Karl immediately straightened, his face breaking into a wide grin as he eagerly shook her hand. "It’s an honor, Sister Martha!" he said, forgetting himself again, though his voice was filled with pure cheer.

Martha’s lips twitched at his choice of words, but she didn’t correct him, only chuckled softly. Beside her, Loren stood as well, offering his hand to Karl with a calm, steady smile. His handshake was firm yet gentle, his blue eyes carrying none of Martha’s sharp scrutiny but rather a quiet kindness that immediately put people at ease.

"And who might you be...?" Martha asked next, her gaze shifting to Ruby. Her eyes narrowed slightly, not unkindly, but with a sharpness that felt like she was measuring every detail about the young woman in front of her.

Ruby stepped forward, her posture calm, though she could feel the weight of Martha’s eyes on her. Before she could answer, Kaelan spoke, his voice low but steady. "Mom, she is Ruby... Karl’s wife."

To be continued... 🪄