CHAPTER 442: CHAPTER 442 DATE

Julian’s lips curved into a cold smile as he set down the jug with a thud. "Peace? Peace doesn’t come from hiding behind someone. Peace comes from fighting beside them. Something you wouldn’t understand."

Madame Shades’s eyes glimmered with quiet satisfaction at their outbursts, sipping her water as though she had gotten what she wanted. "Ruby, you see? They cannot control themselves. A husband should protect, not bark. Louis, on the other hand, offers you loyalty. He will love you without question."

Ruby raised her eyes at last, her face unreadable. "We’ll see," she said softly, her voice steady, though underneath Karl and Julian both could hear the iron in it.

The moment Madame Shades rose from the couch, the whole house seemed to exhale. Louis trailed after her like a shadow, his fake shy smile plastered on his face as though it had been painted there. They both reached the door, and Ruby politely followed, her expression calm though her hands were folded too tightly at her waist.

Just as Madame Shades placed her hand on the doorknob, she turned with that same sharp smile. "Oh, and Ruby," she said sweetly, as though she were asking about the weather, "maybe you and Louis should spend some time together tomorrow. A little outing, just the two of you. Perfect for cultivating a relationship, don’t you think?"

Ruby’s chest clenched, but she kept her face composed. "Alright," she answered reluctantly, her voice quiet.

Louis’s face flushed red instantly, his round cheeks glowing as he bowed his head shyly. "Y-yes, that would be nice," he stammered, glancing up at Ruby with that greedy spark hiding under his timid act.

Karl’s hand smacked against the table with a crack so loud everyone jumped. His face was red, his jaw locked so hard it trembled. He was seconds away from shouting, but Ruby’s warning glance pinned him in his seat. Julian, however, wasn’t as restrained—his knuckles had turned white on the edge of the tray he was holding, his lips pressed into a thin, trembling line. His usually gentle eyes burned like a storm.

Madame Shades, clearly enjoying the reaction, let out a soft chuckle. "Good. Tomorrow, then. Louis, be ready." With that, she swept out of the house, her son waddling shyly after her, his wide frame almost blocking the doorway.

The second the door clicked shut, the house exploded.

Karl shot up, his chair toppling backward with a loud crash. "WIFE!! ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND??" His voice thundered through the room as his hands shook, clenching and unclenching like he couldn’t decide whether to break the table or punch a wall. "How can you say yes to that disgusting ghost? Hanging out with him?? Cultivate a relationship?? Over my dead body!"

Julian set the tray down too hard, dishes rattling, his face pale with fury. "Ruby, you shouldn’t have agreed," he said, his voice lower but sharp enough to sting. "What if he tries something? What if this is their way of trapping you? I can’t—" He broke off, his throat tight. "I can’t just stand by and let him get close to you."

Ruby drew a deep breath, her gaze moving between both of them. Her expression was calm, but there was no mistaking the fire behind her eyes. "I had to say yes," she said firmly. "If I said no in front of her, she’d know we’re suspicious. This way, we control the terms. Nothing more."

Karl pointed at her, his face twisted with jealousy and fear. "Control?? Wife, the only thing I see is you agreeing to go on a date with that pig! Do you know what that does to me??"

Julian pressed his hand to his forehead, his voice breaking as he whispered, "Do you know what that does to me?"

Ruby’s lips curved into the faintest, weary smile. "I know," she said softly. "And that’s why you’ll both be there tomorrow too. I may walk with him, but I won’t take a step without my husbands watching."

Karl froze, his rage still burning but now tangled with guilt. Julian exhaled slowly, lowering his hand, though his eyes still glistened with that stormy fear.

Ruby looked at them both, her voice steady as stone. "Trust me. This is for all of us."

Karl’s fists were still trembling at his sides, his eyes stormy and wet with frustration. He swallowed hard, his voice breaking. "But Wife... still..." The words fell out rough and helpless, like a child begging not to be left behind.

Ruby stepped forward without hesitation and wrapped her arms around him, pressing his rigid frame close against her. He stiffened at first, but the warmth of her hold made his breath falter. She whispered firmly against his shoulder, "Trust me, Karl. I don’t love Louis. And I will not marry him."

Her words sank deep into him, cracking the wall of fury and leaving behind the raw ache of fear. When she pulled back, her eyes were steady, and before Karl could say anything else, she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead. His heart clenched, his anger melting into a desperate, protective love as his eyes grew wet.

Then Ruby turned and stepped into Julian’s arms. He caught her instantly, his embrace tender but trembling. His chin rested near her temple, and she felt the way his chest rose and fell too quickly, as though holding her was the only thing keeping him calm. Ruby hugged him tighter, letting him feel her strength.

"Don’t be afraid," she murmured, her voice gentle but full of steel. "I know where my heart belongs. Always."

Julian closed his eyes, clutching her as though he could fuse her to him, and Karl wiped his face roughly with his palm, trying to mask the tears that had slipped free.

After Ruby left for her room, her steps firm, the door closing with a soft thud behind her.

Karl stayed rooted to his spot, his jaw tight, but in his eyes a glint sparked — a mischief and determination that Julian knew all too well.

Julian narrowed his gaze, watching him carefully. "What are you thinking?" he asked, his voice cautious, though there was already suspicion in it.

Karl leaned back on the chair, the corners of his lips curling into a sly grin, he crooked his finger for Julian to come closer.

Julian sighed and leaned in reluctantly, his brows knit together. "Brother Karl... what is it now?"

Karl smirked wider, lowering his voice to a whisper his plan.

To be continued... 🪄