Master Heather recalled the first time they met Ruby.
The princess he once doted on was thoroughly transformed into some villager woman with darker skin and rough hands. Her eyes were sunken from lack of sleep, the long black hair cascading through Ruby's shoulders was dry and greasy, her overall character was gloomy.
Black clouds hung on top of her head, giving off depressing vibes. Her almond eyes were blazing with intense fire as if wanting to burn the whole world.
Ruby growled whenever they tried to approach her. She kept her distance and minimalized her presence in the mansion. It was like there is a transparent sturdy wall separating her from the rest of the family.
It widened the already delicate gap between them. The strand of a fragile connection loosened, keeping them apart, far away.
Even though they were willing to indulge Ruby out of guilt, it somehow made them aversed.
She made them wonder a lot.
Why is she so difficult to understand?
How much longer do they need to wait for Ruby to warm up?
How much more effort should they put to cross the distance between them?
It was tiresome.
Blake covered his face, thinking deeply.
He knew that Ruby went through a lot of difficulties growing up, but is she the only one?
He spent so much time and energy, giving his all to track her whereabouts.
He did what he can to provide her with a safe environment and a comfortable home to heal.
He was a father Ruby could depend on.
So, as a father, he wanted Ruby to answer his expectation too.
Quickly became normal and turned back to the old princess he loved.
Blake missed the old her.
The beautiful child holding his hands and smiling from ear to ear, grinning and laughing.
Calling him affectionately with that sweet, milky tone he adored.
"Dad? Are you okay?"
The bubbles of imagination burst, Blake snapped out of his daydreaming.
He turned to face his annoying son, dismissively swaying his hand to slap Zayn who ruined the moments.
"Ack! Dad! What is wrong with you?"
Zayn groaned while holding the back of his head. He was as quiet as a mouse after being rebuked, he hasn't said anything that could piss off the old man. Yet, he still got hit without mercy.
Zayn felt wronged. However, nobody comforted him.
Zin only patted his shoulders, mouthing with his lips 'poor thing'.
This absolutely ignited Zayn's anger in a flash. He was about to hop up and down, begging the other to fight him in a showdown, when he was suppressed by Guy's dull, straight expression.
His anger was immediately extinguished and he lay like a deflated ball.
After subduing the troublemaker, Guy offered his analysis to Blake, "Judging by her attitude, it looks like she's serious. She doesn't even care when mom fainted."
"No calls, no texts, nothing."
"She didn't ask mother's well-being or follow up yesterday's matter."
"She just directly cut off our relationship on the spot."
"Hoping her to walk in on her own initiative is close to impossible."
Guy's voice rebounding on the quiet room, "Dad, we are going to lose her."
Blake gritted his teeth, "I know!"
His frustration was flying up to the sky.
"What is wrong with her? Have we ever treated her badly?"
This time, Guy couldn't reply. He had done his homework, therefore he could actually understand Ruby a little.
He was sure that his family had also begun to grasp the reasons behind Ruby's action. But, they were too proud to say they were in the wrong.
Guy sighed. Nevertheless, he didn't have the time to give them some space to think because Ruby called him out of nowhere.
Startled, he pressed the speaker button and Ruby's shy voice gently permeated to his ear, "Hello, Big Brother.."
Guy was taken aback.
Blake was speechless.
Zin and Zayn were speechless.