Matthew's voice sounded as calm as a lake puddle and as soft as feathers that float down from the flapping wings of a bird. Every stroked he gave to Ruby was so gentle that she was slowly able to distinguish reality from the hallucinations in her mind.
The figure of Marquess Barnette, who always looked at her with disgust, gradually began to blur, replaced by Matthew, who was holding her tightly.
Ruby raised her head, gazing into Matthew's golden eyes that looked as warm as the sun and as hot as the embers in the fireplace. The cold flow that had previously covered Ruby's back and whole body was gradually defeated by the warmth given by Matthew.
"Matthew." Ruby clutched Matthew's clothes so that she could convince herself that she had returned to reality.
Matthew whispered, "I am here, sweetheart." He stroked her hair gently. "It's alright. Your father is not here anymore."
