Ruby Gregory first felt a piercing pain in her forehead, so severe that she nearly passed out. She then realized she was surrounded by a crowd.
Falling face-first in front of so many people, Ruby felt utterly humiliated.
Perhaps Maya Mitchell and Edward Woods were close to where Ruby had fallen. Seeing it was Ruby, the two quickly squeezed through the crowd.
Edward called out "Ruby!" just as he reached down to pick her up. Suddenly, someone grabbed his arm from behind and forcefully shoved him aside. The next second, Ruby, who was still on the ground, was swept into someone's arms.
Ruby had thought that being helped up after a fall wouldn't be too embarrassing. But the moment she landed in a warm and strong embrace, the familiar yet fearful scent wrapping around her nostrils, she was filled with regret.
She regretted not enduring the severe pain in her forehead and forcing herself to stand up.
