Actually, there wasn't anything that required Steve Burton's personal attention at the company that afternoon. He just made up an excuse to separate from Ruby Gregory.
When he first found out she was with Edric Reat, he felt he had no hope at all. So, every interaction with her seemed like a gift from heaven to him.
At that time, although he felt jealous, upset, and envious, he thought that was his stolen happiness and cherished it even more.
But as the stolen happiness increased, he couldn't help but feel a hint of hope arising.
He knew that Ruby was going to marry Edric, and there should be no hope in his heart because hope would eventually turn into despair.
But he simply couldn't control himself.
So, he just indulged himself.
Perhaps it was because he had spent such an enjoyable and warm time with Ruby recently that he had an illusion: it felt as if, they had never been apart. Even, he had completely forgotten about Edric's existence.
