The morning light filtering through Ruby's office window felt more like a harsh glare than a gentle invitation to begin the day.
The cheerful chirping of birds outside mocked her mood, a stark contrast to the turmoil within. She drummed her manicured nails against the polished surface of her desk, a rhythmic counterpoint to the anxious thrumming in her chest.
Roselyn, her normally punctual assistant, was a few minutes late. A small part of Ruby found relief in the delay, a sliver of extra time to gather herself.
Ruby picked up her phone again, her thumb hovering over the "Call" button next to Stefan's name. A part of her yearned to confide in him, to seek solace in his strong arms, but the fear and shame of involving him in her mess held her back. She didn't want him to know that her nudes was circulating somewhere.
