Emma lay awake in her small, creaky bed, staring at the cracks in the ceiling as Mrs. Harrington's words echoed in her mind.
"If you care for him at all, you will leave. Tonight."
The weight of those words pressed against her chest, suffocating her.
She had always known that whatever was between her and Ruby was dangerous, but now it was more than just whispers in the servant quarters or stolen glances in the halls. Now, it was real. And it had consequences.
Mrs. Harrington's warning had been clear—if she stayed, there would be repercussions. And not just for her, but for Ruby as well.
But could she really leave? Could she walk away from the only man she had ever loved?
A soft knock at the door startled her from her thoughts.
Emma's heart leapt into her throat. It was late—too late for anyone to be visiting the servants' quarters.
She hesitated before slowly rising from the bed. The floor was cold against her bare feet as she tiptoed toward the door and cracked it open.
Her breath hitched.
Ruby.
He stood in the dim candlelight, his shirt slightly wrinkled as if he had been pacing for hours. His dark eyes were filled with a mixture of desperation and determination.
"I knew she'd come after you," he whispered. "I should have stopped her."
Emma swallowed hard and stepped outside, closing the door behind her. The hallway was empty, the house quiet except for the distant ticking of the grandfather clock downstairs.
"You need to leave," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ruby let out a humorless laugh. "You really expect me to walk away after what just happened?"
Emma crossed her arms, trying to steady herself. "You don't have a choice, Ruby. Your mother made that clear."
His jaw clenched. "I don't care what she says. I don't care about the money, the inheritance, or the life she's planned for me. None of it matters if I can't have you."
Emma closed her eyes, willing herself not to cry. "That's not true, and you know it."
He stepped closer, his warmth seeping into her skin despite the coldness in the air. "Emma, please. Don't do this."
She looked up at him, taking in every detail—the curve of his lips, the slight furrow in his brow, the raw emotion in his eyes. She wanted to memorize it all, to hold onto this moment forever.
But she couldn't.
With a trembling breath, she reached up and cupped his face, her fingertips brushing against his stubble.
"You have to let me go," she whispered.
Ruby caught her wrist, holding her there. "No."
Emma forced a small, broken smile. "You'll be fine without me."
His grip tightened. "I don't want to be fine. I want you."
Tears burned her eyes. "Then don't make this harder than it already is."
For a long moment, they just stood there, lost in each other.
Then, slowly, Ruby leaned in, his forehead resting against hers. "Tell me this isn't real," he murmured. "Tell me you don't love me, and I'll stop fighting."
Emma's breath shuddered.
She wanted to say the words. She needed to say them.
But she couldn't.
Because it would be the biggest lie she had ever told.
Instead, she closed her eyes and let the silence speak for her.
After a moment, Ruby let out a shaky breath and stepped back, his hands falling to his sides.
"I'm not giving up on you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "No matter what happens, no matter where you go—I will find you."
Emma turned away before he could see the tears slip down her cheeks.
She had to leave.
Tonight.
---
Packing Up the Pieces
Emma waited until the house had fallen into silence before she moved.
Her hands trembled as she stuffed her few belongings into a small cloth bag. A worn dress, a scarf her father had given her before he died, and the letter of employment that had brought her to this house in the first place.
She had nothing.
No money. No home to return to.
But staying wasn't an option.
As she slung the bag over her shoulder, she hesitated by the small mirror above her dresser.
This wasn't how she had imagined leaving.
She had come here to survive, to find work and earn an honest wage. She had never expected to fall in love.
And now, she was paying the price.
With one last deep breath, she slipped out of the room and crept down the dark hallway.
Every step felt like a betrayal.
But she kept going.
---
Caught in the Dark
Emma had almost made it to the servants' entrance when a voice stopped her.
"Running away in the middle of the night? How predictable."
Emma froze.
Mrs. Harrington.
The older woman stood in the dim glow of the candlelight, her arms crossed over her chest, an air of satisfaction about her.
"I expected you to have at least a little fight in you," she continued. "But I suppose even you know when you've lost."
Emma lifted her chin, forcing herself to stay strong. "I'm not running away. I'm leaving on my own terms."
Mrs. Harrington smirked. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, dear." She took a slow step forward. "Do you know what would have happened if you had stayed? Do you truly understand the consequences?"
Emma clenched her fists. "You would have ruined me."
Mrs. Harrington's smile widened. "Oh, my dear, I still can. Even now. Do not mistake your departure as mercy on my part. I simply prefer to handle things quietly."
Emma's stomach twisted. "What do you mean?"
Mrs. Harrington's gaze turned icy. "I mean, if you ever think about coming back… if you ever even consider contacting my son… I will make sure you regret it."
Emma's breath caught in her throat.
"You are nothing," Mrs. Harrington continued. "And that is exactly what you will remain."
Emma swallowed hard but refused to let the woman see her fear. Instead, she straightened her spine and met Mrs. Harrington's gaze head-on.
"You may have money, power, and control over this house," Emma said quietly. "But you'll never control his heart. No matter what you do, Ruby will always love me."
Mrs. Harrington's eyes flashed with anger, but before she could respond, Emma turned on her heel and walked away.
She didn't stop.
Not when she reached the door.
Not when she stepped into the cold night air.
Not when she disappeared into the darkness.
She kept walking, even though her heart was breaking with every step.
Even though she knew that, no matter how far she went, a part of her would always belong to Ruby.
---
A Love Left Behind
Hours later, Ruby stormed through the house, searching for Emma.
But she was gone.
His mother stood at the top of the staircase, watching him with a satisfied expression.
"You did this," Ruby growled, his fists clenched.
Mrs. Harrington sighed. "I did what was necessary."
Ruby's chest ached as he turned away, his vision blurring with anger and heartbreak.
She was gone.
And he had no idea how to find her.
But one thing was certain—
This wasn't the end.
Not for them.
Not for their love.