Chapter 2 A New Beginning

RUBY'S POV

I sat at the head of the table, facing the window, a single glass of red wine cradled between my fingers. The wait was almost over; I could barely contain my amusement. The silence was thick, broken only by the faint tick of the clock on the wall. No explanations, no theatrics-just a simple dinner.

The door opened behind me, and I didn't even bother to turn. Gabriel's nervous shuffle was unmistakable, and the hurried clatter of heels behind him told me Julia was with him. My lips curved into a slow smile as they entered the room.

They stopped at the table, neither daring to sit. Slowly, I turned.

"Don't be shy," I cooed. "Take a seat. After all, you're my guests tonight. You know, since we're all... acquainted now."

Gabriel slowly took his seat, and Julia followed. "Ruby, I can explain-"

"Don't bother." I set my glass down on the table, the soft clink silencing him. "I didn't call you here for an explanation, Gabriel. I caught you red-handed already."

My so-called best friend's eyes darted to him, panic flashing across her face. "You said she wouldn't-"

"I said don't bother." I interrupted. "I'm not here to fight, and I'm certainly not here to cry over you. Frankly, Gabriel, I'm relieved."

His eyebrows flew upwards. "Relieved?"

"Yes. Relieved." I reached for the folder on the table and slid it across to him. "I've been waiting for the right opportunity to do this, and you've just handed it to me on a silver platter. At least, my father won't be furious at me now. These are divorce papers. All signed by me and ready for you."

Gabriel stared at the folder as if it were a live grenade. "You... you're divorcing me?"

"Obviously," I said, leaning back in my chair. "You've made it clear that this marriage means nothing to you. So why should I cling to it? Consider this my gift to you both. This marriage has been a joke for years, Gabriel. You just gave me the punchline."

Julia opened her mouth, then closed it again, as though unsure of what to say. Gabriel, for once, was completely silent. It was the first time I'd ever seen him so speechless, and it was glorious.

"Sign the papers, or don't. It doesn't matter to me. I've already moved on. And now, so can you." I stood, smoothing the nonexistent wrinkles from my dress. "I wish you both all the happiness in the world. And by all means, don't let me keep you. You have plenty of celebrating to do, I'm sure."

I turned to leave, but paused in the doorway, casting one last glance over my shoulder. "Enjoy your new life, Gabriel. I certainly intend to enjoy mine." Winking at Julia, I said, "you too, darling."

By the time I reached the front door, I was smiling. Freedom had never felt so good.

**********

I stepped out of the house, the cool air brushing against my face as if congratulating me on my newfound freedom. For the first time in five long years, I could finally breathe. Really breathe. No more Gabriel. No more playing the perfect wife for a man who treated me like an afterthought.

Sliding into the backseat of my car, I pulled out my phone and dialed my friend Lilac's number. It rang twice before her familiar, sultry voice answered. "Well, well, if it isn't the runaway wife. What's the occasion, Ruby?"

"Freedom," I replied, grinning as I leaned back against the seat. "I need a night out, Lilac. No strings, no drama. Just us."

She let out a low chuckle. "Honey, you've called the right person. Give me an hour, and I'll be ready. Where are we going?"

"The Apex Club," I replied. "I'll call Ariana and tell her to meet us there."

Lilac's laugh deepened. "The Apex? You really are celebrating. Alright, I'll see you there. And Ruby? Wear something that'll make Gabriel regret breathing."

"Don't worry. I plan to," I said, ending the call with a smirk.

Next, I dialed Ariana. She picked up almost immediately. "Ruby! What's up?"

"Change of plans tonight. We're hitting The Apex Club," I told her. "Lilac's coming too. Meet us there."

"Apex?" Ariana gasped. "Now you're speaking my language. I'll be there. And Ruby? It's about damn time you ditched that deadweight."

Her words made me laugh, but she wasn't wrong. "See you tonight," I said, cutting the call.

I slid my phone into my bag and leaned forward to the driver. "Take me to the hotel. I need to get ready."

*********

The moment I stepped into the hotel lobby, I could feel the difference. There was a spring in my step, a lightness in my chest, and I was sure the hotel staff could sense it too. I greeted the receptionist with a bright smile, something I hadn't done in months. The woman blinked at me in surprise before smiling back.

"Have a wonderful evening, ma'am," she said as I walked past.

"Oh, I intend to," I replied without breaking stride.

The elevator ride to my room felt like a countdown to my new beginning. As the doors slid open, I stepped out and made my way to the suite. Once inside, I dropped my bag on the bed and walked to the closet, pulling out the dress I'd been saving for a moment like this.

The silver gown was sheer, with just the right amount of fabric to leave something to the imagination. The neckline plunged dangerously low, and the slit climbed high enough to show off the legs I'd spent months sculpting at the gym.

Gabriel always complained about how much time I spent working out. Looking at myself now, I wondered how he could cheat on someone who looked this good. His loss.

I slipped into the dress, the fabric hugging my curves like a second skin. Turning to the mirror, I adjusted the straps and ran a hand down my side. Perfect. Absolutely perfect.

Next, I moved to the vanity and began my makeup. Smoky eyes, bold red lips, and just enough highlighter to catch the light on the dance floor. I left my fiery red hair to fall in loose waves around my shoulders. By the time I was finished, I barely recognized the woman staring back at me. She was fierce, confident, and unstoppable. Everything she wasn't before.

Grabbing my bag and phone, I headed for the door. I didn't look back as I stepped into the hallway and pressed the elevator button.

As the elevator doors closed, I felt a thrill run through me. This was it-a new beginning, away from Gabriel, and into a world where I made my own rules.