My heart beats for you...

Ruby

The moment I turned and saw her, I knew my marriage had ended before it even began...

"Do you, Asher Walter, take Ruby Lanes, to be your lawfully wedded wife till death do you part?" I smiled happily as the priest asked the question I have been dying to hear all these years.

Getting married to Asher was a dream come true for me. He was the love I had to wait for, for so long before he finally became mine.

He had a straight face on as he looked away like he didn't hear the question. It felt as if he was hesitating because of something. So I followed his gaze and there she was, the woman who really owned his heart.

The moment I turned and saw Camila in the third row, dressed in a red dress that made her pop out hot among the crowd, I knew right there that my marriage had ended even before it started. When Asher looked at her, he forgot I existed and at that moment, I forgot how to breathe...

Asher and I go way back. We've been friends since childhood, and I've had a massive crush on him since then. Even as a child who knew nothing about love, I knew I liked him, and I always joked about marrying him when we were older. Our parents would always laugh at us, mine especially. They thought I didn't know what I was saying, but I did.

Asher liked me too, at least then he did. He'd always ask his parents to invite my family over, and always wanted to be around me until we got into college. I found a female best friend while he found a lover.

Asher is a handsome billionaire heir with an insanely athletic body for his age, which made all the girls have their eyes on him. They all wanted to be the chosen one, but only one girl caught his attention, and it wasn't even me.

It was Camilla, a beautiful art student with an enticing model body. They met at an art exhibition where she was one of the creators competing.

Asher fell mindlessly in love with her the moment he set eyes on her. It was as if he had never seen a woman before in his life. Funny how he was never a fan of art and I had to convince him to be my date to the exhibition. If only I had known it would be my own undoing.

From that night, Asher became crazy about Camila and forgot totally about me. He hid it from me at first, and I got so worried when he became distant from me. We were no longer talking or seeing, and whenever I asked, he would always give excuses.

I decided to go to his place one day and that was when I got my first heartbreak. I walked right into Asher, making out with Camila.

I almost went crazy. I ran out and for days, locked myself in my room and wallowed in misery. Ava, my best friend, did everything to make me talk to no avail. Eventually, she had to call Asher, and I was so happy to see him. I thought he'd come to tell me it was a mistake... maybe a one-time thing, and he was finally choosing me.

I was wrong. He did the exact opposite.

Asher sat with me, looked me straight in the eye and then confessed his undying love for Camila. As if that wasn't enough torture, he begged me to keep it a secret from our parents.

Camila comes from a poor background. She was lucky to get into college, and somehow got luckier to get a billionaire heir's heart. Asher was the one paying for everything, and happily sponsoring her. His parents would never approve of him marrying such a girl, which was why he hid it from everyone until I caught them.

Not only did I get my heart broken, I still got the broken pieces blended into fine purée when he asked me to cover up for him and his girlfriend.

That was enough reason to cut him off, right? Ava said so too, but I didn't. I couldn't. I was too in love with him to just give up. I wasn't sure I'd survive without him, so I settled for staying in the shadows. I was okay being friends with the man of my dreams, while he loved another woman.

After college, I became a lifestyle content creator and was successful at it. Asher also took over his family's business as the new CEO. Being a very brilliant person, it didn't take long before he reformed and took the company to great heights. They became the best and most powerful company in the country.

All this while, he was still dating Camila. He had opened a massive art gallery for her and was determined to rebrand her into his parents' taste.

But then, his competitors finally got to him after so many tries. That caused him to make some bad financial decisions that landed the company in serious trouble, and they almost went bankrupt. That was when he needed Camila the most, but she suddenly disappeared. The art gallery was suddenly gone, all funds were traced to her, but she was nowhere to be found. Asher looked everywhere, but it was as if she completely stopped existing.

He was already close to depression by the time he opened up to me, and I immediately stepped in. I helped him heal from the heartbreak and, together, we built the company from the ground, back up in only three years.

During this time, we were really close. I got to love him again and he did too. I thought I finally had his heart, and our parents saw it too. They saw how much we cared about each other, so they thought an arranged marriage would help boost our families' relationships and business.

We were at a private family dinner when they announced it. I was overjoyed and happily accepted. Asher seemed hyped up too, until he pulled me aside after the dinner, and asked me to call off the wedding. I thought it was just wedding jitters, so I refused and went ahead with the plans. He did tell me I was going to regret my decision, but I was too in love and naively dismissed it.

Walking down the aisle now, and seeing Camila exchanging stares with my husband, I finally figured out what he meant when he said I'd regret it...

"When did she get back? Why didn't you tell me that your lover was back, Asher?" I whispered as we got on the dance floor, ready to have our first dance as a couple.

Asher was cold, and hadn't even said a word to me all morning except when he said those two 'I do' words at the altar. Even when we shared our first kiss, he was looking at her. When he smiled, it was at her, but people thought it was for me. They cheered and grinned, thinking I'd won in life, in love...

"I tried to tell you, but you wouldn't listen to me. I asked you to call this damn wedding off, didn't I? But you refused, you were too selfish to see that I was in love with someone else. You wanted to be happy so badly that you threw me under the bus without a second thought!" His eyes yelled the words at me, but his mouth said them quietly.

Of course, he was pandering to the guests, who thought we were in a love bubble, and whispering sweet words to each other. They were literally drooling over us, and he was busy smiling back at them too.

A public display of affection, but a private show of alienation!

"Three years, Asher, she was away for three good years. She left you at your lowest, stole all the money from her business and just disappeared. I was there for you, helped you get back on your feet and this is what I get in return. You ran back to her the minute she came back?" I let out while he just scoffed in my face.

"Can you even hear yourself? How can someone steal from their own business? She needed the money, and it was her business, so she took it. And then, thank you for reminding me that you were there for me at my lowest. I'm sure it would be nice to spend the rest of my life being reminded of that!"

"You know that's not what I mean, Ash..."

"Please, just drop it. Let's just dance and get out of here. I'm tired of all this charade already." He cut me off sharply.

I wanted to say something, but I swallowed the words when I saw the look on his face.

"No, no, no, don't do that now. Don't look sad. You wanted this, you got it, and you have to play along now. I've been doing that too, so you should also look your part." He pulled me closer and stared deep in my eyes.

My hands lingered on his chest, and my expensive diamond shone in my face, while my eyes searched his thoroughly, hoping to see even a little hint of love, but there was none. I realized then that his ring was all I was going to have, his heart would ever belong to that b*tch.

She is back and, despite everything she's done to him, Asher will never stop loving her. He will always choose her...

The rest of the reception went off in haste. I wasn't myself, but I tried to play my part. Asher didn't leave my side even for a second, he couldn't risk me doing anything to jeopardize the wedding. His reputation was at stake, but my heart could go to hell!

Everyone stood at the entrance, cheering and waving at us as we hopped into the limousine. We were all smiles too, but that ended the second the driver started the car. Asher moved away from me and became one with his phone.

"Asher..."

"Not tonight, Ruby. I've given you what you want. I want some peace and quiet now." My mouth was ajar when he said this, but he didn't care. He just kept on giggling at his screen while I sat there in silence, fighting back the hot tears in my eyes.

We finally got home and once I got out of the car, Asher closed the door and asked the driver to zoom off.

I stood there for about five minutes, staring blankly at nothing until my legs started to give out. I went into the house, and sat in the living room. I waited for hours, staring at the clock till my eyes started to well up.

I didn't need a soothsayer to tell me, I knew Asher was with her. He wasn't going to come back home to me. Not tonight.

It's my wedding night and my marriage of only a few hours had already ended.

And it's all my fault. I married him knowing I'd never have all of him. I just didn't think I'd lose what little I had this soon...

Ruby

I grabbed a bottle of champagne and two other wines from the bar, and went back to the living room. I was going to drown my sadness in alcohol instead of beating myself up and waiting for an imaginary angel to save me. I was seated when I remembered I hadn't got a glass. But then, who needs a glass to get drunk? A gulp after another, I downed the three bottles till I got drunk and slept off right on the tiles...

It was the ray of light from the window that woke me in the morning. I held my hand over my eyes as I tried to get up so I could pull the curtain, but as I got up, I felt the onset of a hammering headache. It was so intense that I had to hold my head with both hands and I could no longer go to the window. I just sat and leaned back on the couch.

Hangovers are my worst nightmare and that's why I try not to drink more than I can handle, but I really needed it last night...

This wasn't how I was supposed to wake up the morning after my wedding. I was supposed to be in bed with my husband, tangled in white sheets, and sore from passionate love-making all night. But then, here I was, alone on the couch with a face smeared with makeup, and still in my wedding dress, which was now rumpled and soaked with tears.

My phone lit up just then, and I grabbed it to check what it was. My eyes got so big, and I quickly jumped to her feet when I saw the time.

We were supposed to be traveling for our honeymoon this morning. The flight is scheduled for ten, and it's already past nine.

I bolted upstairs on shaky feet, my heart pounding in my ears, only to freeze once I opened the door and saw our bedroom.

The bed was decorated with rose petals scattered all over it. The scented candles had already melted down to their waxy ends, and there was a bottle of champagne still sitting unopened in the ice bucket.

Of course, everything was untouched. Asher didn't come home, so I saw no need to come in here. I didn't even know there was something like that. His mom must have hired someone to do it, not knowing that her son had other plans.

I couldn't even cry, I just stood there, breathing hard while staring at the wedding ring on my finger till my eyes started to blur with tears. With Camila in his life, the ring might be all I'd ever get while she'd get his heart, body, and everything...

If there's any hope left to save my marriage, then it's this honeymoon trip. Asher wouldn't miss it, not with how much he loves Paris.

I wiped my face with the back of my hand, forced my numb legs to move, and then hurried into the bathroom.

I showered fast, and then sat at the dressing table, trying to hide my pain and swollen eyes under layers of makeup.

"Fake it, Ruby. Fake it till it feels real." I muttered to myself as I curled my hair and dabbed on lipstick. I chose a sexy dress that clung to every curve in my body. I needed to look irresistible and remind Asher that I could be the fantasy too.

My driver was already waiting, and he zoomed off the moment I was in. We were soon at the airport, and my heart leaped in anticipation, as I made my way in. I scanned every face and checked every gate, but Asher wasn't there.

I thought he was running late, so I found a cool spot and waited.

An hour passed, then two, then five. My heart ached as I watched people get on board, while I just sat there like a ghost.

I called his phone a dozen times, but he wouldn't answer or reply to my texts.

Even after we missed our flight, I wasn't worried. I knew once he got here, he only had to make a phone call, and we'd be on the next available flight.

Nine hours later, reality finally hit me. Asher wasn't coming. I was so pained, but I couldn't cry in public. My pictures would make the headlines, and I wasn't ready for that just a day after my lavish wedding.

I called the driver, and he was ready in no time. Once I got in, I pulled my phone and called Asher's assistant, thinking maybe he had already resumed work. I didn't want to believe that he spent our wedding night with Camila, and now abandoned our honeymoon trip for her.

"Hi Linda, is my husband at the office?" I asked, holding my breath.

"No, ma'am. He's not on the schedule," she answered.

"Do you know where he is?"

"No, I'm sorry. Is there any problem though?" She asked while I quickly chuckled.

"Oh not at all, he said he was dropping something off, so I thought he meant the office. Guess I was wrong. Thank you, Linda," I said, and then quickly hung up.

My hands were still tightened around my phone when it beeped. It was a text message from an anonymous ID.

"Asher is so handsome when he's sleeping in the arms of his true love. But you can't relate, can you? Because you will never be that woman to him."

I thought that was all until I saw the pictures of Asher shirtless in a bed, sleeping peacefully with Camila's arms wrapped around him.

I stared at the screen, rage surging through me. Of course, Camila was the anonymous person who sent the message. The smirk on her face said it all. She wanted me to know that she owns him, that she stole my wedding night and now my honeymoon too.

I gritted my teeth and clenched the phone so tightly I thought it would snap in half. I sat up straight in the car and made up my mind not to accept defeat.

I wasn't going to sit by and watch that evil bitch steal what's mine. I worked hard for this and waited patiently till I got it.

It won't be easy, but I'm ready to play the game and win my husband's heart.

"If you don't come home tonight, I'm telling everyone first thing in the morning that you're missing!" I sent the message to Asher.

Of course, I didn't mean it, he'd hate me for it. It was just my way of making sure he leaves her and come home to me.

I got home, took a shower, sprayed his favorite perfume and got on the bed, waiting for him.

It was midnight when I finally heard his car pull into the driveway. I quickly sat up once the bedroom door opened and he walked in. The moment I saw him, every bit of anger dissolved like salt in the water. He looked so handsome and all I could think of was how much I loved him.

"Asher," I called out softly.

"Not now, Ruby. I'm tired." He didn't even stop to look at me.

When he walked past me, I smelled her on him and that just made me crazy.

"Really, Asher? You left me at the airport," I snapped. "You knew we had a flight. You knew what today was, and you left me there like a fool."

"You are a fool if you believe I was going to go on a honeymoon trip with you. We both know that this marriage was a mistake." He turned slowly, his eyes blank.

"I'm your wife..."

"Of course, you're my 'wife'. You got what you wanted but that ended yesterday. Don't fool yourself into thinking it's more than that. I'll never love you. My heart already belongs to Camila, and nothing is ever going to change that." His words really broke me, but I refused to shatter, so I lifted my chin and replied to him.

"Then I guess I'll just have to change your mind."

"You can try, but don't hold your breath." He scoffed and walked away.

That hurt so deeply, but I didn't let him see the tears building up in my eyes. I slowly turned and got back into bed. I begged sleep to take me out of my pain, but it refused. I just laid there, sobbing in silence till I felt the mattress shift under his weight. Despite his words and actions, I still felt safer with him there...

The next morning, I woke up to an empty bed. Asher was no longer there, and I just assumed he'd gone to work. I stood up slowly and made my way into the bathroom but then froze at the sight in front of me.

Asher was there in the shower, stark naked with the water rolling down his perfectly sculpted back. It was my first time seeing those broad shoulders, tight abs, and muscular thighs. I had always imagined so many times what he looked like under those custom suits, but nothing prepared me for what I was seeing.

My whole body yearned for him, and it got even worse when he turned, and I saw what he looked like down there. He was huge, and it was my loud gasp that gave me away.

"What the heck?!" he yelled at me.

"I... I'm sorry..." I quickly ran out, shutting the door behind me. My heart was racing, and my cheeks burned.

God, he was so f*cking hot. A Greek god carved in flesh!

He soon came out in a towel, and I kept stealing glances as I walked over to the bathroom. I was so engrossed that I missed my step and tripped over the edge of the rug.

"Ruby!" he barked, flying over and catching me just in time.

I was so scared, I thought I was going to fall as I didn't expect him to save me. As I struggled to get up, my hand grabbed his towel by accident, and it fell, revealing his naked body.

I was again frozen, and it was his scream that slapped me back to life.

"What the heck is wrong with you? Are you insane?" He yelled and pushed me away.

"I... I'm sorry... God, I didn't mean to..."

"Get out!" he hissed.

I fled into the bathroom, my face on fire, heart pounding like a drum. I got under the shower, but I didn't even know if my body was properly washed or not. The whole time, my head was filled with pictures of Asher's hot body and how much I wanted him.

Asher was dressed when I came out, and looking sharp as always. I desperately wanted to hug and kiss him, but I dare not. It's crazy how he's my husband and I dare not touch him, but his mistress enjoys all that and more...

"Let's have dinner together tonight. I'll make your favorite." I didn't even think, the words just flowed out.

"I already have dinner plans." He glanced at his watch.

"What plans?" I asked, even though I already knew.

"You really want to know?" He looked at me like I was stupid.

"No," I whispered, stepping back.

"Didn't think so." He grabbed his keys and stormed out.

I stood there, wrapped in silence and still... crazy as it sounds... I love him so much.

Asher

"Ohh, good... good morning Sir." Linda quickly rose to her feet once she saw me.

She looked surprised and though I knew why, I expected her to still comport herself properly.

"Follow me," I said sternly and then brisked into my office while she hurried after me.

"Why are you looking lost? Where are the files I asked you to prepare? I don't see you holding anything, why?!" I asked while she still looked confused.

"Sir... uhm... I actually wasn't expecting you to resume this soon. I... I thought..."

"I'm not paying you to think about my personal affairs, Linda. It's not your business if I decide to come to the office just two days after my wedding. I expect you to do your work and those are the files I asked you to work on. Where are they, Linda?"

"I'm sorry, Sir. I'll quickly run through them now."

"You have thirty minutes!"

She ran out immediately while I then leaned back, staring blankly at the door.

It was obvious she thought I would be gone on honeymoon, but why would I do that with a wife I don't love? It would just be a total waste of my time... time I could use to do valuable work here that would bring more money into my account.

If Ruby's parents were not so wealthy, I'd have thought she wanted me for the money. That's the only reason women get so obsessed with a billionaire heir. I understand we used to be childhood sweethearts, but we are no longer children. I met Camila and fell crazily in love, and Ruby knew all about it, but she just wouldn't give up. I even begged her to call off the wedding, but she was too selfish and wanted to marry me by all means.

I couldn't go against my parents, and I didn't want to embarrass Ruby either, else I would have walked away at the altar like Camila asked me to. But I just couldn't do that to Ruby. She was there for me at my lowest and the least I could do was to give her her wish. The only thing is, that's all she's ever going to get from me. A ring and my last name but my heart will forever belong to Camila...

I was about to call Linda to bring the files when a call came in. It was from Camila and the moment I saw her beautiful face lit up the screen, I smiled hard.

"Hey, baby," I picked up without a second thought, and was still smiling.

"Asher..." her voice was quiet and a little breathy, making me pause and immediately alert.

"What's wrong, baby?" I asked and there was a silence on the other end, then she sighed like she'd been trying to hold something in.

"I don't feel so good, can you come over?" She whispered and that was all I needed to hear.

"I'm on my way," I said, standing from my seat.

I grabbed my keys and made straight for the door. Linda stood quickly, looking at me in confusion while I just waved her off.

"I'm done with the files, Sir, and your meeting is in ten minutes."

"Push it till tomorrow, something urgent came up," I replied.

"Is everything alright...?"

"Just reschedule, Linda." I said sternly, and she didn't say anything more. She just stood there and watched as I walked away.

I hopped in the car and zoomed off but then made a quick stop at Camila's favorite Thai spot. And also another stop at the corner flower shop near her place. The older woman there had just finished wrapping a small bouquet of warm-colored tulips when I pulled up.

I didn't even have to ask. "For your girl?" she smiled, and I just nodded.

Fifteen minutes later, I was outside her apartment with food in one hand, and flowers in the other. My heart was already easing at the thought of seeing her.

I hurried into her room and found her curled up on the bed, wrapped in a blanket that barely covered her thighs. Her eyes flickered up as I walked in and... God, she was so beautiful.

Even in an old hoodie, a messy bun, bare legs, and no makeup. She was still the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.

"Hey," I said gently, setting the takeout bag on the table.

"Are you okay?" She nodded slowly and then reached out toward me with both hands. I walked over and took them in mine, letting her pull me down to sit with her.

"You don't have a fever." I let out, studying her face.

"No." She replied.

"And your voice sounds fine too." I tilted my head.

"I know." She nodded and I squinted.

"Are you... actually sick?" I asked while she gave me the tiniest smile, and then bit her bottom lip.

"No."

That made me pause.

"Camila..."

"I just missed you, baby. She said quickly, cheeks coloring. "I know it's stupid and selfish because you are supposed to be with her..."

I kissed her right in the middle of her ramble, and that made her melt into me so fast it made my heart throb. Her fingers slipped into my hair, and I pulled her in so close until we could hear each other's heartbeats.

"You could've just said that," I whispered when I finally pulled away and touched my forehead to hers.

"I thought you'd be mad... it's your honeymoon and..."

"Mad?" I laughed softly. "Baby, you know I'll be with you every chance I get. You're my home and about the honeymoon, we both know it's not happening."

"Are you sure?" Her eyes softened.

"I've never been more sure." I nodded, brushing my thumb along her cheek while she leaned in again, her arms slipping around my waist.

"Then stay, just a little longer." She replied while I pulled her into my lap.

"You will always have me. I'm never leaving your side."

I watched her eat, after which, I pulled her back into my arms, and we stayed that way for a while. But then she suddenly looked up at me with that mischievous little sparkle in her eyes, the one that always meant trouble in the best way.

"I heard about this new place that opened downtown," she chimed in.

"Oh yeah?"

"It's a rooftop lounge with a gorgeous view and live music. It's been all over Instagr*m and I really want to go there." She let out excitedly while I arched my brow.

"Camila..."

"What?" she asked innocently.

"You just said you weren't going anywhere," she added, making me laugh and shake my head.

"So you faked being sick to trick me into a date?"

"No," she said, pouting.

"I missed you and, since you're already here, I might as well enjoy my man." She retorted, and I leaned in again, pressing a kiss to her temple.

"You're so unbelievable."

"I'll take that as a yes?"

I smiled against her skin. "Go get dressed, baby."

She jumped off my lap, grinning. "Give me ten minutes."

I watched her rush into the closet, the hoodie rising high up her thighs as she ran. She turned before shutting the door and winked, making me smile like an idi*t.

She always brings out that soft gentle love out of me. A part that vanishes when I'm with Ruby...

Ten minutes later, Camila came out looking like she popped right out of the Vogue magazine. She was wearing tight jeans, a black silk top, and that lip gloss she knew I liked. She stood in front of me, spinning once.

"How do I look?" She asked while I got up, pulled her close again, and kissed her.

"Like someone who's going to make me forget that I'm married."

"And that's the goal, baby..."

We both laughed while I grabbed her hand and led the way out. We got in the car and in no time, we were at the lounge.

We got a table with the most beautiful view, and we just sat there, leaning into each other with fingers laced while enjoying the band playing.

I was about to steal another kiss when I looked up and saw her...

Ruby was right there on the other side, staring at me with deep emotion. If looks could kill, I would be fighting for my life in a pool of my own blood right...