The Billionaire's Daring Kitten

RUBY'S POV

"Thank you."

I gave the Italian man a smile over the counter, accepting the hot cup of latte. I took a sip, the frothy sweetness coating my tongue, and felt a pang of satisfaction. Nothing like a cup of coffee after a long day at the gym. My mornings were sacred-my time to unwind, to shed the facade of "Mrs. Perfect Wife," and to just exist.

As I settled back into my chair, I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my contacts, and finally froze on one.

My so-called absentee husband.

My thumb hovered over his name for a moment too long, debating if I really wanted to ruin this blissful moment. But boredom had been gnawing at me lately.

I hit call.

The phone rang twice before his voice came through, clipped and impatient. "What do you want, Ruby?"

"Good morning to you too, darling," I chirped, keeping my voice as sweet as the latte in my hand. "I was just calling to check on you. Is that a crime now?"

He sighed. "I'm busy. Can we do this later?"

I leaned back in my chair, smirking to myself. His tone was rushed, defensive even. "Busy with what? It's a Wednesday morning. You don't have meetings until the afternoon, remember?"

There was a pause-just a fraction of a second too long. "Work stuff. You wouldn't understand."

"Of course," I said, taking another sip of my latte. "Work stuff. Sounds... mysterious. Are you saving the world again, or just playing hooky?"

Gabriel didn't laugh. He never did. "Ruby, I don't have time for your games."

"Games?" I let out a mock gasp. "I'm just trying to be a good wife. Isn't that what you wanted? Someone to check in on you, make sure you're eating your greens, and all that?"

His breath hitched slightly, and I could almost picture him rubbing the back of his neck, like he always did when he was caught off guard. "I'm not hungry," he muttered. "And I'm fine. You don't need to check up on me."

"Right," I said, my voice dropping into a colder register. "Because you're always so fine, aren't you? Everything's just peachy in the world of Mr. Perfect."

"Ruby," he said sharply. "What's the point of this call?"

I glanced around the café, watching as a couple nearby laughed over their shared plate of pastries. For a moment, I wondered what it must feel like to have that kind of ease, that kind of connection. I barely stayed in the same house with Gabriel anyway, so it was all wishful thinking.

"I don't know," I said softly. "Maybe I just wanted to hear your voice. Is that so terrible?"

There was another pause, longer this time. When he finally spoke, his tone was filled with something I couldn't quite place. Guilt? Regret? No, that would require him to care.

"Look, Ruby," he mumbled. "I'm not in the mood for this. If you're bored, go buy another dress or take one of your yoga classes or whatever it is you do to keep yourself entertained. Just leave me out of it."

My anger flared up, but I forced a laugh. "Ah, there it is. The great advice from my loving husband. Spend more money, distract myself, and stay out of your hair. How original."

"Don't twist my words," he snapped.

"Why not? You twist mine all the time," I shot back. "Or do you only reserve your creativity for the office these days?"

He didn't answer. I could hear faint background noises on his end-papers shuffling, the hum of a television, and something else... a soft laugh that wasn't his.

My fingers tightened around my cup. "Are you alone?" I asked casually, though my heart was roaring now.

"Of course," he said, too quickly. "Why would you even ask that?"

I smiled, though there was no one around to see it. "No reason. You just sound... different. Distracted. Nervous, even. Makes me wonder what-or who-you're hiding."

"Ruby, don't start," he warned.

"Start what?" I said innocently. "I'm just making conversation."

He exhaled sharply, the sound of a man who had run out of excuses. "I'm hanging up now."

"No, you're not," I shot back. "Not until you tell me what's going on."

"Nothing is going on!" he snapped, his voice rising. "Why do you always have to make everything so damn difficult?"

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the table. "Because you make it so easy, darling. I mean, listen to yourself. You're practically choking on your own lies."

"You're paranoid," he growled. "This is exactly why-"

"Why what?" I interrupted. "Why you don't love me? Why you treat me like some inconvenient houseplant you forgot to water? Go on, say it. I won't be surprised."

The line went silent again, but this time it wasn't empty. I could hear his shallow breathing, the faint rustle of movement, and then-just barely-a voice in the background. A woman's voice.

I cut the call, abandoned my latte and raced out of the cafe.

**********

I drove home faster than I should have, the city of Chicago blurring around me like an abstract painting. My fingers tapped rhythmically on the steering wheel, not with anger, but with anticipation. Whatever I had heard over the phone, I wanted to see it for myself. It wasn't jealousy-no, I had stopped caring about him long ago. This was curiosity. Pure, unfiltered curiosity.

I pulled into the driveway and turned off the car. My shoes thundered against the stone pathway as I walked to the front door, letting myself in with deliberate ease.

I headed upstairs, taking slow steps. The faint sounds I had suspected over the phone became clearer as I neared the bedroom. I paused at the door, my hand hovering over the handle. This was it-the moment most women would dread.

But not me.

I pushed the door open just enough to see inside, and there he was, tangled in the sheets with a woman I did recognize. Julia, my supposedly best friend. Her long hair spilled over the pillows as she gasped his name, her nails clawing at his back like a desperate animal. My husband was grunting, his face contorted in an expression I hadn't seen in years-pleasure.

And I watched.

The sight should have hurt me, shouldn't it? This was my husband, my supposed partner in life, betraying me in the most cliché way imaginable. But instead of pain, I felt exhilaration. A cold, calculating thrill spread through me like wildfire.

This was my chance.

I leaned against the doorframe, crossing my arms and tilting my head slightly. They were so consumed by each other that they didn't even notice me. How ironic. The man who barely spared me a glance was now on full display, utterly vulnerable.

I waited until they finished. It didn't take long- Gabriel never had much stamina. When they finally collapsed into the sheets, panting and spent, I straightened up and cleared my throat.

His head snapped up. Julia yelped, scrambling to cover herself with the sheet. I smiled, the kind of smile that could chill a room.

"Don't mind me," I said smoothly, stepping into the room as if I belonged there. "I just thought I'd see what all the noise was about."

"Ruby-" he started.

"Don't bother explaining," I cut him off, waving a hand dismissively. "I've seen enough. In fact, I'm impressed. You actually managed to put some effort into something for once."

Julia looked between us, her face pale and horrified. "I-I can explain," she stammered. "I.. I..I'm sorry!"

I laughed. "Oh, sweetie, don't apologize. You've done me a favor."

"Ruby, listen-" he tried again, sitting up and reaching for me.

"No!" I snapped. "You don't get to talk right now. In fact, you don't get to do much of anything. But I do have an idea."

They stared at me in confusion.

"Why don't you both join me for dinner tonight?" I offered. "We can talk this out like civilized adults. Doesn't that sound fun?"

"What are you playing at?" Gabriel growled.

I moved to the door, turned to him and smiled again. "Oh, you'll see. Be ready by seven, Gabriel. And bring your latest wh*re with you."

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.

RUBY'S POV

"YOU DIVORCED GABRIEL?!"

Ariana's voice tore through the pounding bass of the club, loud enough to make the heads of nearby patrons turn. Her bright blue eyes were wide with shock, her curly black hair bouncing as she leaned closer to me.

"Yes, I divorced Gabriel," I shouted back, rolling my eyes as I took a sip of my martini. "I told you this already!"

"No, no, no," Ariana insisted, waving her manicured hand. "You said you were thinking about it. You didn't say you actually did it! When did this happen?"

"Today!" I yelled, the thudding beat of the music forcing us to scream over it.

"Oh, my God!" she shrieked, grabbing my arm. "Finally!"

Lilac, sitting calmly across the table with her signature poised demeanor, sipped her wine and gave me a knowing smile.

Her warm hazel eyes twinkled under the neon lights of the club. "About time, Ruby. I mean, the man was a walking red flag. I'm proud of you for leaving him."

"Thanks, Lilac," I said, flashing her a grateful smile before Ariana butted in again.

"But wait-what happened? You didn't tell us the juicy details!" she demanded.

I hesitated, my eyes darting to the dance floor where bodies moved to the music. The truth still stung, but I knew I couldn't avoid it.

"I caught him fucking Julia," I said flatly, setting my glass down. "I found out this morning."

Ariana's jaw dropped, and Lilac's face hardened. "With Julia?" Lilac asked.

"Yeah, the b!tch," I spat. "I walked in on them in our bedroom. He didn't even bother to hide it."

Ariana gasped so loudly that even the DJ seemed to falter. "You walked in on them?! In your house?!"

"Yup." I downed the rest of my martini in one gulp. "I left, told my lawyer to prepare divorce papers, and now here I am. Free."

Lilac shook her head, her several face piercings glinting under the light. She reached across the table and placed a hand on mine. "You deserve better, Ruby. Gabriel was an idiot to mess this up."

"Damn right!" Ariana chimed in, tossing her curly hair over her shoulder. "Now, enough about him. We're here to celebrate your freedom! Drinks, dancing, and maybe some cute guys to flirt with."

"Or girls," Lilac added, her gaze drifting to a tall brunette in a red dress who was dancing near the bar.

Ariana caught the direction of her gaze and smirked. "Lilac, you're shameless."

Lilac shrugged, a sly grin spreading across her face. "What can I say? Strong women in heels are my weakness."

I laughed for the first time in what felt like years, a genuine, deep laugh that bubbled up from my chest. "You two are impossible."

"And you love us for it," Ariana said with a wink. "Now, speaking of strong and sexy, have you heard about Dominic Rutherford?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

Ariana leaned in with mischief in her eyes. "Dominic Rutherford. Business tycoon, filthy rich, always wears a mask, but nobody knows why. They say he's ruthless, cold, and terrifyingly hot."

Lilac snorted. "A mask? Seriously? What is this, a billionaire superhero story?"

"No, I'm serious!" Ariana insisted. "He's in his late forties, but women lose their minds over him. I mean, no one really knows why he wears the mask, but apparently, it only makes him more mysterious and irresistible. If he asked for one night, no woman would say no. I definitely would not say no."

I scoffed, leaning back in my seat. "An older guy in a mask? Please. If he were younger, maybe I'd be interested. But I'm just twenty five. He's too old for me, and frankly, no man is that attractive."

As if on cue, the energy in the room shifted. The chatter around us grew hushed, and heads turned toward the entrance. We stopped our conversation and followed their gazes.

He walked in like he owned the place-tall, broad-shouldered, and showing an aura of power so intense it felt like he stole the very air in the room. His ink-black hair was perfectly styled, held up in a ponytail, and his piercing blue eyes, visible even from across the room, scanned the crowd with a detached confidence.

And then there was the mask. It looked like it was made of pure gold, and it covered the left side of his face, but it didn't look as bad as I thought it would. If anything, it made him more intriguing, more commanding.

Dominic Rutherford.

"Speak of the devil," Ariana whispered as she nudged me. "Oh, God. He Is so unbelievably hot!"

I hated how my pulse quickened at the sight of him, how my gaze involuntarily traced the sharp cut of his jaw and the way his suit clung to his muscular frame. I didn't even know the man, but something about him made my skin tingle.

To cover my reaction, I turned to Ariana and rolled my eyes. "He's not that impressive," I grunted. "Okay, he's wearing a mask. And so what?"

Ariana raised an eyebrow. "Really? Because you look like you're about to combust."

"I'm not," I snapped. "If anything, that mask is ridiculous. What's he hiding? A bad facelift?"

Lilac stifled a laugh behind her glass, and Ariana shot me a skeptical look. "Uh-huh. Sure, Ruby. Whatever you say."

I ignored her, grabbing my bag and standing abruptly. "This party's boring. Let's find another club."

Ariana and Lilac exchanged confused glances but didn't argue. They followed me out of the club, the thumping music fading into the background as we stepped into the cool night air.

As we walked toward the car, I couldn't shake the image of Dominic Rutherford from my mind. I clenched my jaw, forcing the thoughts away. He was just a man-a stranger I would never see again. And yet, as I climbed into the car with my friends, I couldn't help but wonder why I was so drawn to him.

It made no sense. I'd never met him before.

But something about Dominic Rutherford had already found a place in my mind, and I hated it.