Finally Ruby was ready in her green robe. The fabric was soft and flowing, and she looked more radiant than she realized. Milo’s face fell the moment he saw her. He tugged her sleeve with his hands, his voice low and sulky.
"Wife, do you really have to go on a date with that fat ghost?" he pouted, his eyes glistening. "I don’t like him, but I believe Brother Jules and Brother Karl will handle everything very well."
Ruby smiled faintly at him, brushing his cheek gently, though her heart felt heavy. Before she could answer, there was a loud knock on the door.
Karl’s temper boiled instantly. He stormed to the door and threw it open. There stood Fat Louis, his round body stuffed into a robe that was far too tight. He puffed his chest smugly and smirked at Karl.
"Where is wife?" Louis demanded, his voice loud and full of arrogance.
Karl went red with fury. "Hey, who are you calling wife, huh?" In a flash he lunged forward and grabbed Louis by his thick neck. His fingers tightened and Louis’s smug face went beet red. He kicked helplessly and wheezed for air.
Ruby’s heartbeat spiked. She hurried across the room, panic rushing through her chest. "Karl!" she cried, grabbing his wrist. "Let him go before you break him!"
Karl’s eyes blazed, his grip unrelenting. "No, wife! He called you wife. Only we can call you that. I’ll kill him before I let him say it again!" His teeth were clenched so tight his jaw trembled.
Julian appeared at Karl’s side, calm but cold. He put a hand on Karl’s shoulder. "Karl. Let him breathe. Not here, not now," Julian said, his voice low and commanding. His gaze flicked to Louis, sharp as a blade. "If we make a scene, Madame Shades will twist it against Ruby. Do you want that?"
Ruby tugged harder at Karl’s wrist, her eyes begging him to calm down. Finally Karl let out a frustrated growl and shoved Louis away. He stumbled back, clutching his neck and coughing violently.
"You will regret this!" Louis stammered hoarsely. He straightened his robe with shaky hands and glared weakly at Karl. "Wife belongs to me now. Mother said so."
Karl’s hands curled into fists again, his nails biting into his palms. He was about to lunge once more, but Ruby pressed her palm firmly against his chest.
"That is enough," she said, her voice calm but icy. Her eyes cut toward Louis, and the fat ghost shrank under her stare. "I agreed to spend time with you, Louis. Don’t mistake that for belonging to you. Watch your words."
Louis blinked rapidly as the fake bravado drained from his face. He shifted in his seat, lowering his gaze. "Fine. Then let’s go," he muttered, forcing confidence that did not reach his eyes.
"What? We’re also coming," Karl said with a smug grin, stepping forward like a guard dog.
Louis’s cheeks flushed with anger, but he clenched his teeth and forced a shaky smile. "Look, me and my future wife are going on a date. I don’t need anyone tagging along. Or else I’ll tell my mother," he blurted, puffing up as if that were a threat.
Ruby sighed, pressing her fingers to her temple. She glanced at Karl and Julian. "Stay here. I’ll handle this."
Karl looked like he might explode and Julian’s eyes narrowed, but both stepped back. Louis smirked as if he had won a victory.
Ruby took Louis out to her car and drove him to the restaurant, where she booked a table for lunch.
Louis cleared his throat, trying to sound calm. "So, Ruby," he said, sneaking glances at her, "what are your hobbies?" His voice cracked halfway through.
Ruby’s smile started sweet and then turned sharp. "I like beating," she said slowly, her eyes glinting.
Louis froze. "Beating?"
"Yes." Ruby leaned closer, her voice dropping into something playful and dangerous. "Every day. Hard. Until the other person learns not to talk back. You’ll get used to it."
Louis shivered and paled. "That can’t be true. Otherwise why would Karl and the others still stay with you?"
Ruby leaned back and laughed softly, the sound edged enough to make him sink lower into his seat. "Because they had no choice. They’re all under my control. One wrong step and... well, they don’t try anymore. You’ll adjust too. Don’t worry—once I start beating you daily, it’ll become a habit."
Louis’s mouth dropped open. He grabbed his glass of water and downed it too fast, choking halfway, his face a mess of fear and disbelief. Ruby folded her hands in her lap and watched him with calm eyes that made his heart pound.
He forced a laugh that died in his throat. "So... haha, you’re joking, right? You witches... always joking."
Ruby tilted her head and smiled. "Do I look like I’m joking, Louis?" Her tone was soft but her gaze made his palms sweat.
Desperate to change the subject, Louis leaned forward in an attempt at romance. "Well, since we’re... about to married, maybe we should hold hands?" His fingers twitched as he reached toward her.
Ruby glanced at his hand, then at him. Slowly she stretched out her own hand. Just as his fingers brushed hers, Ruby clenched her fist and cracked her knuckles, the sound sharp and warning like a crack in the air. "Oh, my hands are usually busy with punching practice. They get very strong," she said sweetly, curling her fingers as if picturing his face there.
Louis yanked his hand back so fast it hit the table with a thud. "I I I don’t mind strong hands!" he stammered, rubbing the sore spot.
Ruby leaned closer, her voice low. "Good. Because if you ever annoy me, I’ll show you exactly how strong."
The waiter approached politely, notebook in hand. "What would you like to order, Madam? Sir?"
Ruby glanced at the menu once and set it down.
"Something light," she said softly. "Vegetable soup and bread will do."
After the waiter left with their order, Louis leaned toward Ruby, lowering his voice as though sharing a secret.
"You... how much do you earn?" His eyes sparkled with a strange kind of excitement. "I heard your brand is spreading everywhere—robes, company. You must be so rich, right?" He leaned closer, his fat hands twitching as if he wanted to touch the edge of her sleeve. "Tell me, how much exactly?"
To be continued... 🪄