Chapter 10
Sylvia had signed Ruby up for a local kindergarten, but Ruby shook her head, her face scrunched in protest.
“Ruby, if you don’t go there, we’re heading back overseas tomorrow,” Sylvia said, her voice firm but kind.
Ruby’s eyes went wide with panic when she heard that.
“No, Mom, I’ll go! But… you got to let me see Dad soon, okay?” she begged, her voice soft and hopeful.
Sylvia’s heart stung. Ruby came back just to meet her dad; that was why she was so panicked now.
She leaned down, kissing Ruby’s cheek gently. “Don’t worry, sweetie. I’ve got it handled. You’ll see Dad soon enough.”
Her tone was light, but inside, Sylvia was stumped. ‘Where am I supposed to find a dad for Ruby?
One thing was clear: she’d never tell Ruby that BYRON WAS HER REAL FATHER.
The next morning, Sylvia dropped Ruby off at a private academy with kindergarten, primary, and middle school programs.
“Mom, I’ll miss you,” Ruby said, climbing out of the car. Her big eyes sparkled with tears as she clung to Sylvia’s hand.
Sylvia’s heart ached seeing her sad face. She knelt down, giving a warm smile. “You’ll be okay, Ruby. I’ll pick you up this afternoon, I promise.”
As she stood, her eyes drifted across the campus, and locked on a familiar face.
A boy in a crisp white shirt and slacks headed to his classroom, his face cool and distant.
Despite his standoffish vibe, his sharp features stood out, undeniably good–looking. Other kids tried to say hi, but he ignored them completely.
It was Zack. Her son.
Sylvia’s breath hitched. She had no idea Zack went to this school.
Seeing the small glasses on his nose, her heart tightened. ‘How could Byron let this happen? Zack’s so young, and his eyes were already struggling?”
But the worry quickly turned cold. She realized that had nothing to do with her now. When she and Byron divorced, Zack’s custody went to him. She could still hear Zack’s little voice, pleading for Joanna to be his new mom.
“Ruby, time for school!” Sylvia said, gently nudging her daughter forward. Ruby followed her teacher inside, glancing back at her mom with longing.
Ruby‘ scanned the playground, where kids were laughing and running, but she felt no excitement.
Then she spotted a familiar figure in the elementary section. Her face lit up, and she sprinted over, her little legs flying.
“Little Knight?” she yelled.
Zack turned at her voice, seeing Ruby toddling toward him. A hint of surprise crossed his face. “You’re going here too?”
“Yup, total surprise, right? Mom dropped me off” Ruby grinned, pointing toward the school gate.
Zack looked over curiously, but the entrance was empty–Ruby’s mom was already gone.
“Ugh, why’s she here again?” a sharp voice interrupted. Yara stomped over, shoving Ruby with a nasty scowl.
“Zack, let’s ditch her. She’s everywhere, and it’s so annoying!” Yara grabbed Zack’s arm, her voice sweet but dripping with jealousy.
She hated how Zack was so distant with her but softened for this little brat.
Zack pulled his arm free, glaring at Yara. “Cut it out, Yara, Don’t make a scene.”
He turned to Ruby, his voice gentler. “You okay?”
Ruby rubbed her sore shoulder but shook her head bravely “I’m fine.”
Then she stuck her tongue out at Yara. Hmph, I’m not scared of you! He’s my friend!”
The word “friend” stung Yara’s heart like a thore.
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4:11 PM
Chapter 10
Her eyes filled with tears, and she grabbed Zack’s arm again, whining, “Zack, don’t you remember what Auntie Joanna said? She told you not to make friends with random kids. They’re trouble!”
Zack paused in thoughts. Then he looked at Ruby, saying, “She’s not trouble. She’s my friend.”
His words were calm but firm, leaving no room for debate.
Ruby giggled, her smile as bright as sunshine.
Yara’s face fell. Tears streaming, she ran back to her kindergarten class. From her classroom window, she kept glaring at Zack and Ruby on the sports field.
A knot of anger and danger twisted in her stomach. Gritting her teeth, she leaned toward the class bully and started whispering. She was going to make Ruby pay.
After dropping Ruby off, Sylvia drove to a big–box store to grab some groceries.
While browsing the food aisle on the third floor, she noticed a man and woman walking by.
The woman was gorgeous, wearing oversized sunglasses and a stylish white tracksuit, looking like a total celebrity.
It was Joanna, the up–and–coming starlet.
Joanna looked up and froze when she saw Sylvia, her heart skipping a beat.
Obviously, she’d never thought she’d met Sylvia again here.
She glanced at Byron beside her. Sure enough, his handsome face shifted with mixed emotions as he noticed Sylvia too.
No way could Joanna act like she hadn’t seen Sylvia now.
“Sylvia! Oh my gosh, you’re finally back!” Joanna gushed, her enthusiasm over–the–top as she grabbed Sylvia’s arm.
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