Chapter 146: Your Business

The space between them narrowed. For a moment, Ruby hesitated, her breath catching, her heart pounding in her chest. Then slowly, Stefan cupped her cheek, his thumb tracing her skin gently.

"I want this to work," he whispered.

Ruby nodded. "Me too."

His lips brushed against hers softly—tentative, careful, full of meaning. She let her eyes fall closed, her hands sliding up to his shoulders as the kiss deepened, sweet and lingering. There was no rush, no desperation—just tenderness, connection, and warmth.

When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless.

Stefan rested his forehead against hers, smiling. "Well, that was..."

"Long overdue," Ruby finished for him, laughing softly. She wouldn’t admit it to him but she missed kissing him more than anything.

They spent the next couple of hours nestled close together, talking quietly about everything and nothing—hopes, dreams, little things they’d never thought to share before. Each word, each smile, each soft glance made something inside Ruby settle, as though she was finally exactly where she was meant to be.

"I think I’ll take a nap since we still have such a long time ahead," Ruby said and Stefan narrowed his eyes.

the

okay here. It’s just a nap so I don’t mind," she said and even though

jet windows was a canvas of soft pinks and oranges as the sun began to dip beyond the

beside her, was flipping through a tablet when he set it aside and turned to her, his expression softened when he saw

still not there yet. Sixteen hours is a

him a smile. Her smile widened when Stefan handed her a bowl of fruits which he’d carefully sliced when

she said

manage to survive on your own all this while? I

smile tugged at her lips. "It wasn’t easy," she admitted quietly. "But I think what helped was staying busy. I wanted to get a space—maybe rent a little place—and start something for myself. I was thinking of going into event planning and maybe interior and exterior décor too. Something small at first. Rayna had even volunteered to help out. We were going space hunting when

I see," he

really is. I think it’s safe to say she loves me more than my mom or Ivy ever would," she said and though Stefan wanted to ask the story behind that, he decided it wasn’t time yet so instead he decided to

curiosity filling his eyes. "So, event planning and décor?" he echoed. "Was that to pass time... or because you

I enjoyed. Arranging, designing, making things beautiful. It made me feel... in control,

hand, curling his fingers around hers. "Then you should do it," he said firmly. "Not ’maybe.’ Not ’someday.’ I’ll open one

his, surprise lighting up her features. "You’re

leaning back but keeping her hand in his. "Do I look like I’m

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