To the Love of My Life

Ruby Gregory thought the reason Steve Burton’s head hurt might be because of the alcohol.

The hotel had a fully equipped kitchenette, where she found half a watermelon. She scooped out the flesh, then painstakingly removed the seeds one by one. She put the flesh in a juicer, and brought the freshly squeezed watermelon

juice to the bedroom.

Steve had his eyes closed and didn’t open them until Ruby put the juice on the bedside table. She hesitated whether she should call him or not.

Since she returned, they had met several times, but she’d never dared to observe him closely.

He seemed more mature and stable than when he gave her gifts three years ago, his features were more profound, and the noble air between his brows made him more unapproachable.

Just as Ruby was staring at him, Steve opened his eyes suddenly as if he had sensed something.

Ruby’s body shuddered, and she quickly looked away, handing the watermelon juice to Steve, “This can relieve the effects of alcohol.”

Steve glanced at the watermelon juice in Ruby’s hand, then took it and drank it all in one gulp.

After drinking it, Steve really felt the burning sensation of alcohol in his stomach had eased. He handed the empty glass to Ruby and asked, “How did you know watermelon juice would relieve the effects of alcohol?”

Ruby paused, then said, “When I was little, The Gregorys’ business wasn’t as bad as it is now. Dad had more social engagements back then and would often drink too much. When he came home with a headache, Mom would make him watermelon juice. After drinking it, he would feel much better.”

“So, The Gregorys’ business has been bad in the past few years?” Ruby mentioned their family’s business in passing, but didn’t expect Steve would suddenly ask about it. Her heart trembled, and she looked down, answering hesitantly, “It’s not as good as it used to be.”

By “the past few years,” she meant the three years she and Steve were apart.

Many people had partnered with The Gregorys because of her close relationship with Steve.

Later, when she suddenly moved to Costa Luna and cut off contact with him, many people thought there was no hope for them, so their business gradually waned.

Even this year, The Gregorys faced losses, which forced her to return from Costa Luna.

No matter how much this man had despised her and demanded from her, she still had no choice but to return to his side.

Although Ruby’s words were vague, Steve still understood that she was referring to the three years they were apart.

Steve stared at Ruby, not speaking for a long time.

As she recalled the events of three years ago, Ruby’s heart seemed to be cut by a sharp blade, silently exuding unbearable pain.

Even though she seemed calm in front of her parents that night, it didn’t mean she didn’t care about the hurtful words he said to her: “Even though it was your first time and you were a little shy, I still liked it… But only the you from last night on the bed!”

Ruby blinked and forced a soft smile at Steve, “I just remembered, I didn’t

unplug the juicer.”

After saying that, Ruby turned to leave the bedroom.

However, Steve suddenly reached out, grabbed her wrist, and yanked her onto the bed. He swiftly switched positions to pin her down beneath him.

Ruby quickly realized what he was trying to do. She didn’t know if it was the painful experiences from their recent intimate encounters, but she had become more and more resistant of him. She subconsciously wanted to struggle, but remembering The Gregorys and her parents who had placed all their hopes in her, she eventually closed her eyes.

Her eyelashes trembled violently, betraying her hidden refusal and fear.

Steve, intently watching her restrained herself, saw her reluctance and tolerance.

She clearly did not want to do these things with him, but forced herself to bear it.

Steve’s chest rose and fell slightly as he stared at Ruby with her eyes closed. He lowered his head and covered her lips with his own.

Her body remained stiff, like a piece of wood, making Steve feel as if he were dealing with a soulless puppet.

He saw her clenching her fist tightly.

He remembered the blood-stained fingernail he had accidentally discovered the last time they were together in the car.

So she had been using the pain here to distract herself from what theyd done.

Fearing that she might hurt herself again by clenching her palm so hard, Steve took her stockings, wrapped them around her wrists twice, and tied them tightly.

Unable to use her wrists, Ruby could no longer distract herself by clenching her fists.

Yet her face remained calm and unresponsive.

Steve couldn’t stand it anymore, increasing his strength, wanting to evoke a response from her with pain.

However, Ruby just kept her eyes tightly shut, silently enduring it all. He couldn’t even make her let out as a weak moan or frown from the pain..