Ruby
“We were good together, Ruby. Admit it, and let’s return to the way we were before, when we both found happiness. I can see it in your eyes that you’re not happy now, and it’s all my fault. That’s why I’m here, begging to make it up to you,” he whispered, a sad smile tugging at his lips as our eyes locked in a shared moment.
His words hung in the air, and for a moment, I wavered because he sounded so sincere. The memory of our shared laughter and the warmth we once had together tried to surface. But beneath the surface, I also felt the ache of heartbreak and the scars of unresolved pain. My heart pleaded with me to escape as I stood on the edge of a past I had struggled to bury.
With determination, I placed my hands on Liam’s chest, attempting to create distance. “Yeah, we were happy until you ruined it all, and honestly, I’m glad you did. Whatever we had, Liam, was immature, and now it’s in the past. What you did… It’s not something a simple apology can fix. I can’t forgive it, and I won’t forget the pain you caused,” I snapped. His expression tightened, but he didn’t step back.
Silence lingered between us for a moment, and a mix of emotions flickered across his face. It was as if he were grappling with the weight of his own actions, but unfortunately for him, it was too late to turn back time and correct his wrongs. My hands remained on his bare chest, a physical barrier to the ghosts of our shared history.
“You need to understand, Ruby. I’ve changed; people change, and I regret what happened. That’s why I want another chance for a fresh start. Please, why can’t you understand? I want a chance to make things right,” he pleaded desperately. His eyes held a sincerity that clashed with the memories in my mind.
“I can’t, Liam. Some wounds run too deep, and forgiveness doesn’t erase the past. The scars you left are permanent, and all I hear are empty words. You need action, and right now, you’re nothing but a balless alpha,” I replied, my voice carrying the echoes of old hurts. He stepped back, his gaze intense but hurt by my words, and I didn’t care because it was the fucking truth.
“I understand how you feel, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make amends.” I shook my head, a mix of anger and sadness welling up. Did he just say he understood how I felt? Pathetic. He could never understand how I felt or all the pain I went through.
“It’s too late for that.” I muttered, feeling his hot breath on my lips. Disgusted, I had to stay strong to show him he had no effect on me.
“It’s never too late, Ruby, and I can prove that. All I need is just a kiss. Let me prove to you that we can rekindle what we had lost,” he implored, his hands reaching out as if to bridge the emotional gap that had widened between us.
“No, Liam. I’d rather die than feel those disgusting lips of yours on mine again. I won’t go back to the past. I’ve chosen a different path now,” I replied in a firm voice, pushing him against his chest, and his grip tightened briefly on my hand. There was a mix of frustration and realisation in his eyes as he saw the truth in my eyes as I held my ground, resisting the emotional pull he exerted.
“Damn it, Ruby, we’re mates. Nothing can change that, whether you like it or not,” he screamed, and I could feel his desperation hang in the air as he pleaded for a chance to rekindle what was lost.
“No, Liam. We were mates, but I’ve moved on. I’m with someone who has more courage and integrity than you ever did. I won’t let the past repeat itself. I won’t leave him just to be with your pathetic ass, and I am done talking to you about this,” I asserted, the strength in my voice masking the vulnerability within.
If I didn’t come up with a better lie or use having another person in my life as my means of escape, Liam might never give me space. It seemed challenging to make him understand that I no longer wanted him. His wounded alpha ego wouldn’t be pleased, knowing he had easily been replaced and lost his mate, not caring that it was his fault.
“Don’t tell me you’re talking about that Damian bastard,” he laughed heartlessly, frustration evident as he ran his hands through his hair. His probing questions made me raise an eyebrow, and my expression was a mix of defiance and confidence.
“Who I’m with is none of your business, Liam. But if you want to know so badly, here it is. Unlike you, Damian wants me and is willing to fight for me. BesidesThere are countless reasons that make him more attractive than you. Any woman would be foolish not to want him,” I lied with a subtle smirk. I continued, “He’s got more courage and determination than you ever did or ever will. It’s time for you to accept that our chapter is closed, and I’ve moved on. I want a man who is strong and powerful like Damian, not a weak wolf like you whose balls are now possessed by a witch.” I breathed out as I delivered those words, feeling a sense of liberation fill me.
Liam’s face contorted with a range of emotions flickering across his face-surprise, frustration, anger, hurt, and perhaps a hint of regret at my words. I could sense the weight of his wounded pride, yet my own heart struggled beneath the facade of confidence I wore as the air in his office crackled with tension.
“Damian is a player and probably just wants to sleep with you, Ruby. He would never be your mate or want you as much as I did. He would never love you as much as I do,” he said, but I stood on my stance, remaining firm, not to fall for his empty words. I saw Liam’s jaw clenched, his hands balling into fists, and his eyes narrowing in as he saw that I didn’t care about his opinion.
“I don’t care,” I smirked, feeling the atmosphere charging with the unspoken history between us, but in that moment, I felt a surge of empowerment, breaking free from the shackles of our past.
“I’m your mate, Ruby, and it’ll always be that way,” Liam growled, forcefully pressing his lips onto mine without my approval. His heavy body trapped me uncomfortably.