CHAPTER 391: CHAPTER 391 CUDDLE WITH ME

After they reached home, Karl couldn’t stop talking.

"I mean—did you see how shiny the stage lights were? It felt like stars just for me! And the way that assistant witch offered me snacks?? Wife, I’m telling you, royalty. Actual royalty. I even got five cups of warm choklate—FIVE!"

He spun around the living room like he was still performing on stage.

Milo giggled and Julian rolled his eyes fondly.

Ruby simply shook her head, suppressing a laugh as she slipped off her shoes.

"Good for you, Your Highness," she said dryly and headed straight for her room.

The door clicked softly behind her, and for a few moments, there was just silence.

She walked over to her bed and sat down with a long, exhausted sigh. Her body ached from days of work and travel, and though she still had a hundred things on her mental checklist... she didn’t want to do any of them right now.

She glanced at her laptop bag, then looked away.

She laid back on the soft bed, the mattress welcoming her like an old friend. Her arms stretched above her head, then dropped lazily to her sides as she stared at the ceiling. A faint breeze rustled through the curtains. Her eyelids grew heavier with each breath.

"It’s okay to rest," she murmured to herself.

For once, she let the world carry on without her.

And within minutes, Ruby was fast asleep.

And after hearing Karl’s endless chatter about how grand the studio was and how he was "basically treated like a future star," Julian took a deep breath and quietly walked to the kitchen. He filled a glass with lukewarm water—just the way Ruby liked when she was feeling tired and made his way to her room.

He chuckled softly when he saw her door slightly open. That was unusual. Gently, he pushed it open and stepped inside, closing it quietly behind him.

The room smelled faintly of her. He spotted her curled up on the bed, still wearing the soft house robe she’d changed into. The glow from the half-open curtains made a golden trail across her blanket, and the steady rise and fall of her chest told him she had fallen into a deep sleep.

He placed the glass gently on the side table, careful not to clink it against anything.

Then he stood there, just... watching her.

Her long white hair spilled across the pillow like waves of snow, some strands caught against her lips, others tucked beneath her cheek. Her eyebrows were relaxed now, no longer furrowed like they always were when she was working. Her mouth was slightly open, breath soft and even.

Julian slowly walked closer, heart thudding gently against his ribs. He crouched beside the bed, just enough to see her face better. She looked peaceful—far more peaceful than he’d seen her in weeks.

Without thinking, his hand moved on its own. Just the lightest brush of his fingers along her cheek.

Her skin was smooth, soft. He held his breath.

She didn’t stir.

Julian slowly leaned down, unable to help himself, and kissed her forehead softly—just a gentle press, light as air. But before he could pull back, he froze.

Her arm moved.

Her eyes blinked open, slow and drowsy.

Julian’s heart jumped.

"Wife..." he whispered nervously, suddenly unsure if he should run, apologize, or pretend he was checking if she was breathing.

But Ruby just mumbled sleepily, her voice a soft breath against his neck, "Stay with me..."

Then, without warning, she tugged him down and wrapped her arms around him, burying her face near his collarbone. Julian blinked, his entire body stiffening as if someone had pulled the strings of a puppet too tight. His ears turned red.

"Cuddle with me..." she muttered, still half-asleep.

And what could he do?

He swallowed the panic rising in his chest, and nodded silently, shifting gently until he was properly beside her. Her blanket was soft, her scent was familiar, and her arm was around his waist now.

Anyway, Karl was busy in the living room with his new phone, deeply engrossed in his Fat Fish Frenzy game, shouting now and then about his latest score. Milo had already gone to sleep early—his medicine making him tired easily these days. And Adrian was in the office.

So, Julian reasoned with himself, just this once... it was okay.

He let out a breath and rested his hand carefully around her waist.

She felt warm. Safe. The gentleness of his touch was like cradling something precious—like she might vanish if he held her too tightly. Ruby smiled faintly at the feeling. His scent was calming, a quiet blend of him and the herbs he sometimes used when he cooked. The comfort of him made her chest ache in the best way.

She opened her eyes slowly, just a crack.

And there he was.

That same kind, gergeous face. His hair a little messy, his expression soft. So close she could feel his breath on her skin.

"Jules..." she whispered, touching his cheek with the back of her fingers. His skin was warm under her hand, and her heart tugged at how gently he leaned into her touch.

He nodded, lips curving into a soft, nervous smile.

"I’m here," he said.

Ruby smiled, her eyes still half-lidded with sleep, and without a word, she slowly pulled his face closer. Julian’s breath caught in his throat, his mind suddenly blank. For a moment, all he could hear was the quiet hum of the room and the soft rhythm of her breathing. He had dreamed about this—thought about it during quiet evenings when everyone was asleep, wondering when he’d ever have a moment like this again.

He hadn’t gotten the chance—not really. Most nights were spent curled up beside Karl, or talking with Milo, or cooking while Ruby worked late. Every time she was home, the house was never empty. He always told himself to wait. But now...

Now, her fingers were on his cheek, her touch warm, her gaze steady. Her thumb brushed near his jawline as she tilted her head, gently shifting to find the perfect angle. And then—

She kissed him.

To be continued... 🪄