h4Chapter 162: Disappointed/h4

    As the door closed behind him, Rayna sat there, staring at the mug in her hands, her fingers tightening around the ceramic.

    So that was it.

    She’d allowed herself to believe in something soft. Something promising. Ethan had whispered possibilities into her ears in Florittle. He had made herugh, made her feel like the center of something rare. And now? Now he couldn’t even be bothered to call.

    Her pride screamed at her to delete his number. To let him go and call herself foolish for ever hoping he was different. Because clearly, he wasn’t.

    He was just like the others. Just better at pretending.

    And maybe it was a good thing he showed his true colors now. Maybe it was better to be disappointed early than devastatedter.

    She set her mug down and leaned back against the couch, pulling the throw nket over herself.

    But even as she told herself it was fine, even as she tried to pretend it didn’t matter, a quiet ache pulsed in her chest—persistent, undeniable.

    She had let her guard down. And Ethan hadn’t even noticed.

    Deciding not to waste her time thinking about Ethan, she stood up and headed to the kitchen, deciding to help with whatever she could just to get her mind off Ethan.

    Momentster, the scent of warm vani and soft cinnamon wafted through the corridor as Rayna carefully bnced the breakfast tray in her hands.

    The kitchen had finally wrapped up Ruby’s meal, customized to fit her pregnancy cravings and aversions—no eggs, no strong spices, no rich sauces. Just lightly buttered toast, slices of mango, and a ss of almond milk with a touch of honey.

    She walked slowly up the stairs, her soft slippers making gentle taps against the wooden floor. The closer she got to Ruby and Stefan’s bedroom, the heavier her heart began to feel. It wasn’t the tray that was weighing her down. It was the conversation she’d had with Stefanst night. It was better to think of that than Ethan.

    He was going to propose.

    Rayna swallowed and forced a smile onto her face. This wasn’t about her. It was about Ruby, and Ruby deserved all the joy in the world. She gave the door a soft knock with her knuckles.

    "Come in," Ruby’s voice called out from inside, soft but clear.

    Rayna opened the door slowly and peeked in. Ruby was propped up against a mountain of pillows, her hands gently caressing her tiny bump as if in a silent conversation with the life growing inside her. Her long wavy chestnut brown hair tumbled across her shoulders, and despite her tired eyes, she looked serene.

    She’d slept off again just after Stefan left even though she’d wanted to get out of bed.

    Rayna smiled warmly and walked in. "Your breakfast, ma’am," she said in a mockingly formal tone, lifting the tray slightly as she approached.

    Ruby chuckled softly and sat up straighter. "You’re the best," she murmured. "Set it here, thank you."

    Rayna did as she was told, then perched lightly on the edge of the bed, smoothing her floral gown as she sat. Ruby took a bite of her toast, then nced sideways at her friend.

    "Did the dress Stefan ordered for youe? He ordered itst night," she asked, her voice casual but tinged with curiosity.

    Rayna nodded. "Yes, it arrived about thirty minutes ago. It’s beautiful, Ruby. Like something out of a dream. A beautiful, sun kissed beige dress with delicate beadwork around the neckline. Honestly, I feel like I should be on a red carpet instead of attending a business event as a plus one."

    Ruby smiled as she took a sip of her almond milk. "He has great taste."

    Rayna’s lips twitched upward. "Clearly. I mean, look who he’s marrying."

    Ruby rolled her eyes, but her cheeks colored faintly. She reached for another bite, chewing slowly, her gaze drifting toward Rayna’s face. She didn’t miss the faint puffiness under her friend’s eyes, the tightness of her jaw, or the way she was holding herself too perfectly still.

    "You don’t have to be so strong in front of me, you know," Ruby said gently, setting her toast down. "You’ve always had this brave face, Rayna... but I know you."

    Rayna exhaled slowly, her shoulders deting like a balloon let loose. She looked down at her hands in herp.

    "I should’ve known," she murmured. "I really thought Ethan was different."

    Ruby reached out and gently touched her friend’s arm. "I’m sorry, Rayna. I know he might have a valid exnation, but honestly? I’m disappointed too. He couldn’t even call. Not once."

    Rayna nodded, her throat tightening. "That’s what hurts the most," she said in a low voice. "The fact that I let him know my ns and then he makes me feel it wouldn’t be a problem when he knows it will."

    The silence stretched for a moment, both women lost in their thoughts.

    Rayna blinked quickly and straightened up, her voice a little firmer. "Anyway, that’s all in the past now. I came here to support you, not to sit around moping. So, let’s forget about Ethan, okay? He’s not worth another second of my energy."

    Ruby opened her mouth to say something—to suggest she at least reach out, just once—but then she closed it again. She knew Rayna well. If Rayna had made up her mind, no amount of reasoning would sway her. And truth be told, Ruby respected that.

    "Okay," she said softly instead. "We’ll leave Ethan in the past until you bring him into the future."

    Though Rayna wanted to argue and say she wouldn’t bring Ethan up, she didn’t since she knew she might actually take him if he were to call and exin things.

    They sat there for a few minutes in afortable hush, Ruby nibbling at her mango slices while Rayna tucked a pillow behind her friend’s back and adjusted the curtains slightly to let in more light.

    "I really do think tonight will go well," Ruby said after a while, shifting slightly under the nket. "Even though the reason we’re going is a little... tense."

    Rayna nodded. "Yeah, I mean, having to convince some old billionaire that Stefan isn’t a monster? Not exactly my dream evening. But hey—at least we’ll be dressed like royalty while doing it."

    That made Rubyugh. A real, softugh that lit up her face and momentarily pushed away the heaviness of recent days.

    "I’m d you’re here," Ruby said earnestly, reaching for Rayna’s hand. "I don’t think I could get through any of this without you."

    Rayna gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "I’m not going anywhere."

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