Chapter 8: The Man I Left Behind

Noah stepped into the light.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

He looked different from the man who had stood beside Scarlett at Dawnwatch Hall. His clothes were wrinkled, his eyes were red, and exhaustion covered his face.

I kept my distance.

How did you get in?

The landlord gave me access.

I reached for my phone.

Leave, Noah.

He shook his head.

Not until you hear me.

You had ten years to talk to me.

You chose Scarlett instead.

His jaw tightened.

I know.

I looked away.

Then what are you doing here?

I came to tell you the truth.

I almost laughed.

The truth? I already know more than I ever wanted to know.

Noah took a slow breath.

Scarlett and I did register as chosen mates.

I know.

But there is something you do not know.

I folded my arms.

Then say it.

He looked directly into my eyes.

The registry contract was never supposed to become permanent.

That changes nothing.

It changes everything.

Noah pulled a document from his coat and placed it on the table.

I did not touch it.

What is that?

The original agreement between our families.

I frowned.

Our families?

Noah nodded.

Our relationship was arranged long before we understood what was happening.

My father wanted an alliance with the Mercer family. Your parents agreed because they believed you would be easier to control than Scarlett.

My stomach twisted.

You are lying.

I wish I were.

I finally picked up the document.

The signatures were real.

My father's name was there.

My mother's signature was beneath it.

And beside them was the Calder family seal.

I read the agreement twice.

The document stated that if I married Noah, the Mercer family would receive access to several Calder business interests.

But Scarlett's name appeared in a separate clause.

If circumstances changed, she would remain the preferred successor through marriage.

I stared at the page.

So I was never the choice.

Noah's expression tightened.

You were supposed to be the public choice.

Scarlett was always the family's preferred choice.

A bitter laugh escaped me.

And you knew?

Not at first.

When did you find out?

Five years ago.

The same year you and Scarlett started your affair.

Noah lowered his eyes.

Yes.

I threw the document onto the table.

Then you did not just betray me.

You helped my family use me.

I know.

I stood up.

Get out.

Ruby.

Get out.

He remained silent for several seconds.

Then he walked toward the door.

Before leaving, he stopped.

There is one more thing.

I did not respond.

Your parents are trying to stop you from taking the Grayhaven position.

My heart skipped.

How do you know?

Because they contacted my father yesterday.

They want the Calder family to pressure your new employer.

I stared at him.

Why would they do that?

Because if you succeed in Grayhaven, you will no longer need them.

He opened the door.

And that scares them.

Then he left.

I stood in the middle of my apartment, unable to move.

For years, I had believed my family wanted to protect me.

Now I wondered whether they had simply wanted to keep me useful.

My phone suddenly rang.

It was my new supervisor.

Ms. Mercer, I need to discuss something with you.

My stomach tightened.

What happened?

There has been a complaint about your employment history.

A complaint?

An anonymous report claims that you obtained confidential Calder documents illegally before leaving Ashvale.

I closed my eyes.

Noah had been right.

They had already started.

I will come to the office first thing tomorrow.

I ended the call and looked at the document on the table.

The old Ruby would have cried.

She would have called her mother.

She would have begged Noah to fix everything.

But that woman was gone.

I opened my laptop.

Then I created a new folder.

Evidence.

I scanned the family agreement.

I saved Noah's messages.

I backed up the registry footage.

And finally, I copied every document I had collected before leaving Ashvale.

If my family wanted a fight, I would not fight them with tears.

I would fight them with the truth.

Outside my window, Grayhaven's lights stretched across the city.

I looked at them and made myself a promise.

No more running.

No more begging.

This time, they would have to face me.