Ruby drew in a deep breath, wiped the remaining tears from her face, and stood up. Tomorrow was a new day.
And no matter how heavy the world felt tonight, she would face it. For Rayna. For herself. For the life she was trying to build.
One step at a time. One fight at a time.
And maybe, just maybe, love would be enough to carry them through.
She sat there for a moment, her hands resting in her lap, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on her shoulders. It was hard — carrying her own secrets while worrying about Rayna and trying to be the version of herself that Stefan deserved.
She was too absorbed in her thoughts that she didn't hear Stefan approach. But suddenly, she felt a soft touch on her arm, and when she looked up, Stefan was standing there, his expression gentle, head tilted slightly like he was listening to more than just the sound of her breathing.
"Are you okay?" he asked quietly, his voice low and filled with concern.
