The Billionaire's Contract Lover

CHAPTER 3 Meeting Him She hated that her voice trembled. She wished she sounded angry and would be brave enough to tell him to take her with him, but all that came out was fear. Anderson exhaled, slow and heavy, before turning to her. His eyes softened for a moment, and Ruby caught a glimpse of the father she once knew—the one who carried her on his shoulders when she was six, the one who used to tell her stories at night before the house grew cold after her mother’s death. “Yes, Ruby,” he said gently. “There are business issues that require my presence. I’ll only be gone a few months.” A few months. That was what he said last time. Last time, he promised three months and stayed almost a year. Ruby swallowed hard. “But… Why now? You just got back.” Anderson ran a hand through his hair, as though searching for the right words. “Grey Enterprises is on the verge of a partnership with a foreign firm. They need someone trusted to oversee the negotiations.” “And it has to be you?” Ruby whispered. “It has to be me,” he replied. Those five words fell between them like stones. Behind them, heels clicked against marble flooring—sharp, confident, and too familiar. Vivian appeared at the foot of the staircase wearing her satin robe, her expression carefully composed. She was the type of woman whose smile was never genuine unless she was getting something out of it. “Darling, the car is ready,” Vivian said sweetly. Anderson nodded, then looked back at his daughter. He hesitated, as if battling guilt he wasn’t sure how to process. “Ruby… I trust Vivian to take care of you.” Ruby’s stomach twisted. But she said nothing. Because what was the point? He believed Vivian’s act—the loving wife facade he saw only on the surface. He stepped closer and placed a hand on Ruby’s shoulder. “I need you to be strong.” “I’ll call often,” he added, though his tone lacked conviction. Ruby forced a nod. Vivian’s expression tightened, but she quickly smoothed it into a soft smile. “She’ll be fine, Anderson. You don’t need to worry.” Ruby wanted to scream that it was a lie. That she wouldn’t be fine. But Anderson didn’t see her desperation, or he chose not to. Instead, he kissed her forehead briefly, then walked toward the door. “Take care, Ruby,” he said. And then he left. Just like that. The door closed with a hollow thud that echoed through Ruby’s chest. When the car engine started, Vivian’s smile vanished instantly. “Well,” she said sharply, crossing her arms. “Since your father is gone, you’d better behave. I don’t want unnecessary noise in this house. And don’t expect me to pamper you. You’re old enough to take care of yourself.” Ruby lowered her gaze, her throat burning. “Yes, ma’am.” “Good.” Vivian turned to leave but paused. “Oh—and don’t think about calling your father for every minor issue. He’s busy, and I won’t have you distracting him.” Ruby nodded again, numb. When Vivian disappeared into the kitchen, Ruby stood there for several seconds. The quiet felt heavier now, like it wrapped around her and pressed into her lungs. Her father was gone, and she was alone again, with a woman who saw her as nothing but a responsibility she never wanted. Ruby tightened her grip on her bag. She had no choice but to endure it—again. Be strong, she repeated to herself. ……….. She woke up late—thanks to Clara, who unplugged her phone from charging so the alarm wouldn’t ring. By the time Ruby opened her eyes, the sun was already rising sharply through the thin curtains. “Oh no…” she whispered, jumping off the bed. She didn’t have the luxury of waking up late. Not in that house. She rushed through her chores, sweeping, cooking, cleaning, and ironing Clara’s outfit for school. By the time she finally made it out of the house, she was breathless. She walked fast—almost running—hoping she wouldn’t miss too many morning lessons. The road was busy, dusty, and noisy as usual. People hurried past her cars honked impatiently. Ruby clutched her torn bag to her chest, trying to navigate the crowded walkway. She reached a junction and stepped forward, intending to cross— Vroooom! A black SUV swerved sharply around the corner, tires screeching against the asphalt. Ruby jumped back, her heart slamming against her ribs. “Hey! Be careful!” a man shouted from across the road. But it was too late—Ruby slipped on loose gravel and stumbled right into the street. The SUV stopped inches from her. Her breath caught. For one moment, the world went silent. The car door opened. And he stepped out. Leo Carter. A man whose name carried weight, power, and mystery. Billionaire of Carter Holdings. A man people only saw on TV, magazines, or billboards. A man whose presence made even successful businessmen stammer.