CHAPTER 2

Throughout the ride, Rafael's mind was filled with questions. Why did she agree to come home all of a sudden? What happened to her wolf? Why was she so rude and reluctant? No answer came to his mind. And the one that came ended up melting away because he couldn't arrive at a conclusion. Ruby didn't look up. She didn't let Jackson, who kept glancing at her through the rareview mirro, or Rafael, whose gaze remained fixed on her, see through her. ‘Just for Mum’. She thought to herself. ‘Just until she's better, I won’t let them see through me.’ And she meant that. Seeing through would give them another leverage on her again like they did three years ago. ‘I would not fall for that. I'm no longer the Ruby they broke!’ But the time she looked up, they were in the pack estate, driving toward the mansion she lived all her life until three years ago. Ruby wound the window down to inhale fresh air from the lawn, and that too felt like a betrayal. She wound the window back and stared ahead until the car stopped before the grand mansion. Ruby’s hand drawn portrait used to be at the entrance, with a bold “WELCOME” placard but now it was someone else's portrait and the placard wasn't even welcome. It was something else that made Ruby's fingers curl into her palm. “True heiress of the Lodge Family, welcomes you to our happy home.” Happy? Ruby wanted to laugh at that but she didn't because that was really true. Happy because they had finally replaced her with the daughter they belived they had lost. “What are you doing?" Jackson said behind her. She forced a smile, said nothing and proceeded inside. What was the use of looking at the portrait anyway? She would see “The true heiress” in her real form soon. No maids line up at the entrance like how it used to be. No butler to give her a parody salute or any of her brothers pulling her hair or running around. For a moment, Ruby paused and looked around again. “Why does it look like an apocalypse just happened here?” She whispered. The house felt strangely empty. How could everything look so lifeless when they finally had the “true heiress?” But then she shrugged. Why would she care? “The true heiress's” photos lined up the hallway as Ruby passed. It got to a point, the particular frame where Ruby's photo of when she won her first tournament was still on the wall but her face scraped out and “the true heiress's” face there. She stared at the picture with a tight smile. “She looks so much like you guys.” She said loud enough for Rafael who was leading to hear it and stop. “You guys must be really proud. She's also won a tournament.” Rafael turned completely with a deep frown. “Why are you being jealous of her? You had your own tournament cup, right?” Ruby smiled softly. “Blood is indeed thicker than water. Look at you still calling me jealous." Then she walked past him before he could say anything else. Rafael clenched his teeth. “How insolent!” But then he heaved a long sigh to calm himself down. “She needs time.” He nodded to himself. “She had been away for three years I would pardon her rudeness for now” When Ruby finally got to the main living room, the servants were busy, preparing for what seemed like a function. One of them walked up to her. “Who are you?” “Where's Mum?” Ruby was already looking around. The servant blocked her attempt to move. “How did you get in here?” “Hey!” Spencer's voice cut through the chaos. “What’s the fuss about?” Ruby and Spencer met eye to eye, and he didn't look like he had just seen a sister or something new he knew. Instead, just like he had always been, stylishly walking down the stairs, chewing gum. “Who are…” he stopped, stared deeper. The face shape, the standing poise, the eyes… “Ruby!” She simply scoffed. “Long time no see, Brother Spencer.” “Err…” Spencer scratched the back of his head. “Yes, Yes. You look…different now.” “I saw you during the movie shoot at the prison.” Ruby's forced smile is still on. “I could tell you were busy, that's why you didn't ask to see me.” Spencer smacked his lip. “Yes. I was so occupied. I mean, I...” “It's fine.” Ruby said. “I'm back now. That's all that matters, right?” Spencer nodded quickly. “Yes, Yes.” Ruby took a turn to look through the door leading to the garden. Another fresh set of memories hit her. She had to pull back and look down to hide the emotion. “You okay?” Spencer asked. “Um, yes, I was just…” Spencer's gaze moved over her clothes before he cleared his throat. “You should probably get cleaned first. Mum has some guests coming over.” Ruby smiled. Of course. Even now, his concern was how she looked. Just as Spencer ordered one of the servants to take her to the guest room, Josette and Hermione appeared at the stairs. Ruby stopped dead in her tracks as Josette descended like a queen, moving gently and carefully. Before she got down, Spencer took her hand and helped her. Rafael and Jackson arrived just in time too, and Hermione, her expression was distant while Josette's ‘Princess’ facade stayed intact. “I miss you, sister.” Josette broke the ice with a warm smile. “How have you been?” She tried taking Ruby's hand but she pulled it back. Ruby faced Hermione instead. “Has your health gotten any better, Mummy?” “Mummy?” Hermione dashed Ruby a deadly glance. “Call me ma'am from now on. And yes, my health is none of your business.” Ruby's stomach twisted in rage. If not for this woman would she even be here? But then, she shrugged. ‘I must pay her back for taking me in whether she likes it or not.’ Then she stepped back and bowed slightly. “Yes, Ma'am.” “Jossy.” Hermione ignored Ruby to her bow and room Josette's hand. “You should get ready to meet the Lycan prince. You shouldn't worry about everything.” Ruby clenched her fist as Josette slightly refused Hermione. “My sister just got back from prison, Mumzie. She deserves a better welcome.” “But…” “Ruby, what would you like to eat?” Josette faced Ruby. “You look thin. How harsh they must have treated you in there.” Ruby stepped back before Josette's hand could touch her skin again. “Don't touch me!” “Ruby.” Rafael stepped in and gave her a warning look. Josette pushed harder. “Leave it, Bro Raf. She's mad at us for not coming to check on her.” She looked down and sniffed. “Yes. She had a right to be mad. But…” she tried taking Ruby's hand again. “Let's make up for the past, sis.” The sound of “sister” coming from Josette did nothing to help Ruby calm her anger. She knew these were all just a facade from the princess of the house again and Ruby was used to it. She was always the bitter one and she wouldn't complain. “I will not disturb your function.” Ruby's voice came clear and sharp. “I'll stay in the guest room.” Ruby turned. Josette hurriedly grabbed her hand finally. “Wait…” Ruby was too late to snap her hand back, and with the look on Josette's face when their eyes met again, she knew what she was trying to find out— her wolf. A sneaky smirk spread across Josette's face. “You should also come. It's not a big deal, just a gathering.” “No, thanks.” Ruby glared back and snapped her hand finally free. Josette didn't hold her anymore. She had been worried before the arrival that Ruby might come back stronger or something. But now without her wolf, Josette knew Ruby would never make a comeback. ‘Even if she did,’ Josette thought to herself. ‘Not to the swimming academy again.’ Then she took Hermione's hand and went upstairs. The brothers also departed upstairs, but Rafael waited and faced her. “You should take the guest room.” Ruby stared at him. “Guest…room?” “Where else?” Ruby nodded silently. Three years ago she was practically the owner of the whole house and now all she deserved was a guest room. How fitting.