Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 254

Ruby glanced at her phone and saw a new message from Garrison.

“Home safe?”

Just those two simple words, yet they conjured his gentle, refined face in her mind.

She replied politely, “Yes, I’m home. Thank you again for all your help at the party.”

His response came almost instantly: “Of course. Selina is C Collective’s top designer. We always look out for our own.”

A sense of relief washed over Ruby, and a serene smile played on her lips.

She thought back to the grand party last night, her mind drifting for a moment before she typed another message: “I really feel I owe you. May I treat you to dinner tomorrow? Please let me know if you can make it.”

“It would be my pleasure.”

—

The next day, Ruby chose a simple, elegant white dress. This time, instead of leaving Mira at Northridge Manor with the nanny, she decided to keep her daughter close by her side.

Last night’s party would be all over the internet by now, and today was sure to be the peak of online chatter.

Bringing Mira was her way of pushing back against the tabloids and their cruel rumors. Who Mira’s father was didn’t matter; what mattered was that Mira was her child.

Holding Mira’s hand, Ruby headed straight for the restaurant they’d agreed on.

It was a charming little bakery that served European-style breakfast pastries. Since she arrived a bit early, she caught the tail end of the breakfast crowd.

Garrison was already there, waiting, dressed in a crisp white suit. Even though silver streaks peppered his hair, his striking features and tall, commanding presence turned heads as people passed by.

Women stole glances at the distinguished man, quietly guessing what sort of person could be worthy of being waited for so patiently by someone like him.

That is, until Ruby appeared.

She was young and beautiful, yet carried herself with a calm, composed grace—like the tranquil surface of the sea.

People quickly looked away, a mix of disappointment and awe flickering in their eyes.

“You’re here,” Garrison greeted her with a warm smile. His gaze drifted to the little girl in her arms, but he didn’t ask about her right away. Instead, he offered Ruby a cup of coffee and a plate of fresh raspberry scones. “They say these are the house specialty. You should try them.”

Ruby felt a little embarrassed. This café had a distinctly French touch, and she suddenly realized Garrison, with his mixed heritage—he looked even more European than local—might not be used to these foods.

“Is this all right for you?” she asked apologetically.

“Miss Grayson, may I ask—what’s your current marital situation?”

Ruby looked up, caught off guard by the question, and met his steady gaze. There were faint crow’s feet at the corners of his eyes, but they didn’t dim his warmth or clarity. If anything, there was a hint of… delight?

She wondered if she was imagining things.

With a gentle voice, she answered, “I’m preparing for a divorce. The paperwork just hasn’t started yet.”

Garrison nodded, his gaze settling on Mira, the chubby little girl in Ruby’s lap. There was an unmistakable affection in his eyes.

He was already forty, and due to health reasons, it was unlikely he’d ever have children of his own. Yet he’d always adored kids.

The moment he realized Ruby had a child, his first feeling was pure joy—then an unexpected rush of longing.

He wanted to marry this extraordinary, magnetic woman.

Unable to hide his excitement, Garrison boldly held out his arms toward Mira, glancing at Ruby for permission. “Would it be all right if I held her?”

Ruby didn’t hesitate. She handed Mira over to him.

Mira was perfectly content, quietly watching as she changed arms, not making a fuss at all. She nestled in Garrison’s embrace, wide eyes studying his face with open curiosity—almost enough to melt his heart right then and there.