Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 349

The wind whipped by Cassian’s ears, carrying a chill that settled on his chest, leaving him feeling hollow inside.

“Ruby…”

He tightened his trembling hands, as if searching for something to say, but Ruby was already walking away, not sparing him a backward glance.

Cassian stood in front of the hospital for a long time.

The wind pulled at his coat—first tugging it tight, then letting it go—leaving him strangely alone in the world.

…

Ruby called Pamela, asking her to look after Mira, then headed to her studio by herself.

Garrison had helped her more than once; she’d promised to work on a new line for C Collective, and it was about time to get started.

Knock, knock.

Suddenly, someone rapped on the door.

Ruby frowned in surprise.

Her workspace was tucked away in a quiet part of town, and visitors were rare. Usually, only Nona or Pamela would come by. Nona was busy in the back room, and Pamela was at Southgarde Estate with little Mira—so who could it be?

She set her paintbrush down and peered through the peephole, surprised to see Garrison, whom she’d just parted with not long ago.

She opened the door, still a little taken aback. “Mr. Cloud, is everything all right?”

Garrison seemed to realize he might be overstepping and gave her a polite bow, the picture of an English gentleman.

Ruby had always assumed people from his country were this courteous, so she hurried to help. “Is C Collective in such a rush?”

Garrison hesitated, finally understanding her misconception.

He didn’t bother to correct her, just flashed a faint, apologetic smile. “Management thinks we should seize the moment, while everyone’s still talking about us.”

Ruby nodded, leading him to her sketches.

On the worktable were custom fabrics she’d sourced herself.

Garrison’s eyes lingered on the designs, quietly amazed by Ruby’s talent.

After a moment, he said sincerely, “We’re lucky to have someone like you at C Collective.”

Ruby blushed at the straightforward praise, but soon launched into an enthusiastic explanation of her ideas.

Garrison nodded along, his eyes shining with admiration.

As they talked shop, Ruby radiated a kind of magnetic energy, drawing Garrison in until he found himself watching her more intently than ever.

“Actually, I’m not just here about the new collection,” Garrison said suddenly, surprising even himself.

“Oh?”

She bit her lip in thought, then shrugged it off, turning her attention back to work.

Outside, Garrison pressed his back against the door and let out a long, shaky breath.

Up close, you could see a fine sheen of sweat on his brow.

He massaged his temples, muttering, “Townsend’s advice was a disaster.”

He tipped his head back, squinting up at the blazing afternoon sun, feeling its heat prick at his skin.

A cool breeze drifted by, easing his nerves a little.

Garrison sighed.

At first, he’d admired Ruby’s remarkable talent and her steady composure. Working alongside her, facing challenges together, he’d found himself drawn to her even more.

And the first time he’d seen that little girl, he’d felt an unexpected fondness.

He’d always been single. By every measure, Ruby seemed like the perfect partner—the one he truly wanted.

Yet, as Townsend always said, he was “too reserved for his own good.” He had no idea how to approach Ruby, or even how to pursue her.

Left to his own devices, he’d rather win her over slowly, gently, letting feelings grow in their own time. But he hadn’t expected to run into a “rival” so soon.

There was a youthful energy about Sylas—a kind of bright, uncontainable hopefulness. Watching Sylas and Ruby together, clearly close, Garrison realized he couldn’t just stand by anymore.