Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 43

Cameron Lockridge murmured something under his breath, a trace of indescribable loneliness in his voice.

Ruby didn't catch the hidden meaning in his words. She simply assumed he was surprised, and let out a soft laugh. "Life is full of twists and turns."

Her words drifted through the car like a wisp of smoke, light and fleeting.

Cameron's eyes flickered ever so slightly.

Silence settled between them, broken only by Ruby's gentle whispering as she soothed Mira in her arms.

"We're here."

The car rolled to a stop at the end of a quiet, narrow lane. There, a small townhouse stood with its gate wide open.

"It's an old place, I hope you don't mind," Cameron said as he helped unload Ruby's suitcase, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish grin.

Ruby waved him off. "You're the one doing us a favor—Mira and I should be thanking you for taking us in."

"Oh, and call me Ruby, please. ‘Ms. Grayson' sounds strange now—I'm not a lawyer anymore."

She smiled gently, but Cameron could see the fragility and wistfulness behind that smile.

He pressed his lips together and nodded. "Alright, Ru—Ruby."

He stumbled a little over her name, but Ruby's warm, crinkled eyes told him she accepted.

"There are plenty of empty rooms inside. Ruby, feel free to pick whichever one you like."

As he spoke, he wheeled her suitcase up the path towards the house. The second time he called her by her first name, it came much more naturally.

They reached the front door, and Cameron paused suddenly.

"Ruby, even if you're not a lawyer anymore, you'll always be the best in my eyes. You're my role model."

He said it with earnest conviction, his eyes full of admiration.

Ruby nearly laughed at his seriousness, but what she felt most was moved.

"It's my honor," she replied softly.

She glanced at the sky outside, streaked with sunset, and imagined herself and Mira wandering the city, lost and helpless.

A chill ran through her, memories of that day at Veyne Private Medical Center flashing through her mind.

But when she looked up, her eyes were filled with determination and resolve.

She was going to find Cassian and have him sign the divorce papers.

From this day forward, there would be nothing left between them.

Only by truly severing all ties could she finally look for a new job and give Mira the peaceful life they both deserved.

After getting Cameron's permission, Ruby used the house printer to draft a new copy of the agreement and signed her name once more at the bottom.

Her signature—Ruby—was bold and decisive.

But her heart was nothing like it had been a year ago.