Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 7

"Stop right there! Who are you?"

The security guard's sudden, stern shout snapped Ruby out of her daze.

She frowned. "You saw me just this afternoon—I own an apartment in Building Three. Have you forgotten?"

The guard cleared his throat. "Of course I remember. I was the one who buzzed you in earlier. But we just got new instructions—your place is frozen. Your creditor has filed a claim, and until they give us the go-ahead, you're not allowed inside Southgarde Estate."

"What?" Ruby's voice trembled. "That's my apartment! How can I not go in?"

Shock washed over her. She'd bought that place outright, every cent her own. What did this have to do with Cassian?

The guard eyed her up and down, then softened just a touch. "Look, you've got a child with you, so I won't make a scene. But you need to leave. Now."

She clenched her fists. "And what about my things? All my luggage is inside!"

He only shrugged. "Court order. Unless you've got a document lifting the freeze, you can't set foot inside, not even for a minute." He paused, considering. "If you can get your creditor on the phone, and they clear it with our management, maybe we can let you in briefly. That's the best I can do."

"I don't even know what creditor you're talking about…" Ruby's lips turned pale as frost.

The guard just shook his head. "You'd better think it over." Then, with a cold glance, he turned and retreated into the cozy warmth of the security booth, leaving Ruby and her daughter standing alone in the biting wind.

A chill ran through her, seeping into her bones.

Legally, Cassian had every right. With her criminal record, he could claim damages and have her assets frozen—her home, her savings, everything.

With a single word, he could push her to the brink.

Her money, gone. Her home, locked away.

Did he really hate her this much?

She'd already gone to prison. Wasn't that enough for him?

"Cassian, how cruel can you be?"

Ruby stood on the curb, clutching Mira close, nowhere to go.

The guard kept coming out, insisting she move along, as if her presence alone tarnished the reputation of Southgarde Estate.

Left with no choice, Ruby walked away, holding Mira tight, trembling from something far colder than the winter wind.

It wasn't the cold. It was the anger rising in her chest.

She closed her eyes, forcing herself to think. She had to find a way out—for Mira, for herself.

Now, she beamed, holding out an artfully arranged breakfast.

Cassian sat beside her, profile cold, eyes dark and distant.

Her smile faltered when he didn't answer, worry flickering across her face.

"Cassian, are you upset today?" She lowered her hand, fingers twisting anxiously in her lap.

"I heard you went to see Ruby yesterday. Is she… still angry I reported her all those years ago?"

Cassian's hand froze mid-gesture.

He'd been scrolling through pages on his tablet, but he hadn't read a single word.

The scent of breakfast drifted between them—warm, familiar.

He remembered: before prison, Ruby used to make these breakfast rolls every morning. He'd come downstairs to find her bustling around the kitchen, apron tied at her waist.

He'd already eaten, but he'd always reach for another, just because she'd made them.

Now, he picked one up out of habit, but the moment he bit in, what should have tasted sweet and comforting turned cloying and sickening in his mouth.