Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 83

Ruby didn't put up a fight.

She had other, more pressing things on her mind.

"Pamela, could you watch Mira for me a little longer?"

Pamela caught the anxious look on Ruby's face. Though she didn't quite understand, she patted her chest and said, "No problem. I've got it covered."

Ruby slipped into the bedroom.

She moved in and out of the rooms, finally dragging out the familiar old suitcase.

"What are you doing?" Pamela couldn't help asking.

"I've been imposing on you all for too long." Ruby's voice was apologetic.

Pamela knew Ruby was a sensitive girl, too considerate for her own good. The house had plenty of guest rooms, and she and Mira—just a baby—barely took up any space. How could that be considered an imposition?

"Have you found someplace to go?" Pamela asked as she handed Mira her bottle and helped Ruby whenever she could.

"I found a few live-in jobs online. They provide meals and a place to stay. I'll take Mira and go to a couple interviews this afternoon." Ruby packed as she spoke, her movements quick and purposeful.

Pamela saw how determined she was and knew better than to try talking her out of it.

Before long, Ruby had packed up everything for herself and Mira, then thoroughly cleaned the rooms they'd used.

Standing at the front door, she took one last look at the tidy, welcoming home.

She closed the door behind her.

Once again, she was homeless.

Even if it meant sleeping on the streets with Mira in her arms, she refused to burden anyone else.

"Pamela, let me walk you to the bus stop."

They walked together to the station, and before Pamela left, she couldn't resist giving Ruby a few last words of advice.

Ruby nodded and promised to be careful, watching until the bus carried Pamela away before turning back.

First, she took Mira and headed to Veyne Private Medical Center.

She'd relied on Cameron Lockridge for too long—she had to find somewhere else to stay.

But if Cameron found out she was leaving, he'd surely do everything he could to make her stay.

To avoid any more entanglements, Ruby handed the house key to the nurse at the front desk, asking her to give it to Cameron Lockridge.

Then she left, Mira nestled in her arms.

The nurse glanced after her, then walked toward Cameron Lockridge's hospital room, key in hand.

The nurse hesitated, then shook her head. "No… she didn't say anything else."

The last glimmer of light in his eyes faded.

He should have seen this coming.

No wonder she'd acted so strangely the other day. She must have already decided to leave, worried she'd drag him down with her.

Cameron's fists clenched as the memory replayed in his mind.

Earlier, Bennett had stood at his bedside, clearly wrestling with something he wanted to say.

"If you have something to say, just say it," Cameron had told him.

Bennett stopped hesitating. "Mr. Veyne has a question for you."

Cameron had already guessed as much. He folded his hands and waited.

"Your relationship with Ms. Grayson, and that child… is the child Mr. Veyne's?"

Two questions—exactly what Cameron had expected.

"Our relationship?" He paused briefly, then glanced sidelong at Bennett. "If you'd call it mutual affection, then yes."