IVORY KNIVES

Ruby

I was taking care of her after she left the damn hospital. I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, couldn't even think straight. So I called Luna and Adam and told them to come. When they arrived, we went to Aveline's place.

The doors opened. I was calling her name like a prayer, desperate. Then I saw her parents—they didn't argue.

"Ruby, you finally came," her mother said.

"Go and take her where she belongs."

I kept calling her name, louder this time. And then Mireline came, protesting. But honestly? She wasn't important right now. All my attention was locked on Aveline standing behind her.

I walked toward her. She didn't back away.

"Ruby, leave her. You made a mistake," Mireline snapped.

But I wasn't going to back down.

"Then why am I here? I messed up, and I'm going to fix it. She's my wife."

Aveline whispered softly, "You're late, Ruby."

I stepped closer, my voice barely holding together. "That's why I'm here."

I carried her back with me. The moment I set her down at home, Leon came running and started licking her face gently. She giggled. Finally.

I was taking care of her because I was the reason she ended up like this. She was upstairs, sleeping in our room.

When I went up, I saw her sobbing. I immediately went to her.

"What's wrong?"

"My body… it hurts, Ruby," she sobbed.

I lay beside her and hugged her tightly. She was shaking.

"Are you okay now?" I asked.

She nodded and turned to face me. She looked more at peace. I sighed. Maybe I was still cold. Maybe I always would be.

She fell asleep. I stayed awake, just watching her. She looked so beautiful.

Was she changing me?

Was I changing for her?

---

Next Morning

I woke up early. Aveline was still sleeping, holding onto my shirt. Gently, I moved her hand and got out of bed. I called Max.

"We need to find him. The bastard who vanished with our 3 million."

Max had been overseas on my behalf. I had rushed back to Aveline. He only got to visit her once in the hospital.

"Hey Max, how's business going?"

"Business is fine. The loss is huge, but the company's handling it."

"Thanks, Max. You handled everything even while studying."

"Of course, sis. I'm your little brother. Under your influence, obviously."

"Sure, sure."

He chuckled. "How's your wife doing?"

I looked at her, still asleep. "She's fine. I messed up. Now I have to make it right."

"Damn, she's really changing you."

"Shut up, Max."

He wasn't wrong though.

Later, I went downstairs. At the back of the villa, I have a pool. I sat there, legs in the water, mind all messed up.

I felt her presence behind me. I didn't need to look. I knew it was her. She sat beside me carefully—still healing.

"Why are you here, Aveline?"

"I could ask the same," she said.

Her forehead still had bandages. She was fragile.

She hesitated but touched my hair. I held her wrist and guided her hand through it. She liked playing with my hair.

She played with it quietly. I just watched her. Her gentle eyes. Her fragile touch. Her whole body looked like it might shatter if I moved too fast.

I stood up slowly and held her wrist. "Come."

She looked confused but followed.

We sat at the dining table, eating breakfast.

"Wanna go out with me, Rabbit?" I asked.

I had work with Adam and Luna, but I didn't want to leave her alone. Even if she wasn't really alone.

She nodded excitedly.

That afternoon, we got ready. She wore something simple, but looked stunning. I wore a shirt and jeans—my usual mafia look.

I never take off the necklace my mom gave me. Or our ring.

I held the lion pendant. Behind it, the words: I'm always with you.

She's watching us, right? She's happy Aveline is my wife, right mom?

I sighed. Aveline was already waiting.

We went to the garage—my cozy space full of cars. I love cars. I chose my usual Lambo. We drove slow.

At the restaurant, Adam and Luna were already there.

I didn't want Aveline involved, but I wanted her close.

"Adam, that bastard Max told you about…?"

Luna spoke up. "The one who vanished with 3 million?"

"Yeah. Get him. That's your job."

"Alive," I added, voice full of rage.

Aveline flinched. I held her hand.

After that, I took her to the park. Somewhere quiet, peaceful.

We walked. She saw a couple laughing. She turned to me.

"I wonder when that was us."

She looked a little sad. I gently held her by the waist.

We didn't say anything. Just looked at each other.

Then I took her to the sea. The night was gorgeous. Moonlight kissed the waves. I wanted to paint it with her in it.

But me? Painting?

I hadn't touched a brush since I painted my mom. After she died, I never picked it up again.

I leaned against the car, watching her. She danced, spinning with the wind. Her dress flowed like a dream. She looked breathtaking.

She was healing. I couldn't stop her. Even if she wasn't fully herself yet.

Then she touched her head. I rushed to her.

"You're still healing. Let's go."

She tried to speak, but I held her. She followed quietly.

After dinner, she went to sleep. I called Adam.

"That bastard, and Kim Da Hyun—he's behind everything."

"Ruby, take Aveline somewhere far."

I raised a brow.

"Kim Da Hyun is targeting her. I'm sure of it. I saw two men following her."

"Why didn't you tell me?!"

"So you wouldn't kill them and regret it later."

He was right.

"Fine. I'll take her to my private villa."

---

The Daniel Family has owned this colossal, hidden estate for over 200 years. Deep within Tuscany's secret hills. Unseen by air or land unless you belong to it.

Now, it belongs to me. Ruby Daniel. Heir to the legacy.

It's called Eterna Notte — Eternal Night.

"Your castle in Italy, right?" Adam asked.

"Yeah."

I don't run from enemies. But Aveline needs healing.

I already spoke to Eliza. Once she recovers, she can return to dancing.

But right now?

I'm taking her away. For her, it's a honeymoon.

For me?

It's war prep. Wrapped in silk.

Because no one's touching my wife.

Not now. Not ever.