The business of ensuring his marriage transcended platonic and stayed that way.
Chapter 34
Ruby spent a week hiding in her workshop. She created countless new pieces and completed commissions, including the stunning pink diamond engagement ring that made her heart ache.
She'd created a masterpiece, using fantasy cuts to illuminate the flawless stone's clarity, the white gold gipsy setting accentuating rather than detracting from the diamond's brilliance.
It was her finest work yet and she knew deep down she'd poured her yearning for a ring just like this into its creation.
She hoped the lucky woman who received it appreciated it.
How many times had she removed the loupe and laid down the stone during the creating for fear the tears blinding her or the slightest quiver in her hands would ruin the ring's perfection? Too many times and, while she yearned for something exactly like it, she was glad to see it finally shipped off to its owner.
It reminded her too much of what she'd never have.
After all she'd told Jax, after opening her heart in every way, after showing him with her actions how much she cared, he'd given her a vague brush-off with a ring to seal the deal.
The same way her mother and Sapphire treated her:Ruby's getting a little too enthusiastic, placate her with something.
Exactly what Jax had done.
Given her a promise ring to keep her happy, while he threw himself into his business and only paid her scant attention when he felt like having sex.
Harsh, maybe, because she knew he cared. He'd demonstrated it clearly by helping with the auction and by starting to open up to her about his family. They'd moved beyond sex. But not much further beyond by his actions.
A freaking promise ring. What was he thinking?
When Mum or Saph had given her some trinket or token gesture to keep her happy, she'd gone along with it, burying her hurt at their unwitting condescension.
Don't bother pretty little Ruby's head with the hard stuff, it'llstifle her creativity.
Here's the best diamond crop from WA, Ruby, go do what you do best.
While they hadn't used those exact words, they'd implied condescension. Jax might not know it, but he'd resurrected a whole host of unwelcome similar feelings.
So while she felt a tad guilty about how she'd reacted to his promise ring, she justified it by blaming him and his classic 'fight or flight' behaviour. If he cared, he would've stayed and discovered why she'd freaked out.
Instead, he ran.
It shouldn't have surprised her, because it must've taken a monumental shift in mentality for him to confide in her about his family secrets, but he'd run all the same.
Sure, he'd called and emailed and texted, saying he had urgent business at the mine but he wanted to see her on his return.
She'd see him all right. To clarify the terms of a marriage that should've stayed platonic right from the start.
She'd keep up appearances for the sake ofSeaborn. She'd been through too much, including having her heart broken, to botch the deal now.
But make no mistake, when she confronted Jax on his return, she’d banish her stupid feelings. He only understood business? Fine, business it would be.
With the terms strictly in her favour.
Chapter 35
If Jax planned on starting a life with Ruby in Melbourne, a fulfilling life filled with love and laughter, he had to confront his demons first.
The only reason why he'd gone through the humiliating process of signing in and leaving his belongings with a guard so he could see his father.
He still didn't know what he hoped to achieve by coming here, beyond confronting his past and ensuring it wasn't as scary as he'd built it up to be.
