Page 108 of The Ruin I Chose

I didn’t answer. Couldn’t.

“Mi sa che sono fottuto.” (I think I’m screwed.)

A man came, the same one circling her yesterday and slipped his hands on her waist. She gently brushed it away, giving him a stern look. My body tensed with rage.

I guess Vihaan sensed my discomfort.

“Arjun, you should be careful around Roxanne. She’ll chop your dick off.”

I snickered. I couldn’t imagine Roxanne being so violent.

Sahil clapped his hands.

“Alright guys, focus. I need this to be perfect for Priya.”

“Dude, it’s your wedding. Not a competition.” One of the other guys spoke.

“Plus, you have a dance sequence with Priya as well.

“Ya, but this number is a surprise for her. Let’s do it again.”

Her eyes met mine. Brief. Blank. Like I was a page she’d already turned. Then she turned away, moving to the music like I didn’t exist.

I wasn’t sure what hurt more—her silence, or her ability to carry on like she erased me. Maybe this was my punishment to watch her live without needing me.

I’d come here to win her back. To fight for her. But now, watching her dance without a care, it felt like I’d already lost her.

And I was just a man standing in the doorway, hoping for a second chance.

I turned and walked out. The music followed me—mocking. Like I didn’t belong in her rhythm anymore.

I stepped into the corridor; the laughter faded behind me. And I felt it again—that hollow ache blooming in my chest. The one I drown in with whiskey and war.

She was slipping through my fingers. And for the first time in my life, I didn’t know how to fight back. I didn’t know how to hold her without crushing the very thing I wanted to protect.

CHAPTER 41

MARCELLO

I didn’t realize when I reached my room. Exhaustion hit like a brick wall—no dreams, no thoughts, just blackout. The next thing I knew, I was waking up to a knock.

Kyra stood at the door in a red-and-black dress, eyes wide.

“Why aren’t you ready, Uncle M? Aren’t you coming?”

“Yes, I am, piccola,” I said, rubbing my eyes.

“Where’s your mum?”

“She’s getting dressed,” she said, spinning once like a little tornado.

Roxanne’s mother appeared behind her, arms crossed.

“Were you sleeping? Did you sleep the whole day?”

I rubbed my face. “I hadn’t realised.”

She stepped closer, “Get ready quickly. And wear black. That’s the theme.”