Bought By The Ruthless Alpha King (Ruby) novel Chapter 143

Chapter 143: Chasing Her – The Start of Healing

Chapter 143: Chasing Her The Start of Healing

Killian’s POV

“Excuse me, sir, may I ask if you would like to order anything else?”

I looked up at the waiter. “Yes, an espresso. Double shot.”

“I’ll write that down. However, if I may suggest, it would be better to choose a lighter drink for the sake of your stomach, sin the waiter advised gently.

I could barely think amidst everything that had happened. I rubbed my face and glanced at the menu again, but found nothing that appealed to me.

“Just recommend something for me. I’ll order whatever it is,” I said emptily..

The waiter hesitated for a moment, seeming unsure about my request. After a few seconds, he clicked his pen and wrote it down.

“Very well, I’ll bring it to you shortly. Have a pleasant day, sir.”

He smiled warmly before returning to his station to inform the kitchen of the new order. I slumped into my chair, the tension that had been gripping my back easing slightly.

The café felt unusually silent, even though it was filled with customers. I decided to stay here, lingering in my memories of meeting her.

Ruby’s coffee cup had already been cleared away by the waiter, its steam having long dissipated. The chair she had sat on still seemed to bear the weight of her presence.

My mind kept circling around her words: “for Mikael.”

It felt so wrong to be disappointed. Of course Ruby would say that. The man was her husband, her mate in this lifetime; someone she loved deeply.

I had my chance once, but I was the one who threw it away. Resting my head in my hands, I barely heard the bell above the door chime again.

“I knew I’d find you here.”

Leonidas‘ voice sounded as casual as if we were just two old friends spending time together. I turned my attention to him reluctantly. I wasn’t in the mood to face anyone right now.

“Aren’t you supposed to be at the kingdom, Beta?”

“I was. But I missed your brooding face, and I figured I’d make good use of my free time,” he said as he slid into the seat Rosalyn had just vacated.

“Judging by the new tea in front of you, I’m guessing it was a heavy conversation,” he mused.

“Not exactly sunshine and roses,” I replied.

He nodded, his gaze steady on me. “But she came, didn’t she?”

“She came.”

“And?”

“She gave me permission to try. That’s all.”

Leonidas tilted his head. “Really? No other discussions?”

“I didn’t want to draw it out. At least she gave me permission to approach her as someone Mikael trusts,” I replied, lifting the tea to my lips.

The one–eyed Beta grimaced. “I’d say that’s her generosity towards you.”

“Who could blame her for acting that way, Leonidas?”

The taste of the tea wasn’t nearly enough to neutralize the bitterness in my mouth.

Nor was its warmth enough. It faded too quickly, never reaching the coldest parts within me.

“Allow me to ask is your intention still the same?” Leonidas asked, confused.

I stayed silent for a long moment. “I still have the desire to make her nine But I will step back if she firmly closes off her heart.”

Successfully unlocked!

“You said Mikael mentioned in his letter that Ruby still held some feelings for you, didn’t he?”

“Yes.”

“Then use that grow it into something bigger,” Leonidas suggested, thanking the waiter who had just delivered his order.

1/3

Chapter 143 Chasing Her–The Start of Healing

I raked my hand through my hair in frustration. “I’m not sure, Leonidas. Besides, you yourself said Ruby and Rosalyn are now two different people.”

“They are. It all depends on you whether you’ll love Ruby, or Rosalyn.”

“I feel that no matter her form or her soul, I would still love her, I admitted plainly.

“Even though she has three children?”

I glanced sideways at Leonidas. “I don’t see anything wrong with her being a mother of three.”

Silence settled between us for a while. Outside, a gentle breeze stirred the fountains waters. Leaves in the square danced lightly, as if trying to recall the rhythm of autumn. The scent of dampness and dry leaves floated on the wind.

“You can’t keep punishing yourself for what happened, Leonidas said suddenly.

“She never asked you to.”

“You’re right about that,” I muttered. “But I do it because I can’t live with who I used to be.”

“And who are you now?”

That question immediately sealed my lips. I had no answer for it. The only thing I truly wanted was to atone for my sins and make Rosalyn happy, whether or not she was with me. Although a darker part of me constantly whispered, urging me to be greedy, to exploit every ounce of Rosalyn’s sorrow for my own gain.

“You need to think about your own happiness, too, Killian,” Leonidas said.

He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “You’re not Mikael. You’re not supposed to replace him. You’re supposed to carry what he entrusted to you and move forward without expecting anything in return. That’s what you’re doing now. It’s the only way forward.”

He was right, but it still hurt. No path didn’t hurt.

Leonidas glanced at his watch, then stood up. “Alright, I’m heading out.”

I frowned. This bastard showed up like a storm, and now he was leaving just as abruptly.

My eyebrows shot up skeptically. “New hobby? Collecting jewelry now?”

Leonidas snorted. “Of course not. Why would you jump to such a weird conclusion?”

“Then there’s a master blacksmith at the kingdom-”

“I know,” he interrupted, a grin tugging at his lips. “But I spotted a gem. Green, very rare.

“And?”