Forbidden Passion

Ruby looked at Donovan's impatient expression and straightened up slightly. "Mr. Ziegler, are you going out?"

Donovan looked at her coldly. "Do I need to report to you whether I'm going out or not?"

"No, I just wanted to say that if you don't come back for lunch, I'll leave after cleaning up," Ruby said submissively.

"Who said I wouldn't come back to eat?" Donovan glared at her, unable to suppress his

annoyance.

With that, he pushed the door open and left.

Ruby stood at the door, watching Donovan's tense back, not understanding why he was upset again. If Donovan found her presence annoying, why did he still want her to come over and cook?

She stood there for a moment, and only after seeing the car drive out of the villa did she close the door and start cleaning.

The first floor was spacious, and the floor needed to be mopped daily. The wine cabinet and bookshelves in the living room had to be dusted. After cleaning, she checked the time and saw it was already past ten. She hurried to the kitchen to prepare lunch.

She had specially bought salmon today.

As she placed the dishes on the table, the clock in the living room struck twelve.

She took off her apron and hung it on the wall, wandering around the living room for a bit, but didn't hear the sound of an engine outside. Not knowing when Donovan would return, she decided to wait in the yard.

The weather was great today, with a clear and bright sky. She stood by the flower bed, occasionally glancing towards the gate.

Time seemed to drag on, and she didn't know how many times she had paced back and forth before finally hearing the sound of an approaching engine.

The garage door opened, and a black sedan drove in. After a moment, Donovan got out of the car.

He was wearing a black shirt and trousers, with his suit jacket draped over his arm. As he walked out of the garage and saw Ruby standing by the small garden, Donovan slowly approached her.

His gaze fell on her delicate features, and he said indifferently, "What are you doing outside?"

"Waiting for you," Ruby blurted out.

Donovan's expression stiffened, and he looked at her coldly, making Ruby feel uneasy. She averted her gaze. "I mean, the food is ready, and I came out to see if you were back."

The more she explained, the worse it got. Her voice grew softer and softer until it was almost inaudible.

Donovan sneered, "Ruby, are you trying to play hard to get again? I won't fall for it. Stop with your little tricks."

Ruby lowered her head and muttered, "I'm not."

Donovan turned and went inside. Ruby watched his back disappear behind the door before letting out a heavy sigh. She was genuinely afraid of Donovan.

"Aren't you coming in?"

Donovan's cold voice came from inside. Ruby quickly ran in and saw Donovan heading to the bathroom to wash his hands. She hurried into the kitchen to cut the salmon.

By the time she brought out the salmon, Donovan was already seated.

Donovan looked up at her. "Have you eaten?"

"Not yet."

"Sit down and eat with me," Donovan said.

Ruby hesitated, but Donovan looked up at her with a cold expression. He added mockingly, "I am technically your employer. I don't have a habit of mistreating my employees."

Reluctantly, Ruby sat across from Donovan as usual. He seemed to be in a better mood today, not as silent as the last time they ate together.

"How have you been these past few years?"

Ruby didn't expect Donovan to ask her that. She replied briefly, "Just working every

day to make money. When I have time, I visit the cemetery."

"The cemetery?" Donovan looked at her, his eyes darkening.

Ruby bit her lip. She really didn't know how to talk, but since she had already

mentioned it, not explaining would seem even more suspicious.

"Yes, after your accident, Evelyn and Phoebe put up a tombstone for you. I visit it whenever I have time."

"Paying respects to my remains?" Donovan sneered. "I thought you couldn't wait for me to die."

"I didn't." Ruby quickly looked up, anxiously defending herself. "I know I did a lot of wrong things to you back then. I know you won't forgive me, I..."

"Ruby, I've been thinking about something these past few years," Donovan interrupted her. "Did you really like me back then, or were you just using me to get back at Phoebe?"

"I, I really..."

"Shut up. Don't let me hear that word. It disgusts me!" Donovan interrupted her harshly, slamming his fork on the table. "Clean up the kitchen and leave. I don't want to see you today."noveldrama

Ruby looked at Donovan's back in panic. She quickly walked to the door and shouted at his retreating figure, "I know you don't believe me, but I will atone for my sins with my actions until you are willing to believe me."

Donovan paused on the steps, turned his head to look at her, and said mockingly, "Do you think I'm stupid enough to fall into the same trap again?"

"I just want to make it up to you," Ruby said softly.

Ruby knew that no matter what she said now, Donovan wouldn't believe her.

If Donovan didn't want to torment Ruby, he wouldn't keep her around. But no matter

what Donovan thought of her, it was a good thing for her.

As long as she could see Donovan and hear him speak, even if it was cold and sarcastic, it was music to Ruby's ears.

Planning your weekend reading? Ensure you're on 5s.com for uninterrupted enjoyment. The next chapter is just a click away, exclusively available on our site. Happy reading!

At least Donovan was no longer just passively "listening" but would respond to her. Whether it was love or hate, as long as Donovan was alive, she was content.

Donovan pressed his thin lips together and turned to go upstairs.

Ruby stood at the entrance of the dining room for a long time before turning around dejectedly. She looked at the table full of food, most of which was untouched, and felt it was a waste.

Especially the salmon, which Donovan had barely touched. Donovan used to love eating fish, but she had ruined his appetite.

She placed the fish in front of her and slowly ate it.

Donovan stood by the floor-to-ceiling window in his study on the second floor, flicking

the ash from his cigarette and looking at the scenery outside. Trevor knocked and entered.

Donovan turned around and glanced at him indifferently. "Has she left?"

"Yes, she has."

Donovan pushed a brown paper bag on the table towards Trevor. "Give this to her when she comes tomorrow. She needs money to buy groceries."

Trevor took the bag and said, "I'll give it to her tomorrow."

Donovan turned back to the window, looking at the scenery outside. "Trevor, what kind of person do you think Ruby is?"

Trevor was taken aback. "She seems kind-hearted, not like someone with a malicious nature. Sir, although I don't know what happened between you two in the past, if you still have feelings for her, maybe you should let go of your grudges and get to know her again. I believe you'll find the answers you're looking for."

Donovan sneered. "What makes you think I still have feelings for her?"

'Just a hunch,' Trevor thought, but seeing Donovan's angry expression, he decided to keep that to himself.

Forget it, it was hard to see the picture when they were in the frame. Let Donovan figure out his own feelings.