Chapter 115

Ruby consoled herself, wondering if her reaction was rooted in her profound loneliness. Would she behave the same way with another man as well? If so, it wasn't Michael's unique charm but her own solitude drawing her toward him. Amid these thoughts, a new idea struck Ruby. She decided to find someone with whom she could form a simple, platonic relationship—one devoid of emotional complications or heavy commitments. Such a connection might help her escape Michael's influence and free her from constantly thinking about him. Yet, this idea also frightened Ruby. What if she ended up becoming overly dependent on this person, losing her sense of independence and emotional balance once again? This fear unsettled her, but she knew she needed to take some steps to regain control over herself. Around nine o'clock, Michael arrived home with a sweaty little boy who still didn’t seem satisfied and enthusiastically scheduled another outing. "Uncle Michael, you have to take me out to play again tomor