||RUTH||

I got up slowly and looked up at the sky, trying to hold in the tears. I cleared my throat and walked out of the alley, taking a deep breath to steady my racing heart. As I stepped onto the bustling street, the noise and chaos of the city enveloped me, momentarily distracting me from the overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume me.

I quickly wiped my eyes with the back of my hand and texted Lucas.

'' Text me when you are free. Marc's fucking ruined my life.''

I slid my phone into my pocket after texting.

I turned to face the restaurant when I noticed Fallon staring directly at me. I nodded at her, and she rose up after seeing my nod, but she then sat back down as I mouthed to her that I was okay.

I got on my bike and rode back to my apartment. As I walked, flashes of Dylan's face came across my eyes—his smile, his smirk, and his tortures.

I couldn't shake this feeling off; even after all these years, he still holds power over me.

Even now that I have become a different person and gained confidence, whenever it comes to him, I still get scared

get your shit together Ruth

I arrived at my apartment within twenty minutes, I parked my bike and I received a text from Lucas

Ting Ting

'' Yo what's wrong, what happened'' he shot me a text.

'' Dylan happened'' I texted him back while making my way to my room.

''Wait the guy from high school,'' he texted back

''Yeah apparently he is my new client'' I replied quoting his text

I unlocked the door of my apartment and got inside.

''What! Dylan Feynder, isn't he that really scary mafia boss with a secret identity like he works normally but you know what i mean right'' he texted me back

'' The one and only, and the fun thing is that I don't even know what he looks like I have to find that out myself that ass does not even own social media accounts he holds meetings under separate names,'' I said back

'' Fuck, what are you suppose to do like kill him or are you suppose to give him some information on him like what the fuck does this man want from him'' he texted

''I don't know what he wants from him nor do I know what am I supposed to do, I am supposed to meet up with Marc at Costas tonight'' I replied to his text while settling myself down on the couch.

'' Well that is fucked up," he replied

" I know we'll anyways I should hit the shower or something I will text you later " I replied and switched off my phone and sat down on my couch to think this day over again.

Despite all that went down today, a part of my brain was thinking about that guy I saw back at the track, now that I think about him, I can't help but smile. oh wish i he could see my face properly through the helmet and I could see his for a bit longer

I dragged a pillow from the side and dug it onto my face.

After a while, I got up and walked up to my room and just stood in front of my mirror looking at my reflection

A great example of a hot mess I would say.

TING TING.

my phone rang and it was an unknown number so of course I had to pick it up.

" Hello, how can I help ?" I said in an annoyed tone.

'' Open the door, I got takeout I know you haven't had lunch'' Then the call got disconnected.

I smiled and put my phone down, it's surprising how much Lucas cares and knows.

I walked out of my room and opened the door.

there he was, Lucas in pyjamas and messy hair which was getting in his eyes holding two bags of takeout.

''Surprise,'' he remarked as he entered.

''You didn't have to do that, you know,'' I replied as he entered the house and made his way to the kitchen.

''Hey I got out of bed for you so you don't starve be grateful besides you know I had to come over one way or another after you told me what happened'' he said loudly from the kitchen I chuckled and followed him into the kitchen, grateful for his thoughtfulness. As he set the bags down on the counter, I couldn't help but feel a wave of warmth and appreciation for having such a caring friend like Lucas.

'' Thanks, a lot '' I handed him two plates as he took the noodles out from the paper bags

'' Anytime Ruth'' he smiled and handed me my plate and we both sat down on the couch

'' You know it's so weird that you called me in the morning feeling proud that your target made it to the headlines and now you're scared of this guy'' he chuckled

'' That guy was not Dylan Fyender'' I said rolling my eyes at him

'' Touche'' he said

'' so have thought about what you're gonna wear '' he said laughing

I just glared at him,'' okay I am sorry ''' he said

'' my outfit is the last thing on my mind Lucas'' I took a bite of the noodles.

we ate and talked for some time and when we got done with food I gathered our plates and washed them.

Lucas was on his phone and then he asked me,'' when are you supposed to go meet up with Marcs, it's almost 5 pm''

'' Around 7 '' I replied trying to avoid the topic

'' Ruth, no matter how scared you are of him, you have to gather yourself up and face this. After this, you will be free. No one will force you to do anything. You will be free at last''. He looked at me intensely.

His eyes were filled with a mix of concern and determination as if he understood the weight of my fear and the importance of my decision. I could see his unwavering support, giving me the strength I needed to confront my oppressor and reclaim my freedom.

he was right this would be my last mission if everything went well.

I looked down and smiled and nodded at him,'' Yeah, I know but what are the odds that everything will go according to plan''

''Come on, you're just wasting your time, princess,'' he smirked at me. ''By the way, wear something short but not too eye-catching.''

" Mmhmm," I side-eyed him and went to my room to look for something nice to wear.

" LUCAS!!" I screamed in horror

Lucas dashed into my room and almost slipped his foot" What's wrong what happened "

" Nothing I just wanted to know if you would come if I called u " I looked at him with a straight face and then burst out laughing

" You know now that I am on the floor I'll stay here for a while meanwhile you should think of an escape plan because if I get I will surely kill you," he said laughing and lying down

'' It was funny you have to admit it'' I said laughing

'' Yeah I guess'' he said standing up and going out of the room.

I went closer to my closet and started looking through my clothes. Fuck, what should I wear? Do I really not own anything else other than shorts, tops, and work outfits? Then I saw a green dress which would probably come above my thighs, I picked it up and just as I was turning around Lucas holding up a beautiful glittery pink dress about the same length as the dress I picked.

''I saw you wear that dress like two weeks ago; it's time to change it up'', he said, looking at me.

''Oh, please make me your girlfriend already'', I laughed.

''Yeah, I would have if I hadn't met Chole''. He winked at me.

I smiled, hugged him, and said,'' Thanks, Lucas; I mean it''.

I grabbed the dress and quickly went inside the bathroom to change.