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Chapter 34 - Chapter 31 I’m a Bird in the Dark, She’s the Sunlight

Ruby

I know I'm stupid.

But this is my truth.

Me and her?

We're not from the same world.

She's the moonlight in silk gowns.

I'm a bird trapped in a shadowed cage.

We were never meant to be.

Dad walked into the room.

> "Ruby, what's wrong? You've been distracted all day."

He sat beside me, watching.

> "What if I fall in love, Dad? With someone who was never mine... Someone who already belongs to someone else? What if I fall so deep I can't climb back out?"

Dad chuckled.

That same old chuckle that used to scare men.

Now he looked at me with a soft fire.

> "My lioness," he said,

"So… the heartless Ruby Daniel Sun is finally cracking."

He leaned in and said seriously,

> "Listen to me. If you want something, chase it. Even if you don't see the path right now—run.

Because after the darkness, there is always the sun. Always.

And if you fear that darkness, you'll never see the beauty that waits beyond it."

> "If that person you love seems out of reach—chase her anyway.

You're Ruby. My Ruby. You don't lose. Not in business. Not in love."

> "Believe in love. Because if it's changing you, it's real."

He stood up, leaving me with that thunder in my chest.

I stared at the floor.

> Love?

Destiny?

Strength?

I don't believe in fairytales.

I believe in war, strategy, blood, loyalty.

But tonight, here I am…

Sketching.

And every line, every curve…

It's her.

Her eyes. Her lips. Her laugh. Her dance.

I try to draw something else.

I can't.

Just her.

Even in my darkness…

She's the only light I keep seeing.

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