Debt Repayment

Meliza's POV

"I hated him more," I mumbled to myself and didn't expect I would say it loud for Ruby to hear.

"How come? You hated him when you thought he had no money, and now that you found out he was a billionaire, you still feel the same way. Give the man some credit, Iza." Ruby said as she turned to face me.

"I didn't hate him because he was broke at that time. I hated his arrogance, audacity, and, most of all, how he lied to my face. Are you taking his side now just because he's loaded while your best friend has nothing?" I asked, and her expression softened.

"Come on, Iza. You knew that was not true," she responded, hurt by what I said.

"Don't you see it, Ruby? He stood me up because he knew I was way out of his league. That man is a complete jerk, and I have no intention of seeing him again," I said firmly as I quickly stood up from the bed.

"Hey, please, don't do this, Iza; you came all the way here, and now that your ex-boyfriend was here, you suddenly wanted to go home?" She asked.

"What do you want me to do, Rubs? I can't be with Ethan," I answered.

"You can avoid him if you want; you don't need to speak with him." She stated.

I wanted to tell Ruby what was going on with my life, but I didn't want her to think I was so pitiful.

I don't know if I'll ever live a single day without fear gripping my heart, and seeing Ethan again only made my heart ache more. I know how much I hurt him, but he'll never understand what I sacrificed that day only to discover he was a liar. And now, I realize he wasn't just any liar; he was the best, fooling me so completely it still stings. All I wish now is for the power to disappear and escape all this.

"It is easy for you to say," I said in more than a whisper as I covered my face with my hands.

"I am sorry, Ruby. Being here is not a good idea; it is very wrong. I should have never said yes to you," I added.

"Don't worry, I will pay for the plane ticket." I continued.

"Iza, it's not about the plane ticket. I couldn't care less about that. Vince bought it because he genuinely wanted to see you, just like the rest of our friends," she said softly.

"Do you realize I will look like a fool in front of everyone?" I asked, and she shook her head.

"No, you will always look beautiful in our eyes, Iza." My best friend responded.

"They will only laugh at me and tell me I was the stupidest girl in the world for breaking up with Ethan and leaving him behind," I added.

"No, our friends would never do that to you, Iza; we care about you. Besides, you came back for him, but no matter how I tried to talk with him, he was in too much pain and wouldn't listen to me." Ruby answered.

"I felt guilty about what happened between the two of you. If I had only insisted on talking with him, even if he hated me too at that time, maybe your fate would have changed." She added.

"It wasn't your fault. Don't ever blame yourself." I responded.

"You are all now successful, Ruby, and looked at me? I am still the same." I added as I sat back on the edge of the bed, looking at her beautiful face.

"Yeah, you were right; you still look the same: stunning, effortlessly beautiful, and undeniably hot. The kind of woman who turns heads wherever she goes. It's like every guy in the room can't help but notice you, hoping for just a moment of your attention, even if it's just a glance." She responded.

"Ruby, stop. You know that's not true; they'll laugh at me. You're all living in your own homes, enjoying life with your loved ones, and still finding time to party. I'm not that girl anymore, Ruby. I might be free, but it's not the kind of freedom you have," I said firmly.

"I don't want to tell you right now how messed up my life is because this is your moment. I want you to be happy on your wedding day," I added.

"If you really want me to be happy, then stay, Iza. I wish you would tell me what is going on with your life. I don't care if it is my wedding, but you won't tell me; how can I help you if you continue to be like this?" She asked with frustration in her voice.

"I am sorry, but I have to go," I replied as I stood up and took my suitcase.

"Your plane ticket is round trip, so please don't waste it unless you plan on paying for it yourself. I'm sorry, but I have nothing more to give you. You can leave if you want, but I won't be helping you, Iza," she said, her irritation evident. Her words stung, and I felt deeply hurt.

"You really think I'm that pathetic? Do you think I don't have any money, Ruby? I see how it is. You're marrying Vince, and soon you'll be part of the elite society as his wife," I responded, bitterness dripping from my voice.

"But let me tell you this, Rubs, if I had said yes to Vince when he asked me to be his girlfriend years ago, he would've never been your boyfriend, let alone your fiancé," I roared, only realizing too late that I had crossed the line.

I could see the tears that welled up in Ruby's eyes, and I hated myself for hating the world so much that I even hurt my best friend.

"You were right. I should have thanked you for giving up Vince for me. I know how much your mother wanted you to be with him, but you said no and broke his heart because of me," Ruby said, her voice trembling as she wiped away her tears. I felt like a fool for hurting her. Speechless, I could only stare at my best friend, guilt heavy in my chest.

"I remember that you ended up arguing with your mom because of me. I'll never forget that, but please, don't tell Vince that I begged you that day. I owe you my happiness, and I know I'm selfish and foolish for hoping for a fairytale ending," she added softly, and I immediately moved to her side.

"Hey, I would never do that to you. It's our secret. You know I never liked him. But Vince is a good person, and I don't want to hurt him either. I didn't care about fighting with my mom that day as long as I made you happy," I softly muttered.

"You are the most selfless woman I knew, Ruby, and I am forever grateful for having you as my best friend." I continued.

"I owe you, Iza," she replied as she tried to stop herself from crying.

"No, I owe you so much, Ruby. You saved me from hurting Vince that day. You knew my mom's intentions; she was just using me to get money from him. I cared for Vince as a friend, but I couldn't bring myself to use him like that and cause us both pain in the end," I replied. I didn't want to dwell on the past, but being with Ruby made it harder for me.

And if I stayed here, I would be seeing the rest of my friends, especially Ethan, and I don't want to remember everything. I tried to forget my past that kept haunting me even in my sleep.

"I didn't want to ruin your wedding; I know the girls would hate you for inviting me on your wedding day." I declared, and she shook her head.

"I don't care; it wasn't your fault if all the boys on the farm were crazy about you, Iza." She replied, and I half laughed.

"Ruby, please, just let me go. I couldn't be here. You are my best friend, and you must understand that it is not easy for me to be here." I begged.

"If that's truly what you want, I won't force you to attend our wedding or celebrate with us. But could you stay for just two days, for old time's sake?" she asked, her eyes pleading, and that was all it took to win me over.

"Okay," I responded as I smiled at her.

"Thank you, Iza. Just give me two days of your time, and then I'll let you go. I'll buy your plane ticket and give you a bonus," she said. I smiled at her, feeling guilty for having said those hurtful words.

"You don't need to give me money; I won't accept it. I have my pride, too, Ruby." I replied.

"I am sorry, after seeing Ethan, I don't think I can stay here, but you are my best friend, and two days wouldn't be that bad," I added, and she laughed.

"Dinner is at seven. I'll be expecting you. I know you need rest, but set your alarm clock, or I'll be knocking on your door," she said, and I laughed along with her.

"Don't worry, I'll join you for dinner. I've missed this place so much. I can't wait to see the vegetable garden, the barn, and the stable tomorrow," I said with excitement, and she beamed at me, showing her perfect white teeth.

"Me too. We will explore the farm together tomorrow, just you and me," Ruby responded, and I nodded with a smile.

"Why did you choose to get married here in San Fernando?" I asked as I dragged back my gray suitcase into the wall.

"Well, this is where Vince and I first met. I chose to have my wedding here at the farm because it's more than just a beautiful place; it holds so many cherished memories." She responded with a beautiful smile.

"The rolling fields and vibrant sunsets feel like home, and it's where I shared some of the happiest moments with him and with our friends. Every corner of this farm is filled with stories: the laughter around the bonfire, quiet talks under the stars, and the first time we realized how much we meant to each other. It's the perfect backdrop for beginning this next chapter of our lives." She added dreamily, and I returned her sweet smile even if I wanted to tell her I didn't want to recall my memories in San Fernando.

"I need to go back to the living area and meet Vince's family; see you later, Iza," Ruby said after she read the message on her phone. It must be her fiance.

"Okay, see you, Rubs," I responded. She gracefully left my assigned room while I collapsed on the bed, feeling so down.

Why do I have to see my ex again? Everything seemed perfect, even if I was hiding from Eli and his men, but Ethan showed up. Why did I feel so affected by his presence?

I just have to endure two more days, and Ruby will let me go. All I need to do is avoid him and everyone else, and I'll be fine. I have to steer clear of the cameras, or else Eli's men will track me down. I'll say hi to Ruby and Vince, then slip away.

I can't risk being found. I love my new place in the capital, my new job, and the people I work with; all I need is to be careful. I hoped Eli would let me go, but I could tell his men wouldn't stop until they had me, and it was a matter of time before they caught me.

I hope Elijah finds someone else and falls in love or that I can somehow pay off my mom's debt. But no matter how hard I work, I can't seem to repay him. The money I earn just covers the rent, bills, and food, especially since I've had to keep moving from place to place, afraid they might find me.

And now, I've made a huge mistake by coming here. I'll be exposed, but I just need to stay for two more days, then disappear for good. To keep my freedom, I had to stop communicating with Ruby, even if it would hurt me. I don't want to marry Eli just to repay my mom's debt.