The Heiress's Comeback -
Chapter 317: [ Volume 1] Chaper 317- Detective
Chapter 317: [ Volume 1] Chaper 317- Detective
After the man left, delivering his report, Ruby was left alone in her office. The hum of the fluorescent lights and the soft click of her keyboard filled the quiet space. She sat at her desk, typing away at documents, her eyes scanning the screen with practiced precision. But despite her usual focus, today Esme finished her bath, letting the warm water wash away the tension clinging to her. Wrapping herself in a towel, she walked to the mirror above the basin. She leaned forward, staring at her reflection as droplets of water trailed down her face. Her expression was unreadable, her gaze intense. Slowly, her fingers reached out, brushing the edges of the mirror as though she were feeling for something hidden. She rubbed the surface deliberately, her hands gliding along the frame.
Then, with a small flick of her finger, her hand pressed against the center of the mirror.
A soft click echoed through the quiet bathroom, and the mirror swung open like a concealed door. Behind it lay something extraordinary—a window-like portal revealing an entirely different place. Esme’s breath caught as her eyes focused on the familiar room on the other side.
It was the very space Ray was living in now. Her gaze softened as she saw him seated on a sofa, his head resting against the back, looking pale and weary. As if sensing her presence, Ray suddenly straightened. His eyes locked onto hers, widening with recognition. He got to his feet and rushed toward the window.
"Are you okay?" Ray asked, his voice laced with concern as he scanned her from head to toe.
Esme smiled faintly, nodding. "Yeah, I’m fine."
She didn’t step through the portal, knowing she couldn’t afford to. The surveillance her in-laws had planted—the cameras and microphones scattered around her home—made such a risk unthinkable. If she stayed too long in the bathroom, they’d grow suspicious. Still, she allowed herself this brief moment to see him.
"How are you? Feeling better?" she asked, her voice soft.
Ray nodded, rubbing his eyes. "Much better. Just drowsy."
Esme sighed, a teasing glint in her eyes. "You sleepyhead. If you sleep any more, you might turn into a panda."
Ray’s expression shifted instantly. His brows furrowed, and he crossed his arms, glaring at her. "Are you calling me fat?"
Esme grinned mischievously, her eyes sparkling. "Maybe... just a little," she teased, her tone laced with playfulness.
Ray’s jaw dropped, his expression shifting into one of mock outrage. "You!" he growled, leaning closer to the mirror as if he could grab her. "I swear, I’ll kill you for that!"
Esme took an exaggerated step back, holding her hands up as though surrendering. "Kill me? Sure! But let’s schedule that for later," she quipped, her voice light and teasing. "You see, right now, I’m kind of busy dealing with your wonderful family."
Ray narrowed his eyes at her, his teeth gritting. "You!" he exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief. "You’re out there, hopping around like you own the world, while I’m stuck in here like some sort of... prisoner!"
Esme tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Oh, come on, Ray. It’s not that bad. It’s cozy! Besides, you’re safe here."
"Cozy? Safe?" Ray shot back, throwing his arms up in frustration. "This room has no proper windows! The only ones here are so well-hidden they might as well not exist. Sure, I can see outside, but what good is that if I can’t open them? One crack, and I’m done for!"
Esme couldn’t contain her sly grin as she leaned against the bathroom sink, watching Ray’s reflection in the mirror. "Well, aren’t you having a good time? Five whole seasons of The Runaway Bride, huh? You’re really living the dream," she teased, her tone light but laced with mischief.
Ray turned to glare at her, then glanced over his shoulder at the TV. "What? What’s your problem?" he said defensively, crossing his arms. "I was tired, okay? So, what if I binged a little? It’s not like I have much else to do!"
Esme chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, Ray, I wouldn’t dare judge. I mean, it’s not like you’re hiding out because of your brilliant decisions, right?"
Ray’s expression twisted into a mock scowl as he jabbed a finger toward her reflection. "Excuse me? This—" he gestured dramatically to himself, pausing for emphasis, "—is all your fault! If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be stuck here, and I wouldn’t—" He stopped, pointing at his stomach with exaggerated indignation.
Esme raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion. "Wouldn’t what, babe? Be pregnant?" she said, her voice dripping with mock sincerity.
Ray froze for a second, his eyes widening in disbelief before he snapped back. "Pregnant? Me?!" He took a step forward, pointing accusingly at her. "Whose fault do you think that is, huh? If it weren’t for you—" He jabbed at his belly again. "—I wouldn’t be stuck here, carrying these... these rascals!"
Esme clapped a hand over her mouth, her laughter spilling out uncontrollably. "Oh no," she managed between fits of giggles, "you’re right. I can see it now. You’re glowing, Ray. Absolutely glowing!"
Ray groaned dramatically, throwing his hands in the air. "Don’t you dare mock me, Esme! You think this is funny? I’m stuck here, nesting, while you’re out there playing hero!"
Esme smirked, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Relax, babe. I’ll bring you some pickles and ice cream later. Maybe even fluff your pillows while I’m at it."
Ray groaned again, covering his face with his hands. "I hate you," he mumbled, but the corner of his mouth twitched, betraying his attempt to stay mad.
Esme leaned closer to the mirror, her voice softening. "Love you too, babe. Now, keep that belly safe, alright?"
Ray threw a cushion at the mirror in mock frustration. "Get out of here, Esme! And don’t forget the ice cream!"
As soon as their playful banter ended, the mirror snapped shut with an audible click, sealing off the passage between them.
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