Chapter 13 Ruth Is Missing

• Ruth disappeared without a trace that very night.
• Aiden was in a pretty good mood on the first day of her disappearance. He ended up drinking the night away with Brad.
• He seemed unbothered the next day as well, though he had to work a little harder to convince himself that he did not care about her wellbeing.
• By the third day, Aiden had sunk into a pit of fury. Everyone seemed to piss him off, and he fired three employees in one day.
• His panic peaked on the fourth day of her disappearance, so he decided to call her.
• “The number you have dialed is unavailable.” All he got was an automated reply.
• “Shit!” Cursing, he threw his phone to the ground.
• The expensive limited edition gadget shattered into pieces.
• Brad, who had been chilling on the couch, jumped at his display of anger. He asked sarcastically, “What happened? She's not picking up?”
• Aiden pursed his lips in silence. Crossing his arms, he began pacing the room anxiously.
• Brad seemed to have a death wish as he egged Aiden on. “I never thought I'd live to see the day when the CEO of Lane Corporation would have his calls ignored. How does it feel like to have a taste of your own medicine?”
• In the past, Aiden used to ignore Ruth's calls whenever he felt like it.
• In fact, Brad had observed that Aiden tended to ignore Ruth when she called. On rare occasions when he did answer her calls, he always seemed annoyed.
• Their marriage had always been a horribly one-sided affair.
• Aiden assumed the top of the food chain, and Ruth was nothing but a small prey he manipulated in the palm of his hand.
• Well, let him have a taste of his own medicine then! What an interesting picture, haha!
• Brad got up from the couch and placed his hand on Aiden's shoulder. He advised seriously, “If you're really worried, look for her. I'm sure you have the means to track her down.”
• Aiden turned around and glared at his friend. He spoke uncaringly, “Worried? You're joking! All her shares are under my name anyway. Her wellbeing has nothing to do with me anymore.”
• “Maybe she's really in deep trouble. After all, Lane Corporation has been making its fair share of enemies in the past two years.”
• Brad's comment caused Aiden's chest to tighten painfully. The emotions in his gaze were indecipherable.
• He suddenly recalled the sight of her back which was all covered in blood as she walked past him that fateful night.
• She had looked so fragile then as if the slightest touch by anyone could break her into pieces.
• His fists clenched on their own accord and his knuckles turned white from the tight grip.
• His concern, however, was rapidly replaced by a cold scoff. “Don't worry. I'm sure she's just trying to create a scene. She won't die.”
• Ruth was now officially missing for a week.
• During this week, she had not called, texted, or shared a single tidbit of information on social media. She had gone under the radar.
• Aiden's pride did not permit him to reach out to her.
• He still believed that Ruth was just throwing a tantrum. She'll be back in a few days when she can't stand my silence any longer.
• Though the past week of waiting was much longer than he had expected. He was the one expiring from anxiety at her radio silence instead.
• It was yet another silent night without a call from Ruth. Aiden was like a soulless shell as he drove aimlessly around town.
• Should I call Brad out for drinks? But the drinks aren't enough to numb me. Maybe I should visit Sadie in the hospital.
• He realized he did not feel like meeting Sadie at all.
• He turned his steering wheel and headed back to the mansion.
• Maybe Ruth's already home, and she's already prepared a whole feast for me.
• Aiden imagined how she would fly into his arms the minute he opened the door. The thought invigorated him, and he stepped harder on the gas pedal in his haste to get home.
• You'd better be home right now, or I'm going to teach you a lesson!