Chapter 9 Violet's mind went utterly blank . It finally made sense why Gabriel had been acting so strange - she'd misunderstood everything . All this time , she'd believed the wrong man had saved her . Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at him . " If you were the one who saved me , why didn't you say anything back then ? " Xavier let out a cold , dismissive snort . " I never expected you to be so foolish - to mix up the person who actually saved your life . Besides , I never wanted to guilt you over it . " He continued , " Violet , I've never wanted 1/8 Chapter 9 + 5 Points anything half - hearted . What I want from you is genuine love . Do you understand ? " His eyes were clear and honest , shining with sincerity - no hint of ulterior motive . Unable to hold back the tears any longer , Violet stood on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck , her whole body trembling . " Xavier , I get it now . From this moment on , let's build a good life together ." " I spent ten years mistaking the wrong man . Now , I want to spend the rest of my life making it right with you . " She leaned in and kissed him . A gentle smile touched Xavier's eyes as he pulled her close . His voice dropped low , thick 2/8 Chapter 9 + 5 Points with desire : " Let's move to the bed ." Once his passion ignited , there was no stopping him . It wasn't until dawn broke that he finally let her fall asleep in his arms . Meanwhile , at the Martins estate , Ruby nestled between her parents , acting coy . " Mom , Dad , you're finally home ! I missed you so much while I was in London these past few years . " Her father's warm eyes softened . " It's good to have you back . While you were gone , your mom kept talking about you all the time ." Feigning innocence , Ruby replied , " But you had Violet here , right ? I'm sure she took excellent care of you over the last three years ." Isabella's face hardened the moment 3/8 Chapter 9 + 5 Points www Violet's name came up . " Don't mention her . She's never truly been one of us - raised by someone else , it's no surprise her heart's not with us . Married for three years and no children ! She doesn't even come home anymore . " " If I'd had a choice , I wish you had been my real daughter ," Isabella added coldly . 4/8 This wasn't the first time she had said something like that . Ruby's face briefly flashed with triumph before she masked it with sweetness . " As long as you want me , I'll always be your precious daughter " The trio was enjoying their moment when Gabriel arrived , looking worn out . " Gab! " Ruby jumped up to greet him . " Are you here to see Mom and Dad ? " Gabriel scanned the room immediately but didn't spot Violet anywhere . A flicker of disappointment crossed his face . " Dad . Mom ," he said respectfully . Alexander frowned slightly , noticing Gabriel 6/8 Chapter 9 + 5 Points was alone . " Just you ? Where's Violet ? " Gabriel paused , uncertain how to put it into words . How could he say she had left him and disappeared after the divorce ? Before he could speak , Ruby smoothly stepped in . " Vivi fell ill a few days back and had to be admitted to the hospital . She's likely recuperating at their place now . " Not ready to reveal the divorce , Gabriel nodded in agreement . " Rue's right . Vivi's been unwell and is recovering at home . She asked me to visit you both in her place ." Isabella remained cold , her tone icy . " Sick ? Why does she always seem to fall ill right when it's time to return home ? " " Gabriel , you're her husband . You can't just let her do whatever she wants ." 7/8 Chapter 9 +5 Points " Since she didn't grow up under my care , that narrow - minded and petty behavior never left her . But now that she's married to you , she also reflects on your reputation . " . Gabriel had no patience for her lecture . He simply nodded politely . " You're right , Mom . Anyway , I have things to handle at the company . I should get going ." As he turned to leave , Ruby instinctively moved to follow , but Alexander's stern voice stopped her . " Rue , stay here ." 8/8