To the Love of My Life

Ruby Gregory didn’t go, so Madeleine and Howard Coleman naturally wouldn’t leave her here by herself and go.

Howard’s sharp eyes spotted a Backgammon game on a nearby table, so he picked it up, cleared some space on the table, and said, “I’m tired today and don’t feel like socializing, how about we play Backgammon, Ruby?”

“The two of us against you, ” suggested Madeleine.

“Alright, I fear no one with my superior chess skills!” Howard laid out the chessboard and pushed the white piece towards Ruby and Madeleine, grabbing a black piece and placing the first one.

Ruby seemed a bit absent-minded, while Madeleine, on the other hand, was really enthusiastic about battling with Howard.

Backgammon itself isn’t very difficult or tricky, so Howard and Madeleine, one attacking and one defending, continued to play until all the black and white pieces were used up, without a clear winner.

So the two of them started a new game.

Originally unhappy because of Steve Burton, Ruby increasingly focused on the Backgammon game. She even gradually leaned her head over the chessboard to help Madeleine devise strategies.

The second round ended with the black and white pieces played, still without a winner.

“Two against one, and you still couldn’t beat me.” As Howard picked up the chess pieces, he made a clicking sound twice, sounding quite smug.

For some reason, Ruby was even more enthusiastic in the third game, possibly provoked by what Howard had said.

Seeing that Ruby finally regained her spirits, Howard fought for a while and then purposely let Ruby and Madeleine win.

A smile blossomed on Ruby’s face, her beautiful eyes relaxed, and her stunning beauty shone through.

Picking up the white pieces proudly, she raised an eyebrow at Howard, tilting her chin slightly, and replied arrogantly to his earlier comment, “You lost!”

“I’m not convinced! Let’s play again!”

So, a new game began once more.

Ruby seemed much brighter and livelier than before, and she started talking more as well.

Howard had purposely let Ruby win the last game, but this time, he played rigorously to keep her interest. Ruby almost lost several times when she wasn’t paying close attention.

As the number of chess pieces in the tray dwindled, Ruby and Howard still hadn’t settled on a winner. Just when Ruby thought it would be a draw, Howard placed a black piece.

This black piece was cleverly placed, so Ruby could defend one spot but not the other.

The game was set, and Ruby lost.

Howard, knowing he’d won, imitated Ruby’s previous expression, raised his eyebrow at her, and said, “I just let you win earlier.. As long as I want, I can make you lose anytime!”