Unexpected Riches

Dinner

Ruby's POV

We we're all at dinner except for Ricco. The nurse had to help him eat upstairs. I couldn't help but wonder what happened to Ricco. I heard the clanging of plates as everyone ate in silence. "What happened to Mr. Sander" I asked them politely.

I saw Dalvin drink some wine slowly. Elsie had a thing of cigarettes by her side. I watched as she grabbed one and lit it. "We'll dear it's a long story" said Elsie. "I think she deserves to know" said Ernest. Ava gave Ernest a look because Dalvin put down his glass. Elsie already started smoking.

Dalvin looked at his mother ready for her to begin. "Ricco became the richest man out of our friend group and I was there for every step of the way" Elsie said. "Ricco had me in the fanciest dresses that were always backless. We would party and Ricco always had his arms around me" said Elsie as she smiled.

"Our friends at the time would come around and party. One time Ricco had the biggest achievement of all. A friend tried to kill Ricco that night and instead they made him unable to walk" said Elsie as she smoked. I looked at everyone and they were looking at the table. I felt like this story was hurting them more then I thought.

"They broke his leg and his rib and after he had breathing problems" said Elsie. I couldn't help but feel bad. A rich man who has everything get everything taken away because of jealousy. They broke part of his body. Being able to not breath correctly must be a nightmare. I mean he still kept his dignity but his family went through lasting pain.

Ricco may have been suffering this whole time but so has his family. I looked to Elsie and she had a tear going down her face. She snuffled and continued on. Our family has not been the same since. Of course we stuck together and we want Ernest to join us" said Elsie. I saw Ernest and he looked annoyed.

"You are using this against me" said Ernest. "Not now Ernest" said Elsie after she blew smoke. "Ruby would you like to invest in the Sander family organization. It would be profitable for you" said Dalvin. I didn't even understand a word he just said. What was Dalvin talking about business deals with me. I just inherited money it's hardly mine.

"Leave her out of it" said Ernest. I watched as he became angry with his older brother. Elise rolled her eyes and sighed loudly after she put her smoke down in her hands. "What do you say Ruby" Dalvin continued. I watched as Ava whispered "stop." "Ernest you should be with the family about this" said Dalvin. I watched as Ernest stood up.

He walked away frustrated. I got up from my seat and followed behind Ernest. I felt bad and I now knew his family was using me against him. I stopped once I got to the hall. It was near the dinner and I hide behind the wall. I wanted to hear what they would say. "Dalvin she is my friend stop harassing her" said Ava in annoyance.

"Would you stop it Ava. Your brother has excellent vision for our company and with a Royle it would be amazing" said Elsie. "Mom" said Ava as she sounded frustrated. "It's for the best" said Dalvin. Their older brother was the man of the house and he was wanting to use my money. I sighed not wanting to hear anymore. I had to check on Ernest.

I walked up the stairs and I saw him standing on the balcony. I walked towards him slowly. His hands were holding the bars tightly. His stance showed me that he was upset. His hair looked as if he rubbed his hands in his hair. "Ernest" I spoke slowly. I watched as he turned his head to me. I saw that his look changed. His face changed from upset to pity.

"I am sorry" said Ernest as his eyes met me. "It's okay" I said as I met him by the railing. "I just got frustrated with my family" said Ernest. "You wanna talk about it" I said to comfort him. "We'll if it makes one of us feel better" said Ernest in a soft tone. I gave him sad eyes but I was ready to listen.

"My mom is controlling and she wants me to get married before thirty. I want to marry when I am ready" said Ernest as he started listening things. I really did want to listen to his problems. Ava acted as if she is toxic but she is very caring. It just shows underneath her unfazed and toxic tone.

"My family is based on retiring with enough money except I want to retire with memories" said Ernest. I knew he was taking this to heart. He kept running his hands through his hair. He did look attractive when he talked in a more serious manner. "My family is rich but I want something that makes me happy" said Ernest. I looked at him confused.

"I want to work in my motorcycle shop" said Ernest. "I uh....uh still never been there" I said nervously. "I should have Ava take you one day" said Ernest. "Okay" I said a little excited to see. "You know they say to fall in love with someone beautiful" Ernest said with a light laugh. "It has to be inner beauty" said Ernest. I looked at him as he stared down at me.

"They wanted to make me a parent of how much I earn instead of how happy I am. Have lots of friends when I wanted real friends" said Ernest as he looked away from me. I noticed he tried to hide that little sparkle in his eyes. "Happiness lies in big moments but it was always the small ones that count" said Ernest. I couldn't help but smile at what he wanted.

"They said to find someone you can live with but to me.." Ernest said with cutting off at the end. When he turned to look back at me his lips were just a few inches from my face. His eyes were sparked with the same look as before. "It should be I can't live without" said Ernest as he finished his sentence.