There was a softness in his gaze, a hint of surprise mixed with contentment. Gently, he intertwined their fingers, sealing the newfound connection between them.

Lilah finally let those long-hated memories flood back. There wasn't an ounce of doubt left about her connection with Jerrold. The twist?

Gerard had been in the picture the whole time.

"You know, I was tricked that night," she said, her voice tinged with irony. “Never thought the man I was with would turn out to be you."

She paused, taking a breath. "I planned to give birth to the baby secretly and raise him alone. But then something happened, and Jerrold ended up with you."

“Perhaps Ruby holds the key to that mystery," Gerard said.

Lilah's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Is she with the police now?"

By now, Ruby should've been identified and apprehended by the police.

Before Gerard could answer, Lilah's phone buzzed. She glanced down, reading a message from Effie. “Lilah, huge news. Ruby attempted suicide. Did you check the news?"

Heart racing, Lilah scrolled through her feed. The news had already gone viral. The topic “Ruby Attempted Suicide" was trending.

Without a second thought, she turned to Gerard. “Ruby attempted suicide!"

A storm seemed to brew in Gerard's eyes. "What's your next move?"

Determination in her eyes, Lilah stated, "The hospital. We're going."

Ruby's drastic step wasn't just a whim; it was a reaction to Lilah and Gerard's revealed relationship. It was clear now-Ruby was the type to burn the bridge she couldn't cross. Still, Lilah struggled to accept that Ruby would simply bow out without a final play.

Nodding, Gerard went to fetch the car keys and soon was driving Lilah to the hospital.

Word about Ruby's fate had blown up on social media, plunging the Internet into a frenzy of shock and condolences. Even those who didn't know her grieved; nobody wanted a tale to end this way.

"My heart's with you, Ruby. Hold on, just hold on."

"Tears have stained my cheeks all day. Ruby, you can't just leave.

What will we all do without you?"

The Internet was also buzzing with confusion. "Why would Ruby do this?"

Right on cue, Ruby's agent shared a photo, revealing Ruby's last written words to the world.

“When you read this, I'll probably be gone. I've worked hard not just for me but for my child. I wanted to build a safe world for him, But my closest friend became the wall I couldn't climb. It hurts more than words can express. But if my child finds happiness with my best friend, what right do I have to complain? Maybe it's best I step out of the picture. Farewell.

Love, Ruby."

The letter was a gut-punch to her fans.