Ruby was sold by her father at the age of six. She had begged her mother for help, but her mother held onto her younger brother instead. Tears were in both of their eyes. To this day, she remembers her father's final words: “The choice was clear. If you want anyone to blame, blame God.” With that, she was tossed into the back of a cart. She trembled as a cloth was thrown over the cart and she entered into the life of a slave.

It was a far too common story, and quickly, she was not alone. Eventually, she was bought by a woman who liked her pretty red eyes. The madam was kind and even educated the girl. Ruby became a loyal servant until one day when the master returned with a baby in his arms. He instructed the madam to care for it before leaving once more, and the woman fell into madness.

The baby grew, and so did the madam's madness. She started beating Ruby, cursing her, seeing in her the woman her husband had betrayed her with, due to the simple fact that both Ruby and the baby had red eyes. Still, Ruby was fine with it. The madam had given her a home, warm food, and a happy life. Yet when she learned that the madam would kill the five-year-old boy, she had to act. Foolish.

She was beaten half to death, saved only by the unexpected arrival of the husband. It turned out that the child was not his but was thought to be his friend's. However, they found their boy not too long ago and confirmed that he was mistaken. This misunderstanding caused a deep scar across Ruby’s breast, one that would never heal, and as recompense, she was given money, her freedom, and the child.

In the end, she realized she was chased out of the manor with the kid so their life could return to normal. Raising a child was harder than she thought, and soon enough, the money ran dry. Desperation made her think about how easy it would be to sell the burden and free herself from his shackle because, in the end, everyone saw her as an unmarried woman with a child. She could not be hired. But still, the kid looked at her with his big, round red eyes, and she cursed herself at the thought that she could be like her parents in any way.

Eventually, she went into the only profession that would welcome any woman. Her looks allowed her to be higher class, while her scar barred her from any noble work. Still, it was more than pennies. She was surprised by how caring the man was her first time. How understanding he was. She learned quickly how to read people and became quite skilled at the art. However, time moved on, and soon she was 20 years of age.

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Some time ago, one of the girls she grew close with managed to get a job as a maid in a noble's estate. The duke’s estate was all the talk. Servants never lasted, and some were thought to be used as experiments. Yet with time came age, and though she was only 20 years old, she was far too old to continue. It was that scar on her breast that damned her. Younger women were vying for the same job, and soon enough, she was unable to keep saving money. If it continued, she would have to dip into the savings itself.

So she accepted her friend's offer, and with the letter of recommendation, she became a maid in the duke's employ. She was a little afraid, but with Arin now 12 years of age, he needed some stability in his life, and in just four more years, he would be able to provide for himself. So she bit down on the fear and endured the harsh training, earning twice what she did on a good day. It was difficult; the headmistress constantly talked down to her and abused her, all in the name of training, but eventually, it was learned that the previous maid had fled.

Her parents had been injured in a mining accident, and she rushed to their aid without a word. That day, the headmistress ordered Ruby to be washed and dressed before she was practically tossed inside the young lord's chamber. She could only tremble as she feared what would become of her. Rumors circled the manor about the young lord, and she found herself thinking that death was preferable to another scar.

It all seemed true. The lord spoke honestly and viewed her as an insect. Her voice caught in her throat as she tried to explain what happened, but her brain was never really used to thinking. In the end, there was only one thing she was good at. But then he spoke softly to her, gently lifting her head, and she was taken aback by his beautiful blue eyes. Now that she looked again, the duke was quite attractive, and there was something in his voice that made her heart quicken.

She told herself that she needed to do it. She was forced to ensure her position so that she and Arin could live. As her dress fell to the floor, she smiled internally, seeing the man before her was just like every other. Yes, it was because she needed to ensure that she kept the job, and there was only one thing she was good at. Ignoring her beating heart, she gently placed her hands on his thighs as she went to her knees.