My five ghostly husbands
Chapter 167 Doubt was a dangerous thing

Chapter 167: Chapter 167 Doubt was a dangerous thing

Julian ignored him, his steps quick and determined. Levi fell into stride beside him, his presence suffocating, but Julian refused to let him get into his head.

Still, doubt was a dangerous thing.

No matter how much he trusted Ruby, the seeds Levi had planted in his mind lingered.

Why had she changed so much lately?

Why had she stopped drinking?

Why was she so focused on proving herself?

Was it really for herself?

Julian shook the thoughts away. No. This is what Levi wanted. He wanted Julian to doubt her, to lose faith.

But Julian wasn’t going to break so easily.

Still, as they got closer to their market, a strange tightness settled in his chest.

And Levi noticed.

"Ah, you’re nervous," Levi said with amusement, watching Julian’s stiff posture. "You say you trust her, but you’re afraid of what we’ll find, aren’t you?"

Julian’s steps didn’t falter, but his grip tightened.

"Shut up, Levi."

Levi grinned. "Oh, Just a little more... and we’ll see who’s really right."

Both of them hopped onto Uncle Otis’ ride, heading back to the big market.

Julian didn’t say a word to Levi. He simply sat quietly, gazing at the sky with deep focus.

His mind was a storm of thoughts, but he refused to let Levi’s presence disturb him.

Levi, on the other hand, sat beside him with a smug smirk, glancing at Julian every now and then.

But Julian didn’t react.

He just watched the clouds drift, the soft golden hue of the afternoon sun stretching across the sky.

His heart, however, wasn’t as calm as he pretended to be.

🪄

Meanwhile, after the shoot wrapped up, everyone headed to a nearby bar.

It was a luxurious bar, filled with a lively crowd. The moment Ruby stepped inside, she took in the interior design

Unlike typical bars, this one had a restaurant-style setup, giving it a sophisticated yet energetic ambiance. The walls were made of special infused glass, allowing people inside to see the chaotic scene of dancers outside—a blur of lights, pulsing music, and bodies moving to the rhythm.

However, Director Sylvia had planned ahead.

Instead of mingling with the wild crowd, she had booked a private room for them, ensuring a comfortable and exclusive space away from the overwhelming noise.

As they entered, the staff guided them to their reserved area, where a table was already set with drinks and appetizers.

Ruby followed the group inside, but something in her gut still felt uneasy.

"Everyone, have drinks! It’s on me!!!" Director Sylvia declared, raising her glass.

A loud cheer erupted from the group, and almost immediately, people split into two—some heading to the dance floor, while others stayed behind to drink and chat.

Ruby remained seated, calmly sipping her water.

Celeste, already buzzing with excitement, noticed and gasped dramatically.

"Ruby, have a drink! You’re just drinking water!" she said, nudging Ruby with a playful grin.

Vera nodded in agreement. "Yeah, loosen up a little."

Ruby shook her head. "No, it’s fine. I’m not drinking."

Celeste pouted exaggeratedly. "Oh, come on! Where’s your feminism?! Have a drink like all the other witches!"

For a brief second, Ruby’s red eyes flashed with irritation.

But she quickly calmed herself, forcing a fake smile.

"I AM FINE WITH WATER."

Her voice was sharp but controlled.

Celeste immediately understood the shift in tone. She blinked, then nodded, backing off. "Alright, alright!" she said before turning away and heading to the dance floor.

Vera, still sitting beside Ruby, sighed. "You okay? I know Celeste can be... a bit much sometimes."

Ruby waved a hand dismissively. "It’s okay. Never mind."

But even as she spoke, her eyes landed on Lyra.

Lyra was watching her.

Her gaze was sharp, calculating.

Something was wrong.

Before Ruby could analyze it further, Celeste suddenly returned, her expression guilty.

"Sorry, Ruby! I got you juice as an apology!" she said, holding out a glass of purple juice.

Ruby glanced at it.

Over time, she had gotten used to colorful drinks like pink, red, and blue, so she didn’t think twice before taking a sip.

She took a small sip.

The taste was amazing.

A soft smile appeared on her lips. "It’s amazing."

Celeste grinned, pleased. "I know, right?"

She handed another juice to Vera, who accepted it without suspicion.

Ruby took another sip, still unaware of Lyra’s piercing gaze lingering on her.

Ruby sat quietly, watching as some actors started singing. Their voices filled the air, drawing attention from the other witches, who clapped and cheered.

She watched for a while but didn’t feel particularly interested.

Then, she felt a small discomfort in her stomach.

"I’m going to the washroom," she muttered, pushing her chair back.

Vera, who had been quietly sipping her drink, nodded in acknowledgment. She didn’t talk much, but Ruby felt comfortable around her.

Leaving the private room, Ruby stepped into the main area of the bar.

It was crowded, suffocating.

She had to push through people, her patience wearing thin as bodies bumped into her. The overwhelming heat and noise pressed down on her, making her slightly irritated.

Finally, she found the washroom and slipped inside.

But the moment she entered a cubicle, she froze.

Disgusting.

It was dirty, smelly, and unkempt.

Ruby grimaced, stepping back immediately.

Instead, she walked over to the sink, turning on the cold water.

She washed her hands, sighing in relief, but as she looked up at the mirror—

A strange dizziness hit her.

Her vision blurred slightly.

What?

Her breath hitched, and she immediately splashed her face with water.

She looked at herself in the mirror again—her red eyes looked darker, slightly unfocused.

Then, realization slammed into her.

She was drugged.

Her heart pounded.

Who?!

Her mind immediately went to Lyra. She had been throwing strange glances at her all night.

But—Ruby hadn’t eaten or drunk anything from her.

Then who?!

She pressed her hands against the sink, trying to focus, but her thoughts were starting to get hazy.

She splashed water onto her face again, breathing heavily.

This isn’t the time to think. I need to leave.

Her legs felt slightly unsteady, but she forced herself to walk out of the washroom.

She needed to get out of here.

Now.

—To be continued...🪄