the mysterious Morris family

009. i booked you for the whole night

What kind of girl is Arden? Why is my mom so terrified of her joining hands with the Morrises? What dark secrets did she and the Morrises drag from the depths of our family’s past? And why did my mother insist that my dad died before I was born? The questions swirl in Brian's mind, each one a sharp thorn that digs deeper with every passing moment. Mr. Morris even showed me pictures of Arden and me alongside our parents, and I can't shake the feeling that these images hold the key to understanding the tangled web of my family's history.

As the weight of these thoughts presses down on him, Brian feels a throbbing pain in his head. He doesn't know how to navigate the chaos that has become his life.

Why did his mom instruct that man to erase anything linking Arden to the Morris family? What kind of woman is my mother, and how many lives has she ruined to ensure that I remain distanced from Arden? How did she acquire the funds to pay off those who work for her, keeping the truth buried beneath layers of deceit? Brian can’t help but ponder these questions, each one more unsettling than the last.

Determined to escape the burden of his thoughts, Brian decides to rest his head before heading out to pick up his client. The bed is soft and inviting, almost too comfortable. He drifts off, but not for long.

A shrill ring pierces the silence; it’s his boss.

“Brian, why are you still sleeping? You’re five minutes late!” his boss barks before hanging up, leaving no room for excuses.

Brian barely has time to freshen up. “Good thing I don’t have body odor,” he mutters, rushing out the door.

In his haste, he collides with Claire, his sister. “I’m sorry for bumping into you, Claire! I hope you understand!” he shouts, not waiting for a response.

“Be careful, Brian. You're the only sibling I have, the only one who cares about us,” Claire says, her voice laced with a manic edge. “Don’t worry; I’ll make Mom, the Morrises, and the Maxwells pay. I’ll show them what it’s like to grow up with nothing to eat!”

Brian’s heart sinks at the thought of his sister’s words, but he brushes it off. He needs to focus on the job ahead.

Claire’s laughter rings hollow in his ears. “I pity Mom; she’s been standing in my way for more than three years, cleaning any path that leads to the Morris family. Now, I have to use you, Brian, as my puppet. I’m sorry, but it’s what I must do to put them in their rightful place,” she thinks, her eyes glued to the television screen.

Brian arrives at the address provided, only to discover that Ruby and Stella are the ones who booked him for the evening. He checks the client's name: Rubyrose Mic. How could he have forgotten to confirm who booked him? But it’s too late now; he has to make the best of it.

Opening the car door in a gentlemanly manner, he gestures for them to enter.

“So, Brian, you’re an Uber driver?” Stella inquires, her tone half-curious, half-skeptical.

“Are you asking or doubting?” Brian replies, a playful smirk crossing his face.

“Since we booked you tonight, you have to spend the whole night with us,” Ruby declares, a glint of mischief in her eyes.

“Then you’ll have to book me for the whole night,” he jokes, but Ruby takes it seriously. She hands him extra cash, and Brian’s boss calls to congratulate him on the unexpected earnings.

“What did you just do?” Brian asks, flabbergasted.

“I booked you for the whole night,” Ruby responds, her expression unyielding.

“I was just joking! I didn’t mean you should actually book me. Don’t you know how to recognize a joke?” Brian protests, but Ruby is already lost in her own world.

“I don’t have time to joke; just drive! I have to perform around 1 AM,” she insists, glancing anxiously at her watch.

Stella sits quietly in the back seat, taking in the vibrant cityscape. She listens to Brian and Ruby’s banter, feeling like a voyeur in their budding connection. Jealousy gnaws at her insides. She’s been in love with Brian for a while now, but Ruby’s presence complicates everything.

As they drive through the lively streets, Stella’s gaze shifts between Brian and Ruby. She can sense their chemistry, a spark that makes her heart ache. Her love for Brian has morphed into an obsession; every glance he gives Ruby feels like a stab to her heart.

While Ruby has done everything to get close to Brian, Stella has felt powerless to act. The two are a perfect match, and it seems futile to compete.

When the time comes for Ruby to prepare for her performance, Brian is left in the audience, enchanted by the talent on display. He knows little about singing or dancing, but the energy in the room captivates him.

After several contestants perform, a familiar figure walks onto the stage: Lora, the waitress he met at the Everest Hotel. Her voice is electric, and her movements mesmerizing. Brian is spellbound, wondering how Ruby will fare against such talent.

When Ruby finally takes the stage, the atmosphere shifts. Her performance is a whirlwind of emotion and skill, captivating everyone in the room. Brian watches, his heart racing. She dances with a fervor that seems almost supernatural, each note resonating deep within him.

As the host announces the results, Brian feels a rush of anticipation. “Rubyrose, wow! I love how your expression changes with your voice and dance,” the host praises, and the crowd erupts in applause. Ruby takes home the trophy, while Lora claims third place, a bittersweet victory for Brian.