The Billionaire's Heart_

The scent of freshly cut grass wafted through the air as Ruby trudged across campus, her mind wandered to her finances. Tuition fees and student loans weighed heavily on her mind. She thought about her family, how her father had advised against pursuing higher education, doubting its practicality. "Get a job, learn a trade," he'd say. Her mother remained silent, neither supporting nor opposing Ruby's dreams. Meanwhile, Emily's medical school aspirations received full support, and Ethan's athletic talents earned him sponsorships. Ruby felt like she was on her own, financially and emotionally.

The scholarship helped, but it wasn't enough. As she quickened her pace, the weight of her backpack and responsibilities bearing down on her.her worn slides making soft crunching sounds on the gravel path. She held onto her backpack tightly, feeling the weight digging into her shoulders. Another day of long classes ahead. As she walked, Ruby's mind wandered to her finances. Tuition fees and student loans weighed heavily on her mind. Ruby's mind was consumed by thoughts of her financial struggles and the fear of not being able to pay her tuition fees loomed over her like a dark cloud.

She sighed, her eyes scanning the campus grounds as she walked. The sun cast a warm glow over the lush greenery, but Ruby's thoughts were consumed as she quickened her pace. She had always loved the beauty of the campus, but now it seemed like a cruel irony. As she approached the lecture hall, Ruby's phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, her heart sinking as she read the notification from her part-time job at the library. She was a shelver there; it wasn't much pay, but it helped. She felt a wave of panic wash over her. How would she cope?

Ruby's mind reeled as she stood frozen outside the lecture hall. She had been counting on her library job to help pay for her tuition fees. Now, she was down to just one part-time job at the café. Could she make ends meet with just one job? She took a deep breath and tried to shake off the panic. She had to sit for her class, but her mind was racing with worries about finances. Ruby forced herself to take a seat in the lecture hall, trying to focus on the lecture. But her mind kept wandering back to her financial situation.

She scribbled down some numbers on a piece of paper, trying to calculate if she could make ends meet with just one job. The more she thought about it, the more anxious she became. How was she going to survive on just one job? She thought about all the expenses she had to cover, from tuition fees to living expenses. It seemed like an impossible task.

As the lecture continued, Ruby's mind wandered further. She thought about her future, about her dreams and aspirations. Would she be able to achieve them, or would her financial struggles hold her back? The uncertainty was suffocating.

Ava Jensen,her friend sitting next to her, noticed Ruby's distraction and tried to catch her eye, mouthing " Hey, are you okay?" Ruby didn't notice at first,too lost in thought. Ava tried again,this time gently judging Ruby's arm with her elbow. Ruby finally looked up, meeting Ava's concerned gaze. She forced a weak smile, trying to reassure her friend that everything was fine. But Ava's expression suggested she wasn't buying it.

Ava leaned in closer,her voice barely above a whisper. " Seriously, Ruby, what's going on ? You've been zoning out all class". As Ruby hesitated, Ava's kind eyes put her at ease. Ava, who had faced her own share of challenges growing up and an orphan,had a unique perspective on life . Her brother, Mark who had taken her in after their parents passing,had always been supportive and Ava's gratitude and resilience shone through in her warm smile

"Just stressing about finances," Ruby whispered back feeling a sense of comfort in Ava's presence. Ava nodded sympathetically,her expression understanding.

" Want to grab a coffee after class and talk about it?"Ava asked ,her voice barely above a whisper.Ruby considered it,then nodded slightly. Maybe talking to Ava would help her find a solution or at least someone to share the burden with. Ava's brother had always taught her the importance of supporting friends in need and Ava was determined to be there for Ruby.

As they walked out of the lecture hall, Ava walked beside Ruby,her presence a calming influence. " We'll figure it out,Ruby" Ava Said,her voice filled with conviction. "You're not alone in this".

Just then,"Dani Brooks, Sam Reynolds and Brittany hunt" stood in front of Ava and Ruby.

What is the meaning of this Dani? Ava asked

While giving a condescending look,Dani says; Ruby I heard you lost your library job?Ruby's eyes narrowed slightly and she stood tall meeting Dani's gaze. " Yeah I did,but I'll manage".

Ava stepped in,her voice firm but calm "what's it to you,Dani?"

Dani's smirk grew wider "just wondering how Ruby is going to pay for school now"

You had something to do with me losing my job, didn't you?

"Maybe I did,maybe I didn't. You are not cut out for certain jobs, Ruby "

Ruby's voice rose,her anger and frustration evident. "You really think you are above everyone, don't you? Using your uncle's influence to get me fired. That's low, Dani

Dani's smirk faltered for a moment but she quickly regained her composure. "I'm just stating the truth. Ruby is not cut out for this university. She is just a charity cause. "

Dani turned to her friends and gestured for them to follow ." Let's go, we're done here" Brittany and Sam trailed behind her, their eyes gleaming with amusement.

Ruby watched them go,her anger simmering. Ava placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey don't let her get to you " Ava said softly

Feeling a sense of gratitude towards Ava,Ruby nodded. Thanks Ava. Let's get out of here

Ava smiled. "Now about that coffee...?"

Ruby smiled back, feeling a sense of relief."Yeah,that sounds perfect:"

As they walked out of campus ,Ruby felt a sense of hope over her .

Maybe, just maybe, things would start looking up .