Episode 1 of "The World Between Us" begins with the charming James Beaufort waking from the haze of one of his infamous parties. Beside him, a slumbering girl reveals herself as the sister of one of his closest friends. As he rises, his gaze wanders towards the swimming pool, unaware of the urgent message his distraught sister, Lydia, has left for him.
Upon arriving at the pool, James finds himself embroiled in a heated altercation with his companions. The tense moment is abruptly interrupted by the sobbing arrival of Lydia. Her eyes welling with tears, she confides in James that a girl named Ruby Bell has caught her in a compromising situation, and if the truth is revealed, their father and the relentless press will destroy her. James is left baffled, as the name Ruby Bell rings no bells in his mind.
The scene shifts to a few hours prior to this drama unfolding. Ruby Bell, seated on a bustling school bus, eagerly discusses her aspirations with her professor, Sutton. She speaks with enthusiasm about her recommendation letter to Oxford University, her lifelong dream. Sutton, delighted to peruse the documents Ruby hands him, promises to pen a glowing endorsement for her. For Ruby, Maxton Hall represents her gateway to Oxford, and she has worked tirelessly to secure a scholarship to this elite institution. Remaining inconspicuous among her wealthy and snobbish classmates, Ruby finds solace in the friendship of Lin, whose family has fallen on hard times.
As the sun slowly crept across the sky, Ruby and her classmates embarked on a typical school day, engaging in rigorous classes and lively debates in Sutton's classroom. The atmosphere seemed harmonious and uneventful. However, after the final bell rang, Ruby and Lin's excitement bubbled over as they discussed the upcoming school party, which they were both part of the planning committee for. Their goal was to make it a night to remember.
It was at this moment of jubilation that Ruby realized with a jolt that she had forgotten to deliver an important document to Sutton. Without hesitation, she hurried back to his office, only to stumble upon a shocking sight. Sutton and Lydia were locked in an intimate embrace, their tongues intertwined in a passionate kiss. Both of them jerked apart in a panic when they noticed Ruby's startled presence. Ruby, however, was quick to turn and flee, her heart racing and mind spinning.
For the remainder of the day, Ruby was a mere shadow of her usual self, her thoughts constantly returning to the unsettling scene. Her shock deepened when James, the school's infamous heartthrob, unexpectedly appeared at their planning committee meeting and requested a private conversation with her. True to his arrogant nature, James proceeded to shove a wad of money in Ruby's face, demanding silence about Lydia's affair with their teacher.
Ruby's indignation flared. She pushed the money away, her cheeks flushing with anger. She declared proudly that, while she may be poor, she was not for sale. With that, she stormed out of the room, leaving James sputtering in her wake. After school, Ruby headed straight to her job as a waitress, her steps resolute. She worked hard to earn every penny, knowing that it would go towards buying a new stairlift for her father, who was confined to a wheelchair.
Despite their financial struggles, Ruby's family was a tight-knit unit, filled with love and support. The following day, Ruby confronted Sutton, demanding the return of her documents. She made it clear that she no longer wanted his recommendation, as it would be worthless once the truth came to light. Later, James approached her again, trying to broker a deal. But Ruby was adamant; she wanted nothing more from him than to stay out of her life. When he persisted, offering himself as a bribe, Ruby's eyes flashed with fury. She ordered him to back off, her voice firm and unwavering.
James is not accustomed to being rejected, and he finds it hard to believe that Ruby doesn't have any ulterior motives towards his family. His mistrust deepens when he witnesses Ruby engaging in a seemingly harmless conversation with his friend, Patel, during the Lacrosse game. Suspicions arise in his mind that the two might be plotting something behind his back, especially after he had an intimate encounter with Alistair's sister.
However, the truth is far from what James imagines. Ruby and Alistair were merely engaging in polite chatter about the game while she waited for an opportune moment to approach the dean and request a recommendation letter. The dean assures her that he will write the letter if the Welcome party is a success.
James confronts Ruby with accusations, declaring that people like her have no influence and no one will side with her. He dares her to do her worst if she's out to destroy him. Days pass, and finally, the school hosts its Welcome party.
Ruby strives to ensure everything runs smoothly, but she is unprepared for James' unexpected move of bringing strippers to perform. The dean is disappointed in Ruby and decides to ban James from participating in future Lacrosse games. He orders the two to collaborate on the next school party as a way to redeem themselves.
James is surprised when Ruby remains silent about Sutton and Lydia, but their arguments about the dean's decision to force them to work together are loud and heated.
After the meeting with the dean, Ruby challenges James to do whatever he wants, declaring that she won't waste her chance at Oxford by engaging in petty squabbles with him. James interprets this as a declaration of war and is determined to emerge victorious.
