Episode 5 of "The World Between Us" opens with Ruby's voice painting a picture of her perfect kiss with James, a moment of pure bliss interrupted abruptly by Mortimer's arrival. The father quickly gathers his children and escorts them home, where he launches into a stern scolding. Once again, he berates Lydia and Ruby, casting doubts on James' loyalty to the family.
The situation escalates rapidly when Mortimer takes an extreme measure, banning James from any further association with Ruby. Having conducted a thorough investigation into Ruby's family background, Mortimer is well aware of their dire financial straits. His harsh words ignite James' temper, prompting him to defend both himself and Ruby. This only leads to a physical altercation, with Mortimer issuing dire threats to ruin Ruby's chances at Oxford and evict her family from their home.
The scene is charged with emotion, the tension thick as the characters' emotions boil over. Ruby's voice trembles as she recalls the sweetness of the kiss that was so brutally snatched away. James' face is set in a determined expression, determined to protect both himself and the woman he cares for. Mortimer's anger is palpable, his words cutting like knives as he lashes out at his children. The altercation that erupts is a violent outburst of long-simmering tensions, leaving everyone shaken and the future hanging in the balance.
Back at school, the dean was deeply impressed by Ruby's performance and promptly penned her a glowing recommendation letter. Ruby and Lin jubilantly celebrated, soaking up the remaining festivities of the party. However, amidst the merriment, Ruby couldn't help but notice Sutton's glum demeanor. He appeared lost in thought, his mind wandering back to the moment when Mortimer had dragged Lydia away.
To lift his spirits, Ruby approached Sutton and expressed her heartfelt gratitude for being such an exceptional teacher. The next day at school, James made a grand promise to his friends that they would revel in a series of wild parties for the remainder of the semester. He was determined to keep himself busy and avoid any interaction with Ruby.
Ruby was startled when James ignored her as if she were a stranger, especially in the hallway where everyone could see. Soon, rumors of their breakup spread like wildfire, and the jealous girls mercilessly gossiped about Ruby.
Meanwhile, on the school grounds, Lydia and Sutton confessed their undying love for each other. Sutton boldly asked Lydia to flee with him, but she hesitated. So, he proposed a meeting at their secret cafe in a few days to discuss their escape plan.
Elsewhere, Alistair and Patel's relationship was also on the brink of collapse. Patel tried desperately to capture Alistair's attention, but he remained indifferent.
As the day drew to a close, Ruby confronted James on the Lacrosse field. He nonchalantly dismissed their relationship as mere fun and games. His words pierced her heart, but she refused to break down in front of him. She cursed him and walked away, her heart heavy with disappointment.
Later, James confessed to Lydia that he had messed up with Ruby. They found a strange bond in their similarly tumultuous love lives and controlling parents.
Days tick by, and Lydia cruelly betrays Sutton. James, on the other hand, remains resolutely oblivious to Ruby's existence, even though his heart secretly yearns for her. He finds solace in the bottom of a bottle, drinking heavily, a behavior that prompts his mother to fret over him. He confides in her, revealing his discontent with life, but she offers little comfort, merely stating that this is how life is. She herself is unhappy, but people like them do not have the luxury of pursuing happiness. The Beaufort siblings continue to lead robotic lives, merely fulfilling the expectations placed upon them.
Meanwhile, Ruby engages in a heartfelt conversation with her father. He makes it clear that she is not to blame for the accident and expresses gratitude for her thoughtful nature. Together, they delve into the accident, striving for closure. Angus emerges as a remarkable man and father, starkly contrasting with Mortimer's character.
Later, Cordelia watches her children depart for Oxford, their school tour looming ahead. Ruby receives her invitation letter and celebrates with her jubilant family. The stark contrast between the two families is evident, like the divide between day and night. Ruby's family is filled with joy and support, while Cordelia barely meets her children's gaze, knowing the depths of their unhappiness. She relentlessly piles pressure on James to follow the path they have chosen for him, insisting that he should feel privileged and forsake happiness. James tries to explain, but Cordelia remains indifferent.
Simultaneously, Lydia discovers she is pregnant but resolves to keep it a secret from her mother. The episode draws to a close with Ruby and James arriving at the university and realizing that their rooms are situated beside each other. However, both are determined to ignore the other, a plan that remains to be seen if it will hold.
