After a romantic high at Oxford, Ruby Bell’s world is about to come crashing down. James Beaufort is hiding a devastating family secret that threatens to pull them apart just as they’ve found each other. With the second season arriving this week, here is a complete refresher on the drama that left everyone on a cliffhanger.
How Ruby and James Went From Enemies to Lovers
The story begins at the elite Maxton Hall boarding school, where scholarship student Ruby Bell first crosses paths with the wealthy and entitled James Beaufort. Their relationship gets off to a terrible start when Ruby discovers a secret about James’s twin sister, Lydia. She sees Lydia kissing a teacher, a scandal that could damage the family’s fashion empire.
James immediately tries to bribe Ruby to keep quiet. When she refuses his money and promises not to tell anyone, James only becomes more suspicious. He clashes with Ruby constantly, creating a strong rivalry between them. The school principal later forces them to work together to organize a donation gala, and this is where their dynamic begins to change.
While preparing for the Victorian-themed party, James takes Ruby to one of his family’s fashion archives in London. They start to see different sides of each other, and a slow-burn romance begins to develop. Their connection culminates in a dramatic kiss at the gala itself, which is witnessed by James’s father, Mortimer Beaufort.
The Heartbreaking Breakup and Oxford Reunion
James’s father strongly disapproves of his relationship with Ruby. He views her family’s financial status as beneath them and threatens to ruin Ruby’s life if James does not end things. To protect her, James pushes Ruby away without any explanation, leaving her confused and hurt.
The story then jumps to their first days at Oxford University. Both Ruby and James are there for interviews, and they try their best to avoid each other. The tension between them finally boils over during a question session, where a jealous James provokes an argument. Ruby calls him a coward and accuses him of being just like his father.
James follows Ruby back to her dorm, where they have an emotional confrontation. He admits he still wants her and finally tells the truth about his father’s threats. After this honest conversation, they reconcile, share a passionate kiss, and spend the night together. They promise to face any future challenges together, with Ruby encouraging James to stand up to his father and choose his own path.
The Season-Ending Cliffhanger That Changes Everything
After their romantic weekend, Ruby returns home happy and hopeful. She finds her family in good spirits, having installed a new stairlift for her father, and she shares her exciting news about Oxford.
James and Lydia, however, return home to a tragedy. Their father informs them that their mother, Cordelia, has died of a stroke the previous day. James and Lydia are devastated and angry that their father did not tell them immediately. Mortimer appears cold and more concerned with business calls than his children’s grief.
An enraged James physically attacks his father before being pulled away by their chauffeur, Percy. Overwhelmed, James goes to Ruby’s house, hoping to find comfort. But as he looks through the window, he sees Ruby laughing happily with her family. He makes the painful decision not to interrupt her joy and walks away into the night, leaving their future together uncertain.
Other Key Stories to Remember
Lydia’s Pregnancy: In the finale, Lydia discovers she is pregnant with her former teacher’s child. After a heart-to-heart with Ruby at Oxford, she decides to keep the baby and become a single mother while attending university. She tries to call her mother to share the news, but the message is never heard due to the sudden tragedy.
The Show’s Global Success: Since its debut in May 2024, the German-produced series became a worldwide hit on Prime Video. It broke records to become the platform’s most-watched international original series, topping charts in over 120 countries. The quick and overwhelming fan response led to a very early renewal for a second season.
When to Watch the New Season
The next chapter of Ruby and James’s story is almost here. Maxton Hall – The World Between Us Season 2 will premiere on November 7, 2025. The first three episodes will be released that day on Prime Video. New episodes will then arrive weekly, with the season finale scheduled for November 28, 2025.
Also Read: Maxton Hall Season 2: Release Date, Plot, Cast and Everything You Need to Know
