Chapter 4: Forever

As the car pulled up in front of the grand estate that was now her home, Ruby’s fingers clutched the fabric of her gown tightly.

The reality of her situation settled in her chest like a heavy weight. She had just married a man who thought she was someone else. A man she barely knew. And now, she was expected to live under the same roof with him as his wife.

She stole a glance at Stefan beside her. Even in the dim light, his sharp features were striking. His strong jaw, slightly furrowed brows, and the way his lips pressed into a firm line made him look even more intimidating. He turned his head slightly in her direction, as if sensing her gaze.

"You’ve been quiet," he said, his voice deep and smooth. "Are you still feeling unwell?"

Ruby forced a small smile. "I’m fine. Just... a little overwhelmed."

"That’s understandable," Stefan said as the driver opened the door for them. "It’s been a long day." .com

A butler welcomed them at the door, and Ruby barely heard his formal greetings as they stepped inside. The house was grand, with high ceilings, marble floors, and an air of elegance that screamed wealth. It felt too big, too unfamiliar.

"Come," Stefan said, reaching out. Instinctively, she hesitated before slipping her hand into his. His fingers closed gently around hers, warm and firm. It was such a small gesture, yet it sent an unexpected flutter through her chest.

The butler led them upstairs to their bedroom—their bedroom. Ruby’s heart pounded as the door closed behind them, leaving them alone.

The room was spacious and tastefully decorated, with a large bed in the center. Her gaze immediately locked onto it, and a nervous lump formed in her throat.

Stefan sighed, walking toward the bed with her help before pausing. "You’re still tense."

She forced herself to speak. "It’s just... a lot to take in."

A small, knowing smile touched Stefan’s lips. "I may be blind, but I can still sense things, Ivy."

Ruby stiffened. The way he said that name, so full of warmth and familiarity, made her stomach twist. She didn’t correct him—she couldn’t.

continued. "We can take things at your pace.

crashed over her, but guilt followed quickly after. He was being kind. Understanding. Yet, he didn’t know the

avoiding his gaze—even if he couldn’t see her

with his cane, beginning to unbutton his shirt. "There’s nightwear in the

to the closet, picking out a

herself in the mirror. Dressed in white silk, hair falling over her shoulders, she looked like a bride. But not

hand to her racing heart before stepping back into

near the dresser, her hands gripping the fabric of her

in just t-shirt and sweatpants now.

at least that would save her from being too close

neither of them spoke. The only sound

her direction. "You smell different," he remarked,

the same lotion or body essentials. Her body essentials and other important things had been brought over

small smile, already anticipating where this conversation was going. "I wanted to try something new," she

it," he said and patted the space

only a second before stepping forward, careful not to show her nerves. As soon as she was close enough, Stefan reached out,

he murmured, "but tonight... you’re intoxicating. You

swallowed, her mind racing for a way to escape the moment. But before she could think of anything, Stefan’s hands moved, tracing the curve of her waist, his touch

shoulder. "We should make this night memorable," he whispered, his voice

flew to his chest, stopping him before he could lean in any further. "I—I’m on my period," she blurted out and

brows furrowed slightly. "But you don’t usually see

She hadn’t

said quickly. "These things

was a beat of silence before Stefan

with me," he mused, his tone unreadable though she could see a trace of amusement in

breath hitched. Of course, she wasn’t. Ivy

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