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.

things at your pace. I won’t rush you into

guilt followed quickly after. He was being kind. Understanding. Yet, he didn’t

gaze—even if he couldn’t see

his shirt. "There’s nightwear in the closet. I’ll

the closet, picking out a silk nightgown before rushing into

up after she had finished bathing, she caught sight of herself in the mirror. Dressed in white silk, hair falling

her racing heart before stepping back into the

across the room. Ruby stood near the dresser, her hands gripping the fabric of her silk nightgown as

his bath since he was dressed in just t-shirt and sweatpants now. Seeing him, she couldn’t

who, she was glad someone had helped, at least that would

neither of them spoke. The only sound was

in her direction. "You smell different," he

quickened and she realized that she and her sister didn’t usually use the same lotion or body essentials. Her body essentials and other important things had been brought over to the house by Stefan’s

a small smile, already anticipating where this conversation was going. "I

he said and patted the

stepping forward, careful not to show her nerves. As soon as she was close enough, Stefan reached out, his fingers trailing up her arm before resting

sweet," he murmured, "but tonight...

moment. But before she could think of anything, Stefan’s hands moved, tracing the curve of her waist, his touch firm yet

make this night memorable," he whispered, his

him before he could lean

His brows furrowed slightly. "But you don’t usually see your period at this time of

twisted. She hadn’t

she said quickly. "These things

before Stefan exhaled

me," he mused, his tone unreadable though she could see a

wasn’t. Ivy

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