Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 12: Let Me Do That

After their talk about Eliana, Ruby led Stefan back to their bedroom, but the air between them felt heavy. An odd silence settled between them, one that made her uneasy.

She glanced at him, noticing the way his brows were slightly furrowed. Even though he couldn’t see, it was obvious he was still thinking about their conversation. What was on his mind? Was he starting to suspect something?

She needed to change the direction of the day before he asked more questions.

Just as she was about to excuse herself, Stefan tilted his head slightly. "I think I’ll go have a drink or two," he murmured, his fingers lightly grazing the top of his cane.

Ruby tensed.

It was a simple statement, but something about it made her wary. Why did he suddenly need a drink? Was he just in the mood, or was something bothering him? Was he drinking to think—or to forget?

"Should I get it for you?" she offered, keeping her voice light, hoping to keep him close where she could control the situation.

Stefan’s lips curved slightly, but there was something unreadable in his expression. "No need. I want to sit at the bar while having the drink."

Of course, he does. That was exactly what she didn’t want. If he sat there alone, there was always a chance he could pick up on something—some small detail that didn’t align with Ivy’s habits.

She forced a smile and quickly slipped her hand into his. "Fine. I’ll take you," she said, before he could protest.

He didn’t argue, but she could feel his scrutiny as she guided him through the house. His grip on her hand was firm, not as if he needed support, but as if he were testing something. Was he comparing her touch to Ivy’s? Was he trying to figure out if she was truly the woman he had married?

The thought sent a shiver down her spine.

When they reached the wine cellar, she released his hand and moved ahead, her eyes scanning the shelves. She needed to stay ahead of him, to be in control. Without thinking much, she grabbed a bottle and poured him a glass.

She looked down at the label, then at the shelves, and her heart stopped for a second.

There were only a few bottles of this wine left, but there was another bottle—the one with a much higher count.

wasn’t his favorite

naturally, Ivy should know

Damn it.

drink and hesitated, even for a second, he might start

a mistake now—not after

grabbed the glass and downed its contents in one go. The alcohol burned her throat, but she barely reacted. No time for that. fre\e(w)ebn ov.e

up a bottle of Cognac—the one she had deduced was his favorite—and placed it on the small table nearby. Then, she

back to him, she was composed. "Here you go," she said smoothly, handing him the glass. "Aged just the way you

small smirk. "You make it sound as if you chose it

it on the table

a light chuckle. "Of course, I did. What kind of

didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he reached for the bottle, his fingers brushing over the label with slow,

as she watched

changed the drink in

before she said

she said quickly, stepping back

head slightly. "You’re not joining me?" His tone was casual, but then his eyebrow lifted. "I thought you’d be

he known that? From her breath,

of a second before flashing an easy smile. "Not today. I’m exhausted—that’s why I had a glass.

reaching for the corkscrew on the table.

to go, but his voice stopped

"Ivy."

fraction of a second

her. Instead, he focused on

to ask something—anything. But instead, he only

Never mind?

Why did he hold back? What was he thinking? Was he just playing with her? Or was he keeping his thoughts to himself because he already

raced as she tried to decide whether to leave or push