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.

meant... this wasn’t

naturally, Ivy should know something as basic as

Damn it.

acted too quickly, assuming instead of checking. If he tasted the drink and hesitated, even for

to make a mistake now—not after all the little slip-ups

The alcohol burned her throat, but she barely reacted. No time for

favorite—and placed it on the small table nearby. Then,

she turned back to him, she was composed. "Here you go," she said

lips curled into a small smirk. "You make it sound as if you chose it just for

tightened slightly around the glass before she placed it on the

"Of course, I did. What kind of wife would I be if

his fingers brushing over the label with slow, deliberate movements. He’s

breath caught as she watched him. Was he testing

changed the drink in

before she

enjoy your drink," she said quickly, stepping back

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

he known that? From her

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

reaching

go, but his voice

"Ivy."

just a fraction of a second before she turned back.

focused on uncorking the bottle, his

of her expected him to ask something—anything. But instead, he only said,

Never mind?

back? What was he thinking? Was he just playing with her? Or was he

to leave or push for an answer. But pushing might make