Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 20

Chapter 20: Dinner

"Stefan?" she called softly.

She found him seated on the edge of the bed, fully dressed in a navy shirt and dark trousers, his head tilted slightly as if listening for her.

"Ivy," he said with a small nod. "I thought you weren’t coming."

Her heart twisted at the way he said it—not accusing, just... disappointed. Was he no longer doubting or suspicious of her?

"I’m sorry," she said, walking over. "I didn’t mean to keep you waiting. I thought Martin would help you down." fre\e(w)ebn ov.e l\. co.m

"He offered," Stefan said, turning toward her voice. "But I wanted to wait for you. You promised you’d be back early so I figured I wait for my darling wife."

Ruby froze for a second, then forced a smile as she stepped closer. "That’s sweet of you, Stefan. I’m here now."

She extended her hand, guiding his fingers into hers. His grip was warm, strong, and somehow trusting in a way that made her chest ache. Perhaps, he had stopped doubting her but what changed?

He stood slowly, and Ruby instinctively moved to support him. His arm slid around hers as they walked together toward the door.

"I like walking with you more now," he said suddenly, almost in a whisper.

She glanced at him, her throat tightening, wondering where that was coming from.

"Before now, you used to say I always walk too fast," he continued with a small chuckle. "But now, now I never feel rushed. You’re patient with me, leading me just how you need me to walk."

Ruby didn’t know what to say. The guilt that had been simmering all evening rose like a tide, and for a second, she couldn’t breathe.

He thinks you’re her. He loves her. And you’re just... a substitute. A substitute to the one his heart knows.

"Thanks and I’ll try to be more patient with you now," she managed to say.

As they reached the stairs, she guided him carefully, step by step. With each one, she felt the weight of her deception settle heavier in her chest.

pretending, smiling, holding his hand

she didn’t play her part perfectly, everything could fall apart and someone, somewhere, was

dread and responsibility. Ruby held onto Stefan’s arm carefully, her other

the ground floor, a figure stepped into

Elizabeth.

elegant twist. Her sharp eyes were the first thing Ruby noticed—eyes that always seemed to notice everything without trying. But today, they softened just a little when they

Elizabeth said with a calm smile, her heels clicking softly as she walked toward them.

her grip on Stefan’s arm. "We were

her full attention to her son.

replied.

it’s good to see you up and dressed. A little dinner

Regina emerging from the hallway. She was already wearing a warm smile that seemed crafted for this very moment—poised, pleasant, a perfect social

smoothly, walking over with arms slightly open. "It’s so

more of a courteous gesture than genuine warmth. Still, they exchanged air kisses, like old acquaintances playing

for dinner," Ruby said quickly, trying to bridge the tension

this since after the wedding," Elizabeth replied, turning to

skin. Compliments from Elizabeth always felt layered—like she was evaluating more than just

in. "Shall we head to the dining

of her voice.

just a few of your favorites," Regina said lightly. "Roasted lamb, mashed potatoes,

favorites?" Stefan

It was what I met the cooks preparing and when I asked, they said Ivy gave the orders," Regina replied, leading the

so sweet of you, babe,"

your thoughts," Ruby said remembering how deep in thoughts he’d been

him gently as they followed Regina and Elizabeth through the

white porcelain plates trimmed in gold, crystal glasses sparkling under

to serve, their eyes

to his right, and she settled into the chair on his

smooth, orchestrated, and yet Ruby felt like she was sitting at a table made of glass. One wrong move, one crack, and

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