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 like

part perfectly, everything could fall apart and someone, somewhere, was already watching, waiting to expose

last few steps felt longer than they should have, each one filled with a mixture of dread and responsibility. Ruby held onto Stefan’s arm carefully, her

the ground floor, a

Elizabeth.

hair swept into an elegant twist. Her sharp eyes were the

she walked toward them. "I was beginning to wonder if I’d

her grip

attention to her son. "How are you

Stefan replied. "Just a

his shoulder. "But it’s good to see you up and dressed. A little dinner will

emerging from the hallway. She was already wearing a warm smile that seemed crafted for this very

walking over with arms slightly open.

her embrace was more of a courteous gesture than genuine warmth. Still, they exchanged air kisses, like old acquaintances playing the roles they’d learned long

glad you came for dinner," Ruby said quickly, trying to bridge the tension she felt creeping

possibly miss it when I was the one that initiated it. We’ve not gathered like this since after the wedding," Elizabeth replied, turning to Ruby with a smile that, while kind, held a trace of something unreadable. "You look lovely, dear. That color

soft thank you, even as her nerves danced beneath her skin. Compliments from Elizabeth

chimed in. "Shall we head to the dining

sound of her voice. "What’s for

of your favorites," Regina said lightly. "Roasted lamb, mashed

all my favorites?" Stefan asked with a

what I met the cooks preparing and when I asked, they

babe," Stefan said with a

to keep you away from your thoughts," Ruby said remembering

gently as they followed Regina and Elizabeth through

porcelain plates trimmed in gold, crystal glasses sparkling under the chandelier’s light, and a centerpiece of fresh orchids

stood to the side, quietly waiting to serve,

right, and she settled into the chair on

low hum of background conversation—it was all smooth, orchestrated, and yet Ruby felt like she was sitting at a table made of glass. One

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