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.

she could keep doing this — pretending, smiling, holding his hand like it was hers to hold. But

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

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 other hand pressed against the polished mahogany railing. She

they reached the ground floor, a

Elizabeth.

dressed in a slate-gray tailored dress that fit her slender frame perfectly, her dark hair swept into an elegant twist. Her sharp eyes were the first thing Ruby noticed—eyes that always seemed to notice everything without trying.

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

her grip on

full attention to

replied.

briefly on his shoulder. "But it’s

eye, Ruby noticed Regina emerging from the hallway. She was already wearing

walking over with arms slightly

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

dinner," Ruby said quickly, trying to bridge

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.

as her nerves danced beneath her skin. Compliments

think everything’s ready," Regina chimed in. "Shall we

of her voice. "What’s for

few of your favorites," Regina said lightly. "Roasted

Stefan

cooks preparing and when I asked, they said Ivy gave the orders,"

so sweet of you, babe,"

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

they followed Regina and Elizabeth

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

stood to the side, quietly waiting to serve, their eyes flickering toward

helped Stefan into his seat at the head of the table while Elizabeth took the spot to his right, and she settled into the chair on his left. Regina sat opposite her, her posture graceful and proud, as if tonight was

cutlery, the pouring of wine, the 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 wrong move,

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