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.

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

perfectly, everything could fall apart and someone, somewhere,

a mixture of dread and responsibility. Ruby held onto Stefan’s arm carefully, her other hand pressed against the polished mahogany railing. She could already hear faint voices

time they reached the ground floor, a figure stepped

Elizabeth.

sharp eyes were the first thing Ruby noticed—eyes that always seemed to notice everything without trying. But today, they softened

a calm smile, her heels clicking softly as she

the smile, subtly tightening her grip on Stefan’s arm.

full attention to

replied. "Just a

Elizabeth said, placing a hand briefly on his shoulder. "But it’s good to see

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

over with arms slightly open. "It’s so lovely

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

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

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

her skin. Compliments from Elizabeth always felt layered—like

I think everything’s ready," Regina chimed in. "Shall we head to the

toward the sound of

a few of your favorites," Regina said lightly. "Roasted lamb, mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus—simple but

know all my favorites?" Stefan asked

It was what I met the cooks preparing and when I asked, they said Ivy gave the

of you, babe," Stefan said with a soft

your thoughts," Ruby said remembering how deep

walked beside Stefan, guiding him gently as they followed Regina

crystal glasses sparkling under the chandelier’s light, and a centerpiece of fresh orchids in soft shades of lavender

quietly waiting to serve, their eyes flickering toward the guests

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

of cutlery, the pouring of wine, the low hum of background conversation—it was all smooth, orchestrated, and yet Ruby

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