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.

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

everything could fall apart and someone, somewhere, was already watching,

onto Stefan’s arm carefully, her other hand pressed against the polished mahogany railing. She could already hear faint voices from the drawing room—soft, elegant, and unmistakably

time they reached the ground floor, a figure stepped

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

with a calm smile, her heels clicking softly as she walked toward them. "I was

returned the smile, subtly tightening her grip

then turned her full attention to her

replied. "Just

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

of her eye, Ruby noticed Regina emerging from the hallway. She was already wearing a warm smile that seemed crafted

with arms slightly open. "It’s so lovely

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

Ruby said quickly, trying

replied, turning

murmuring a soft thank you, even as her nerves danced beneath her skin. Compliments from Elizabeth always felt layered—like she was evaluating more than just your

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

sound of her voice. "What’s for

Regina said lightly. "Roasted lamb, mashed potatoes, steamed

my favorites?" Stefan asked with a raised

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

babe," Stefan said with a soft

you needed a good meal to keep you away from your thoughts," Ruby said remembering how deep in thoughts he’d been before she

followed Regina and Elizabeth through the wide archway and into the dining

glasses sparkling under

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

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

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

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255