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.

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

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

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

the ground floor, a figure stepped into

Elizabeth.

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

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

smile, subtly tightening her grip on Stefan’s

her full attention to her son. "How are

alright," Stefan replied.

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

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 the roles they’d

so glad you came for dinner," Ruby said quickly, trying to bridge

this since after the wedding," Elizabeth replied, turning to Ruby with a smile

beneath her skin. Compliments from Elizabeth

Regina chimed in.

sound of her voice. "What’s for

your favorites," Regina said lightly. "Roasted

Stefan

when I asked, they said Ivy gave the orders," Regina replied, leading

babe,"

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

Regina and Elizabeth

gold, crystal glasses sparkling under the

quietly waiting to serve, their eyes flickering

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

smooth, orchestrated, and yet Ruby felt like she was sitting

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