Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 22: Fuck You

Downstairs, Elizabeth and Regina were waiting near the grand doors, coats in hand and shoes clicking lightly against the marble floor.

Regina looked up as Ruby approached. "That was brilliant," she whispered with a proud smile. "Absolutely brilliant."

Elizabeth gave a rare nod of approval. "He’s beginning to believe. But don’t let your guard down. He’s smart. If anything feels off, he’ll notice."

Ruby exhaled, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress. "It’s not easy... being someone I’m not."

"It was never going to be," Elizabeth said coolly. "But you’ve managed better than we could have hoped. Just treat him better, the way you would a lover. Only difference is, you’d have to break up in a year so put that at the back of your mind."

Regina stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Ruby’s arm. "Yes, I agree with Elizabeth. Now that he’s starting to trust you, this is the time to show him love. Real affection. Even if it’s uncomfortable. You need to erase the remaining doubt, not by words but by your affection and actions."

Ruby looked between them, her heart heavy. "And what if I slip? What if he sees something I miss or what if I show him too much love than Ivy did?"

"Then you cover it up with care," Elizabeth said. "You distract him with tenderness. That’s how people fall in love... even with strangers. Besides, he’d only be happy if you show him more love, not suspect you."

Ruby swallowed hard. This wasn’t just a performance anymore—it was becoming real. Stefan was beginning to trust her. And that trust... terrified her.

"I’ll try," she whispered.

"You’re doing more than trying," Regina said gently. "You’re surviving. And one day, this will all be behind us."

Ruby nodded, her voice caught in her throat. As the door opened and the night breeze whispered in, she watched the two women disappear into the dark, leaving her alone in the vast, silent foyer.

But upstairs, in the room where Stefan waited, the real challenge was just beginning.

Though she had told herself she would be genuine with her feelings for him since he deserved a genuine heart, how was she going to go about it?

Doing all of that was at her own risk and what would happen if her sister ever returned? Would she be willing to leave Stefan vulnerable and aline with her knowing she could leave him at will?

The house had grown quiet. Dinner had ended, the guests had left, and Stefan was resting peacefully in his room—trusting her, believing in her. Ruby had dimmed the lights in the hallway, her steps soft as she carried a covered tray down the back corridor toward her quarters where Rayna was staying hidden.

She gave a light knock, then opened the door.

Rayna sat cross-legged on the bed, flipping through her notebook. Her eyes brightened at the sight of Ruby.

enough," she teased, setting the

on the nightstand. "You’re lucky I even snuck you

chuckled as she lifted the lid, revealing roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and vegetables.

chair near the window, resting her head against the frame. "You

halfway to her mouth. "That good,

him at the company and I said I couldn’t just sit there while people questioned

that? Where’s your phone? Did you record? I need to hear everything," Rayna said and

in front of him? Aren’t you scared he might fall for this you or that you might fall

I meant it," Ruby whispered, almost to herself. "It wasn’t just

gave her a look, but didn’t press. "So he’s buying

beginning to trust me," Ruby said, her fingers tightening around the edge of the

a mischievous grin, she said, "Okay but... what if he’s just pretending to believe you? What if Stefan suspects you’re not Ivy and he’s

eyes snapped to her, alarm flashing

playfully. "I mean, think about it. You show up all weird, flustered, acting different, and I bet you’ve not had sex with him. Ivy would have happily done that by now. He’s blind, not stupid, Rub. What if this is all a setup? What if he’s

to respond, ready to laugh it off, but then paused. The idea twisted uncomfortably in her

way," Ruby muttered. "He wouldn’t.

about this new her. He’s been the one most suspicious. Could

Was it because he was scared of what might have happened to

believed her now? Was it what she said to

then looked at Ruby and shrugged. "You said it yourself. He’s observant. And he’s not someone who likes

churned.

"I’m realistic."

quiet for a moment, the tension between them

suddenly serious. "Have you heard anything else from the

her head slowly. "Nothing since the

expression turned sharp. "Text him

asked in alarm and Rayna

he texts you again, you’ll involve your husband and make sure he’s caught. You can tell him you have nothing to hide so you have nothing to fear and

crazy. What if

Maybe he’s just trying to scare you. Show some backbone, Ruby. Push back. What’s the worst that can happen? He already thinks he has control over you. Flip the script. I bet if it’s really Stefan, he’d stop when you show you don’t care what your blackmailer thinks and that if truly you weren’t his wife, you’d asked what

pounded. "What if it’s not Stefan? What if

Besides, the person doesn’t have evidence and there’s no way Stefan would ask to see ’your twin’ just to prove

"This feels reckless."