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.

long enough," she teased, setting the

her eyes and stepped in, setting the tray on the nightstand. "You’re

mashed potatoes, and vegetables. "I

resting her head against the frame. "You have no idea how much acting I

brow, fork already halfway to her mouth. "That

"Elizabeth praised me in front of Stefan. Talked about how I stood up for him at the company and I said I couldn’t just sit there while people

Did you record? I need to hear everything,"

him? Aren’t you scared he might fall for this you or that you might fall for him?" she

I meant it," Ruby whispered,

but didn’t press.

beginning to trust me," Ruby said, her fingers tightening around the edge of the windowsill. "And that scares

Then, with a mischievous grin, she said, "Okay but... what if he’s

alarm flashing across her

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.

laugh it off, but then paused. The idea twisted uncomfortably in

muttered. "He wouldn’t. He’s been—" She

be pretending too? He was the only one that knew about this new her. He’s been the one most suspicious. Could he have hired someone to test her just to be sure she’s his

of what might have happened to his real Ivy or because he was scared of what this substitute wife

doing that. If it were him, then why was he acting as though he believed her now? Was it what she said to him at the wine cellar or because his

observant. And he’s not someone who likes being lied

stomach churned.

"I’m realistic."

for a moment, the tension between them now

her fork down and sat forward, suddenly serious.

shook her head slowly. "Nothing since the last message.

expression turned sharp. "Text him back

Ruby asked in alarm and Rayna

You can tell him you have nothing to hide so you have nothing to fear and he could go to your husband for all you care. In plain terms,

that’s crazy. What if he really

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

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

doesn’t have evidence and there’s no way Stefan

"This feels reckless."