Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 25: Risky Game

The golden morning light spilled softly across the floor as Ruby stirred beneath the sheets, her head resting near the crook of Stefan’s shoulder.

For once, there was no urgency in her heart, no dread curling in her stomach. Just a strange kind of peace.

Stefan’s even breathing and the slow rise and fall of his chest were the only sounds filling the room, and for a moment, she simply lay there... breathing it all in.

The quiet wouldn’t last forever—she knew that. But for now, it was enough.

When she shifted to sit up, Stefan stirred beside her. "You’re awake already?" he murmured, voice rough with sleep.

Ruby turned to look at him, brushing her hair back from her face. "Yeah... been up a little while." free.webn\ove(l)(.)c(o)m

"You could’ve stayed," he said, his hand reaching for hers. "It’s early."

"I know," she smiled gently, lacing her fingers with his. "But I was thinking... we should go to the office today. You need to know how things are going around there."

Stefan’s brow quirked in amusement. "What?" he never would’ve thought Ivy would wake up one day and say they should go to the office.

"I said—"

"I heard you the first time, babe," he chuckled, pulling her closer. "It’s just... most newlyweds take the week off after their wedding. You know, enjoy their honeymoon phase. Especially when there was no honeymoon."

She laughed softly. "Well, I guess we’re not most newlyweds."

Stefan shook his head in disbelief, still smiling. "You’re serious? I really want us to stay, baby. I can’t believe you’re always the one forcing me to work now."

Ruby nodded and then giggled. "I am and that’s because work keeps things normal. And right now, I could use a little normal."

Stefan’s expression softened at her words. He could hear the subtle undercurrent in her tone—this wasn’t just about a work ethic. This was her trying to hold things together, in his stead. She was really trying to step up and he really admired that.

he said, mock surrender in his voice, "then I guess I’ve got no

him gently. "Good.

toast, and fruit—Ruby slipped back into her room under the guise of looking for earrings, her real

knocked softly twice against the closet door before easing it

a prisoner, I’m

her the food. "You’re lucky no one else saw you sneak in last night and no one saw me sneaking food in. What would I have said was my excuse? That I probably didn’t have my fill?

grabbed the toast greedily when her eyes fell on it. "Is this strawberry jam? God,

Ruby said,

you weren’t even supposed to be married yesterday. Now you’re going to work like the perfect little wife? You’re taking this marriage thing a little too seriously. Don’t you think? Besides, I don’t think Ivy would’ve done any of

to do. Besides, I’m not Ivy. I’m me and I can’t stay, knowing how much he loved his

alright? I mean, with Stefan? Last night you looked

sat on the edge of the bed. "Actually... I think I’m

both brows, surprised. "Oh? Tell me, what did he say? How did it go? Infact, why

care about me or just care for the juicy details you always get from me. Hope you’re not using it in any

Rub. You know I care about you but it’s the juicy details I live for. So? What happened? How did it

I switched so I figured it was really him—or someone close to him that sent me those texts," Ruby continued. "But after what we talked about last night... I don’t think he’s

trust him now? You don’t feel on edge around him

better. So I’ve made up my mind—no more playing pretend. I’ll still be Ivy in name, but from now on,

whistle. "That’s a risky

again. "But I need to know—when this ends, if it does—at least he fell for the

firm nod. "You’ve got guts, Rubs.

won’t," Ruby said, offering her friend a small, tired smile. "That’s the one

door, where Stefan was already waiting, cane in one hand, the other reaching out instinctively when

"You ready?" he asked.

slipping her hand into

they walked out together—husband and wife, partners in a web of truth and lies—Ruby whispered

time. Before long, a year