Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 26: Learning You

Naomi scoffed. "You’re telling me. I never thought I’d see the day she’d ask for coffee herself or be so polite about it. Usually, she acts like people should worship the ground she walks on."

Oliver chuckled. "Maybe the marriage fixed something or perhaps, the accident. I never would’ve thought."

Naomi frowned. "Me too. I guess that’s why Stefan was asking strange questions yesterday."

Oliver’s curiosity was instantly piqued. He started walking with her toward the break room. "What questions?"

Naomi gave a quick glance around, then lowered her voice. "He asked if the woman with him yesterday was really Ivy. Can you imagine that?"

Oliver let out a low laugh. "Seriously? Could it be that bad?"

Naomi nodded. "Dead serious. I was as surprised as you are now."

"Well," Oliver smirked, "whoever she is, I hope she keeps it up. It’s nice not having to walk on eggshells around here. If she’s going to be coming to the office often as I think she is, we could all use a calmer version of Ivy."

Naomi rolled her eyes. "Tell me about it. I hope she doesn’t change back to that Ivy."

They grabbed the coffee and headed back. When they returned, Oliver veered off into his own office while Naomi knocked softly and entered with a tray.

Ruby was flipping through a thin file when she looked up. "Thanks, Naomi. You can read out the schedule." fr.e ewe.bno.vel .com

Naomi placed the tray down, then took out her notepad. "There’s not much for today, since we assumed Mr. Winters would be away. Just a call with the Tokyo branch at 3 PM and two proposals needing review and signature."

As she spoke, Ruby took a sip of her coffee... and almost choked. The taste was overwhelmingly sweet. She swallowed hard and smiled through the moment, even though her tongue was practically coated in sugar.

She’d almost forgotten how much Ivy loved really sweet things.

Naomi didn’t seem to notice and continued reading. Once she was done, she placed two folders in front of Stefan and stepped back.

Ruby cleared her throat gently. "Naomi... next time, please, remember not to add so much sugar and cream."

Naomi blinked. "Oh, was it bad? I’m so sorry. I thought I made it exactly the way you like it."

Ruby hesitated for a beat. "It’s fine. Just... that I don’t like that much sugar anymore."

Naomi tilted her head but didn’t press. "Alright. I’ll remember that." With that, she gave a nod and left the room.

As soon as the door shut, Stefan turned slightly toward Ruby. "You don’t like sugar now?"

bit her lip and gave him a weak

when you’re on your period," he

to avoid sleeping with him on their wedding night. It had already

Four days...

this time," she mumbled, trying

long could she keep this up? Sooner or

cleared her throat and quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, I’ll help you read out the proposals. You can tell me what

how to sign them. That way, you’ll learn something new

raised an eyebrow. "Well, I don’t think

leaning back slightly as she opened the

strange partnership that wasn’t quite fake but wasn’t fully real either. Every moment was a quiet game of balance—of secrets, of slowly building trust, and

except for a few late workers scattered here

listened carefully as she read out the final proposal of the

and placed it in the stack beside

leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms. "Feels like we just

I did most of the

chuckled. "I could get used

it. Ruby tried to ignore the fluttering in

gave a small nod, the smile still

who has no clue about

maybe you’re just

said, walking around the desk to help him

raised a brow. "Eating out? You’re full of

smiled, linking her arm

the building bowed their heads respectfully. Ruby returned their greetings without hesitation. Her tone

a quiet restaurant

you’ve been planning

Just hadn’t had the time to

his head. "Is that what this is? Taking me for

baby. To me, we’re going on a dinner date even though we’re in work clothes," she said and Stefan

her. Was

and then turned to the window and watched the lights of the city flicker by. Though she

as she hoped. The rooftop had a view that stretched across the skyline, city lights twinkling like stars. They were seated at a

brought out their order—grilled steak for Stefan, seafood pasta for her. Ruby took her time, watching how Stefan carefully felt

that, instead she thought of something else to talk about. Something they could talk

told me about and the ones

over a chair during a board