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?"

and gave him a weak smile.

like sugar and even more when you’re on your period," he said casually, reaching for

about that lie. She’d only said it to avoid sleeping with him on their wedding night. It had already

Four days...

don’t crave it this time," she mumbled, trying to act cool,

keep this up? Sooner or later, he’d expect... well,

read out the proposals.

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

raised an eyebrow. "Well,

Suit yourself," he said, leaning back slightly as she opened the first

so, their day began. Side by side. A strange partnership that wasn’t quite fake but wasn’t fully real either. Every moment was a quiet game of

emptied out except for a few late workers scattered here

surprisingly focused for someone who was blind. He listened carefully as she read out the final proposal of the day, nodding

and placed it in the stack beside her.

in his chair and stretched his

I did most of the

"I could get used to

the way he said it. Ruby tried

gave a small nod, the smile still

bad for someone who has

gently. "You’re learning fast. Or maybe you’re just better

stood up, brushing down the simple black dress she’d worn. "Come on," she said, walking around the desk to help him up. "Let’s go grab dinner.

"Eating out? You’re full of

linking her arm with his. "Maybe

were still in the building bowed their heads respectfully. Ruby returned their greetings without hesitation. Her tone was warm, her smile soft. It wasn’t hard

Ruby gave the driver directions to a quiet restaurant she’d seen once before. "They have a

sound like you’ve been planning

had the time to go

head. "Is that what this is? Taking me

on a dinner date even though we’re in work

a beat. The reason for it was totally unknown to her. Was it the smile or how his eye crinkled at the corners indicating the

flicker by. Though she was feeling funny, the quiet between

skyline, city lights twinkling like stars. They were seated at a private corner table, away from other

brought out their order—grilled steak for Stefan, seafood pasta for her. Ruby took her time, watching how Stefan carefully felt his way around the plate, cutting

that, instead she thought of something else to talk about. Something they could talk and she’d get to

childhood. Both the memories you’ve told me about and the ones you haven’t," she said

a story about Oliver tripping over a chair during a board meeting and how no one