Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 33: Mr Observant

The night had fallen gently over the Winters estate, wrapping the vast house in soft shadows and silence.

The sky outside was a velvety blanket of midnight blue, dotted with stars that twinkled faintly like whispers of forgotten stories.

Inside the house, the mood was quieter still. Stefan was in their bedroom, seated on the edge of the bed, his fingers wrapped loosely around a mug of warm tea Martin had handed him a while ago.

He tilted his head slightly toward the window, listening to the sound of wind brushing against the trees. fre.ewebnov el.com

Ruby wasn’t there yet and he wondered where she was or what she was doing.

After a while, her footsteps echoed lightly down the hall, but instead of entering the bedroom, she paused at a different door and gently knocked before opening the door.

The door creaked open, revealing Rayna sitting on the edge of the bed, flipping through a magazine absentmindedly. She looked up, and a small smile curved her lips.

"You’re not sleeping?" Ruby asked, stepping in and closing the door behind her.

Rayna shook her head. "Not yet. Just thinking."

Ruby walked over and sat beside her on the bed. "I figured I’d check in before turning in."

Rayna looked over at her, the light from the lamp reflecting in her soft brown eyes. "That’s good. How was work today?"

Ruby sighed, rubbing her palms together. "Eventful. We finally found a loophole in the contract. Turns out this almighty Mr Sherlock can be held accountable if safety measures aren’t met, and that gives us grounds to terminate."

Rayna blinked in surprise. "Wow. That’s good news."

"It is. Stefan’s handling things really well," Ruby said, her voice warm with quiet pride. "He called for a meeting with Mr Sherlock but the man’s refusing to show. Still, Stefan’s not backing down."

Rayna smiled softly. "I’m glad. He made a promise to those workers, and it’s good to see him keep it."

Ruby nodded, eyes softening. "Yeah. It feels good watching him fight for something that matters. Makes me feel like we’re doing something right."

"You’re in love with him, Rub," Rayna observed and chuckled when Ruby didn’t deny it immediately.

"I guess it’s a good thing. But what happens after the one year is over?" Rayna asked abd Ruby shrugged.

"We’ll figure it out by then," she said and Rayna sighed.

"I just don’t want you to get hurt," Rayna said and Ruby smiled weakly.

"I also don’t want that," she said with a sigh.

There was a brief silence before Rayna shifted slightly, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her top.

about earlier," she said, her tone a

fully, eyebrows raised. "You mean...

to the hotel first—just for a few days—and then I’ll look for

quietly, searching her friend’s face.

said gently. "But I’ve thought about it. You and Stefan need space, and honestly... I need mine too. I don’t want to keep

swallowed, emotions prickling at the edges of her chest. "God. We can just tell Stefan you’re my friend and want to

forgetting that you can visit me?" Rayna asked with a shake of her head. "Besides, what happens when I need some vitamin D?" she asked with a

and then sighed. "Okay. So... when are you thinking

"I’ll leave after you and Stefan leave

sneaking out without me driving

gave a sheepish shrug. "Oh! I

shook her head. "Why would you when you’re already thinking of some man. Let’s move it to Saturday. I’ll take you myself.

smiled. "Okay. Saturday it

I should get back to Stefan before he starts

chuckled. "He probably already misses

rolled her eyes with a smile. "He’s not

raised an eyebrow and said nothing, her

the doorknob. "Goodnight, Rayna.

what?" Rayna asked, tilting her

softly. "For

smile faded into something

left quietly, the echo of that promise lingering behind

in a warm golden hue from the wall sconces as Ruby made her

down, and everyone had retreated to their corners. She paused for a moment at

his usual navy sleep shirt and loose cotton pants. He tilted his head toward the door as she

I heard you open your door earlier," he said casually, his

guard by how attuned he was to every sound around him. She

pick up some clothes," she

lips curved into a

heart skipped a

Then, before she could respond, he tilted his head and added with a teasing lilt, "Was it the red

her cheeks immediately heating. A surprised laugh bubbled from her lips. "What? No!" she exclaimed, walking further into the

said with a mock sigh, turning his face slightly in her direction. "I

she held onto the armchair by the wall. "Well, you can un-hope them right back. That’s not happening

tell me you’re suddenly shy," he teased, his tone light but curious. "We were already having sex before our wedding,

"Yeah, I know," she said, her voice softer now. "But... I don’t

"And that makes it harder? Isn’t it supposed to make it easier? Knowing I’m yours legally

Ruby replied. "It’s not about you. It’s me. I just

get that," Stefan said with a nod. "And if that’s what you want, then

him, touched by his willingness