Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 42: No Regrets

Her smile faltered just slightly—barely noticeable—but she didn’t answer right away. She took a bite of the toast, giving herself a moment to think. The sweet cinnamon flavor filled her mouth, but the warmth didn’t quite settle the sudden ache in her chest.

She liked Ethan. That was the problem. She wasn’t supposed to like anyone. Just have fun and leave.

"You know," she said after a pause, "this was supposed to be a one-night thing."

Ethan looked at her. "I figured. But that doesn’t mean it has to be, right? We could just continue this way without putting a name to this...." he said, letting his words trail off.

Rayna sighed and set her fork down. "I usually don’t link up again with my one-night stands. It keeps things clean. Easy."

"But...?" he asked, sensing there was more.

She met his gaze, her expression soft. "But with you... I wouldn’t mind. You’re different."

Hope flickered in his eyes, but before he could speak, she continued.

"That said... maybe we should leave it to fate," she said gently. "If we’re meant to meet again, we will. No pressure. No promises."

Ethan looked at her for a long moment, his jaw tight, but then he nodded. "I get it."

"I’m not saying no," Rayna added quickly, wanting to soften the blow. "I’m just not saying yes right now either."

He let out a soft breath, then leaned back against the headboard, his smile returning—faint but genuine. "You’re something else, Rayna."

"I’ve been told that before," she said with a wink, reclaiming her fork and taking another bite. "Mmm. This is actually really good."

"Glad you approve," Ethan chuckled, reaching for his own cup of coffee. "So... what’s your plan for today?"

She shrugged. "Nothing much. Might head back soon to check on a few things. I didn’t plan to stay out all night, but hey, I don’t regret it."

"Neither do I."

They ate in comfortable silence after that, occasionally exchanging soft smiles or brushing hands as they reached for the cream or jam. It wasn’t awkward, or rushed, or even sad. It was simply... fleeting.

And maybe that was what made it beautiful.

Once breakfast was over and the tray was cleared, Rayna took her bath and got dressed, slipping back into the same black dress from the night before. She fixed her hair in front of the mirror, then glanced at Ethan.

"You’ll be in town long?"

said, watching her with something unreadable in his

not offering anything

his hands shoved in his pockets, as though unsure what to do

"I think it’s better that way. We had a great night. We’ll always

argue. He just gave a small

onto her toes and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. "Thanks for breakfast...

she turned

long after she left, wondering if fate

from there, Ruby stirred slowly, blinking as the warmth of the morning

she didn’t move. Her body still hummed with memories from last night—his touch, his breath, his voice saying words

Stefan lying beside her, but the

in her chest. What now? Where’s he and how do you face the man you

a lock of hair from her face. Her body ached in the most tender way,

Stefan’s side of the bed again

berries, a small bowl of fruit salad, fresh orange juice, and warm toast with just the right amount of butter. A little flower sat in a glass beside the plate—picked from the

soft laugh slipped past her lips. He did this? Was

fingers trembled slightly as she picked up the note placed beside the tray. The

what to do after last night... so I thought I’d try making you smile first

her shoulders eased, and

the quiet. "You’re

turned toward the sound and her heart skipped a beat. Stefan stood just at the entrance of the room, a small smile on his

was in a plain

the sheet higher, shy all over again. But then she remembered—he couldn’t see her. He couldn’t

brushed a hand through

relaxed a little. "Good morning," she said softly, still hugging the

head. "Did you... see the tray?"

her voice warm. "How

smiled fondly. "I asked the chef," he said, walking toward her

not hers. But still... the fact that he

him. She was

perfect," she whispered. "Thank

of the bed, one hand resting near her hip, his fingers

"Don’t be silly. Of course I’m okay. More than

listening to her every breath. He couldn’t see her, but he made her feel seen. He made her feel wanted, cared for, without even asking for anything

bite, and her

that. I wanted to bring it in myself, but I figured I’d probably spill the juice all over

have minded. But... this is really sweet of you,