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?"

weeks," he said, watching her with

nodded, not

though unsure what

him, her eyes soft. "I think it’s better that way. We had a great night.

didn’t argue. He just

gentle kiss to his cheek. "Thanks for

she turned and walked

at the door long after she left, wondering if fate would really be

as the warmth of the morning touched her

Her body still hummed with memories from last night—his touch, his breath, his voice saying words that melted her

but

Where’s he

from her face. Her body ached in the most tender way, but her heart was even more

raised her head slightly, glancing at Stefan’s side

fruit salad, fresh orange juice, and warm toast with just the right amount of butter. A little flower sat in a glass

a soft laugh slipped past her lips. He

up the note placed beside the tray. The handwriting was bold

do after last night... so I thought I’d try making you smile first thing in the morning. —Your

in her shoulders

the quiet. "You’re

sound and her heart skipped a beat. Stefan stood just at the entrance of the room,

and he was in a plain

then she remembered—he couldn’t see her. He couldn’t see her messy hair or the blush burning

a hand through her hair

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

head. "Did you... see

she said, her

walking toward her slowly.

tray again. It was Ivy’s favorite and not hers. But still... the fact that he even thought to do it, that he remembered something

heart to fault him. She was Ivy to him after

perfect," she whispered. "Thank

bed, one hand resting near her hip, his

silly. Of course

way he tilted his head slightly as if 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

bite, and her smile

chuckled. "Glad to hear that. I wanted to bring it in myself, but I figured I’d probably spill the juice

have minded. But... this is really sweet