Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 45: Charity

Ruby walked slowly through the grand doors of the mansion, the soft scent of lavender and mint still clinging to her skin from the spa oils.

The calming music from the spa echoed faintly in her mind, but the moment she stepped into the cool, quiet hallway of the Winters estate, her thoughts returned to Stefan.

Her heels clicked softly against the marble floor as she made her way upstairs. The house was quieter than usual, almost too quiet. She passed a few maids along the way, each offering a polite nod and greeting. She nodded back, trying to keep her face calm even though her heart still felt heavy after dropping Rayna off.

She’ll be okay, Ruby told herself again. Rayna’s smart and strong. She’ll fix things.

She paused outside the study door and gently knocked.

"Come in," came Stefan’s deep, steady voice.

Ruby smiled a little to herself and pushed open the door.

Stefan was sitting in the armchair by the fireplace, a book resting on the small table beside him even though he couldn’t read it—not without help. His head turned in her direction the moment she entered.

"Babe," he said with a smile that made Ruby’s stomach twist gently, "you’re back."

"Yeah," she said softly, stepping in and closing the door behind her. "I just came back from the spa."

"How was it?" he asked, tilting his head toward her. Though he hadn’t believed she was leaving him after what Martin said, a part of him felt relieved she came back.

"It was relaxing," Ruby replied as she walked over to him. "Exactly what I needed."

"Did you go with that friend you mentioned earlier?" he asked, curious. "The one you said you meet online?"

Ruby hesitated just a second before nodding. "Yes. But she left already. Had to go back to Florittle."

"Florittle?" Stefan repeated, a small chuckle escaping his lips. "Isn’t that where your sister lives?"

Ruby’s heart skipped. Crap. She thought. How could she not had thought he’d mention her? .com

She forced a casual smile. "Yes, actually. That’s part of how we became friends. She saw my profile on IG and mistook me for Ruby. That was how we started talking. When she came to Zeden for business, she decided to meet up with me and then we clicked."

Stefan laughed softly, leaning back into the chair. "So, you really are that identical, huh?"

She was so sure I was Ruby, she didn’t

I guess I’m glad I wasn’t the only one

we got you a teacher? Someone

brows slightly. "You mean

voice brighter. "Exactly. There are people trained to teach that. You could start learning now instead of waiting to see if your vision comes

in his head. "You know... I hadn’t thought of that," he admitted. "I guess I never planned for being blind this long. I had the money and all. Never knew

gaze softened. "Well, it might. But while we wait, it wouldn’t hurt to learn

slowly. "You’re right. It is a good idea. Thank you... for thinking of

sat on the edge of the armrest beside him and looked down at him, her heart fluttering again like it always did when he looked up at her like that—as if

said, grinning, "it’s a good

is," he replied softly, his voice

knock came at the door. A maid poked

sir. Ma’am. Dinner is

stood and nodded. "Thank you. We’ll

maid bowed slightly and disappeared. Ruby turned back

before the food gets

slowly. "As long as you promise not to

a playful laugh as she guided

by side through the halls, Ruby carefully matching her steps to his. Even though he couldn’t see her, Stefan always seemed to know where she was, and his presence beside

room, she glanced up

if someone slips

her hand lightly then,

I can learn Braille?" he

at him with a reassuring smile. "I know

together they stepped into the warm light of the dining room and took

their meal, the dining room was filled with the soft clinking of silverware and quiet hum of warm conversation. The golden chandelier above cast a gentle glow over the table, and the scent of roasted chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and

confidence that made her chest tighten just a little. He was adjusting to his blindness far better than she could’ve imagined, and that made it even

behind Stefan, as always, composed and observant like the perfect valet. Ruby tried not

Stefan turned his head

conversation already in progress. "Earlier today, Mira mentioned seeing you with a box into your car and that you took the back

froze for the