Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 46

Chapter 46: Biggest Surprise

Mira and Martin exchanged the briefest glance from their places, but neither said a word. Ruby gave herself credit for keeping her cool, though her palms were damp beneath the table.

She turned to Stefan and smiled. "Next time I go, I’ll take you with me."

"To the shelter?" he asked, surprised.

"Yeah," she said, nodding. "You might not be able to see the place, but I think you’d like meeting some of the people there. You could talk to them. Maybe even do something special for the kids."

Stefan gave a soft laugh. "So now you’re pulling me into your new project too?"

"I told you," Ruby teased. "You married the better version of me."

He smiled at that, a slow, genuine smile that made her chest ache again.

Martin quietly stepped forward to offer another slice of meat, and Mira was already clearing some of the empty plates. The staff worked quietly, but Ruby felt their presence like a spotlight.

She couldn’t help but wonder if Mira still suspected something... or if Martin had told Stefan more than he let on. But Stefan didn’t seem tense. He wasn’t analyzing her, wasn’t watching for cracks in her story. He just looked like a man who believed every word she said.

I have to be careful, Ruby thought. One slip, and everything will fall apart.

Yet even now, she felt a small pang of guilt.

He said he was proud of me, she whispered inwardly. And I lied right to his face.

But there was no other choice. Not yet.

As the dinner wound down and the plates were cleared, Ruby rose and helped guide Stefan out of the dining room. His fingers brushed hers lightly, and he smiled again.

"I like this side of you," he said softly. "The thoughtful, giving one."

Ruby laughed lightly. "So you’re saying I wasn’t thoughtful before?"

"You were but nothing compared to now." he replied. "I love every bit of you now, babe."

Her heart skipped again.

If only you knew who I really am, she thought. Would you still think the change is good or that you love me? Or would you hate me for lying to you every single day?

But she didn’t say any of that aloud.

Instead, she leaned into his side just a little and whispered, "If changing made you fall even harder then I’ll keep changing for the better so you fall until you can’t stand no more," she teased and Stefan laughed.

"I don’t mind being lame in love, baby. As long as you’re here and it’s with you."

And together, they walked down the hall—Stefan with hope in his heart, and Ruby with the growing weight of a truth she wasn’t ready to tell.

The next morning, Ruby woke to the soft sound of Stefan’s voice calling her name.

dressed in a light shirt and

morning," she mumbled, smiling

said, moving closer to the bed.

at him, confused but curious. "Is that why

said, a teasing

Winters, you know

you loved them? Fine, you’ll love this one.

help the

downstairs. The driver was already waiting by the car. Martin was there too, standing by Stefan’s

and got in beside Stefan, her curiosity

long, but it felt like

going somewhere crowded?" she

"Nope," Stefan said, smiling.

restaurant?" she

stop asking for hints,

seat with a soft groan. "You’re enjoying this

am," Stefan admitted without shame and

out, holding Stefan’s hand as Martin guided him carefully. She looked around and realized they were at a tall building. The driver pointed them toward a private elevator. Martin pressed the button, and up they

heart pounded

rooftop, the doors opened to reveal a wide, open space. The view was breathtaking. She could see the whole city of Zeden—the tall buildings, the

turned to Stefan in awe. "Stefan... it’s

soft smile touched his lips. "I’m glad you think so. This used to be my favorite place," he said quietly. "Whenever things got too much... I’d come

that. She looked at him, at the

still feel it," she said gently. "The wind, the

brushing against her cheek. His touch was feather-light, as if memorizing her features all over

could see you right now," Stefan whispered, his voice

you could too. So we

knowing that I saw you before all this happened. If I

a little to cover

crazier without you,"

thinking, she stood on her toes and pressed a kiss against his lips. It was supposed to be light, sweet. But somewhere between the press of their lips and the way his arms wrapped gently around her waist, something inside

the

froze, immediately. Her heart hammered painfully

What did I just say? She thought,

his arms around her, pulling her

you too,

shut. The moment felt like a dream—beautiful

just a feeling anymore. She had said it.

could never take it

him tightly, trying to

everything, she told herself. Your

him close, she knew a part of her would never stop being

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255