Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 49: Helplessness

Later that evening, after Ethan left and the house settled into a quiet hum, Ruby found herself sitting at the edge of the bed, waiting for Stefan, who was downstairs having a few drinks.

She glanced at her phone which was in her hand, and her heart felt heavy as Rayna’s thoughts crossed her mind.

She had promised Rayna she would call last night, but she hadn’t seen the time. She should’ve also called earlier today but then, so much had happened — the dance, the unexpected visit from Ethan, the confusing emotions swirling inside her— everything had made her lost track of time.

How was she now? How was the case? Had she been able to resolve the case or was it still on? Were they charging her to court? Her mind buzzed with questions she knew only Rayna could answer and she sighed.

Feeling guilty, Ruby quickly dialed Rayna’s number, pressing the phone close to her ear.

It rang only twice before Rayna answered, her voice sounding tired and strained.

"Hello?"

"Rayna," Ruby said softly. "I’m so sorry. I should have called you last night. Things got a little crazy here..."

There was a small pause on the other end, then a soft, weary laugh.

"It’s okay, Rubes. I figured you were busy," she said as she pushed away from her laptop.

Ruby’s chest tightened at how exhausted her best friend sounded. It wasn’t like Rayna to sound this defeated. Normally, she was full of energy, even when she was stressed. It just goes to show how much this was weighing on her.

"I still feel awful," Ruby said. "I’ve been thinking about you all day. How are things going with... you know, everything?"

Rayna let out a long, shaky sigh. "Not great," she admitted. "Not great at all."

to a

date sooner than we thought," Rayna said. "My lawyer’s doing what he can to stall, but they’re being aggressive. They filed another motion today, claiming I cost the

hand flying to her mouth.

Rayna said, her voice breaking a little. "But proving that? It’s not so easy. They have money, Ruby. They have fancy lawyers who know how to twist things and make it look like we’re some

her eyes tightly, trying to push down the anger and helplessness rising in

you," she said fiercely. "You’re the most hardworking, loyal person I know. How could one mistake put you in this kind of situation. I bet they’ve been looking for

tired laugh, but this one was tinged with sadness. "Yeah, I

doing or saying about all

I hired her so it’s my responsibility but disappearing the way she did? It’s almost like she knowingly did

heavy and painful. Ruby hated being so far away. She hated knowing her best friend was

I can do?" Ruby asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Rayna said. "Just... being there.

throat aching. "I wish I could do more,"

voice softening. "Tell me something good, Rubes. Please. I

smiled sadly. "Well... Stefan’s best friend Ethan came to visit today. He’s really nice. Not at all what

it," she said and Ruby went on to explain what

are you and your sister so much apart in character though? She’s just so bitter and

doesn’t exactly like me even though we’re twins. She only talks to me about

her. How’s Stefan?" Rayna said, not wanting to talk about Ivy

and she was glad Rayna couldn’t see

so sweet and patient. Every day,

a warm pause