Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 88: Hope 2

It had been three days since she’d arrived in Florittle with Rayna, and just yesterday she’d made the decision to stop running—from her feelings, from the truth, from the man she had unwillingly fallen for. She didn’t know what the future held, but what she did know was that she couldn’t let the past dictate her every step.

With a quiet sigh, she pushed the covers off and sat up, brushing her hair back with her fingers. Her body felt tired but rested, and a faint nausea still lingered as it had every morning lately. She moved slowly toward the door, the scent of something warm and toasty already drifting through the air.

She followed the aroma into the small kitchen and smiled as she spotted Rayna standing over the stove, humming to herself while flipping something in a pan.

"Morning," Ruby said softly.

Rayna turned around immediately, her smile bright and genuine. "Hey, you’re up. I was just about to bring you something in bed."

"I could’ve helped," Ruby said, stepping further into the kitchen.

Rayna quickly waved her off. "No way. You’re not lifting a finger, missy. You’re pregnant, remember?"

"I’m pregnant," Ruby echoed, her voice barely above a whisper as she rested her hand on her stomach again. Sometimes, saying it out loud still felt surreal.

Rayna reached into the fridge and pulled out a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, handing it to her with a smirk. "No coffee for you anymore. Juice it is."

Ruby accepted the glass with a chuckle. "Thanks, Mum." f.(r)eewe/bnov\ll.com

"Hey, I take my honorary godmother duties seriously," Rayna said with a playful wink before turning back to the stove. "Now, sit your cute little self down and relax. Breakfast is almost ready."

moved to the small dining table, sipping her juice slowly. The tartness was refreshing, and it helped soothe the

finished and set the table, the scent of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and toast filled the

this is

down across from her. "Eat. Eat all

need to be told twice. Her appetite had been unpredictable lately probably due to her mood, but this morning, her stomach growled in approval. She dug in, savoring every bite as if it were the best

satisfied smile. "Okay, seeing

how hungry I was," Ruby said between bites. "This

elbows on the table. "So, what’s next? I mean... for

moment, setting her fork down as her eyes grew distant. "I’ve been thinking about that. A

time to finish what she

always wanted to open an event planning center," Ruby said finally. "You know, something small at first. Birthdays, engagements,

"You never

But now... maybe this is the perfect time." Her fingers grazed the rim of her glass. "If I start now, I can get it up and running before I get too close

she and not a

just have a feeling,"

impressed. "That’s a solid plan.

to depend on what-ifs anymore. I want to live on my own and do all

Rayna said, reaching over to squeeze her hand. "And

Ruby blinked, surprised. "Really?"