Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 106: Dinner Date 2

"What about you?" he asked, leaning in a little. "You said you’re a blogger. What kind of stuff do you write about?"

"Everything," she said with a small shrug. "People. Moments. Life. I’m a professional overthinker, so writing is how I keep myself from exploding." f .r e\ewebnov(e)(l).c om

"That sounds poetic," he said, genuinely intrigued.

"Poetic, sure. But sometimes it’s just me ranting about how laundry should count as cardio or why cereal at night is the peak of adulthood."

Ethan laughed—a deep, rich sound that made something flutter in her chest. She liked the way he laughed. Like he wasn’t just being polite. Like he got her.

They talked through dinner, trading stories—some light, some surprisingly personal. Ethan told her about growing up in Zeden, the long hours building his company, and how he almost lost it once to a terrible investment.

She told him about her childhood in Zeden and how her parents had moved to Florittle when she was fifteen, her love for words, and how she once accidentally sent a love poem meant for her crush to her high school math teacher.

"You did not," he said, eyes wide with amusement.

"Oh, I did," she groaned. "Mr. Daniels thought it was a prank. I almost died."

He chuckled. "You’re full of surprises," he said, still smiling.

"I try."

As they finished their meals, Rayna noticed something shift. It wasn’t just that the conversation had gotten easier—it was him. He wasn’t just handsome. Or charming. He was... kind. Thoughtful. And he listened. Really listened. Not like he was waiting for his turn to speak, but like he actually cared about her answers. He hadn’t pretended to be this way the other night. It was just who he was.

That was rare. Rarer than it should be. And somehow, it made her feel seen.

As the plates were cleared and the check paid Ethan stood and offered her his hand.

me," he

I know I can be crazy but trust me,

least of all in a restroom. Just.... trust me

last words," she said,

lot, but around the restaurant, to a small garden patio tucked behind the building. String lights dangled from the

sat, and for a moment, just watched the fish swim lazily beneath the water. fr.eew eb

favorite part of the place," he

beautiful," she said softly.

thought you’d like

was yet to see the best part," she said, and he chuckled

turned to him, her voice quieter now. "Why did you want to see me again,

"Because I didn’t forget you. I tried. I told myself it was just a night. Just a coincidence. But when I saw you again last week, I knew

though we barely know each other and I refused

no. You gave me your contact info. That means

open, so honest. It scared her a little. But it

"Let’s

nothing. She told him about Ruby and her love of quiet mornings. He told her about his niece who wanted to

the night grew cooler, and

home," Ethan offered. "It’s

car. You

behind you. I want to make sure you get home safely," he said, not because he needed to know where she stayed so he could tell Stefan

and he needed to be sure she got

a heartbeat,

was the most natural thing in the world. After she got in,

she was waiting, he parked at the curb and went to get her