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 can be crazy but trust me, I’m not having sex in a restaurant’s

assumptions. "Sex? No one is having sex today least of all in a restroom. Just.... trust me and come with me,

she said, still, she took his

patio tucked behind the building. String lights dangled from the trees, and there was a wooden bench facing a shallow

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

favorite part of the place," he said. "Most

she

thought you’d like

did say I was yet to see the best part," she said, and

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

looked at her, eyes steady. "Because I didn’t forget you. I tried. I told myself it was just a night. Just a coincidence. But when

we barely know each other and

gave me your contact

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

whispered. "Let’s see

everything and nothing. She told him about Ruby and her love of quiet mornings. He told her about his niece who wanted to be an astronaut-chef. It was

cooler,

me drive you home," Ethan offered.

You

to know where she

out because of him and he needed to

for a heartbeat, then

and he opened the door for her like it was the most natural thing in the world. After she got in, he went back to his car

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