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.

with me," he

eyes playfully. "That sounds suspicious. I know I can be

least of all in a restroom. Just.... trust me and come with

words," she said,

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

and for a moment, just watched the fish swim lazily beneath the

favorite part of the place," he said. "Most people don’t

she

you’d

to see

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

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

we barely know each other and I refused

my calls when you could’ve said no. You gave me your contact info. That means there’s still time to

her throat tighten unexpectedly. She wasn’t used to this—people being so open, so honest. It scared her a little. But it also made

she whispered. "Let’s

sat there for a while longer, talking about 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

the night grew cooler, and Rayna

you home,"

brought my car. You seem to

make sure you get home safely," he said, not because he needed to know where she stayed so he could tell Stefan but because he genuinely needed to

because of him and he needed to

hesitated for a heartbeat,

it was the most natural

quickly texted her to wait and while she was waiting, he parked at the curb and