Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 116: Someday Sooner

Stefan stood there for a long time after the car drove away, staring at the empty road like he could somehow will it to bring her back. But it didn’t. Of course, it didn’t. She was gone.

The cold morning air clung to his skin, but he barely noticed. His hand dropped slowly to his side where it had almost touched hers. That brief second—that one moment when he thought he could stop her—was gone now. Just like she was.

He let out a breath, heavy and broken, as he dragged his fingers through his hair.

That didn’t go the way he thought it would. Not even close.

In his mind, he imagined her looking shocked, maybe even upset—but not like this. Not filled with so much pain. So much anger. Her words still echoed in his ears:

"You made a choice, Stefan. So live with it."

That had cut deeper than anything else. Because she was right. He had made a choice.

And now he was standing here, feeling the weight of it settle into his chest like a stone he couldn’t shake off.

What should he do now? Should he just wait for her to return? At least he knew she’d return. Would it be wise? She looked really upset so would it be wise to wait for her? What should he do now?

He turned his head slowly toward the car parked down the street. Ethan was still inside. Stefan watched as his best friend looked up, their eyes meeting for a brief moment. Ethan didn’t move, didn’t wave. He just sat there, looking like he wanted to disappear.

He would’ve wanted to wait but he doubted that decision was what was best at the moment. Maybe he needed to give her time now that he had seen her. Time to know that he was here for her and wanted her back.

Stefan exhaled deeply before walking toward the car. Every step felt heavier than the last.

When he finally reached the passenger side, Ethan unlocked the door from inside. Stefan climbed in silently, closing it behind him. For a moment, neither of them said anything. The only sound was the soft hum of the engine and the low chirp of distant birds.

Ethan was the first to speak.

he said quietly, his fingers tightening

slowly, staring out the window. "No. I’m the one who should be sorry. I dragged you into this... all of it. I didn’t think—I just wanted to find her. I didn’t realize what it would cost you. I thought.... oh,

yeah. She probably won’t speak to me for a while... maybe ever. But I get it. I really

situation and everything that had happened. Though he knew Rayna could be hurting—damn,

whatever he say to Rayna make sense to her.

Both of them. I stood there and watched Ruby break right in front of me... and I did nothing. I didn’t believe her. I didn’t even listen. Not for

down on

asked softly, mostly to himself. "That day at the hospital, after I got my sight and pushed her away... Is

answer right away. He just watched Stefan closely, letting the silence settle before

said gently. "I think it

resting his elbows on his knees and burying his face in his hands. His

I was being smart. Logical. She was saying something I didn’t want to believe. It was easier to listen to Ivy, to my mom... to everyone else. But deep down, a part of me knew. I knew something wasn’t adding up. And I still pushed her away. I had thought she smelled familiar and

cracked on the last word, and he clenched his fists, feeling the shame burn in

placing a hand on Stefan’s back, firm

least now

"What if she doesn’t want me to

You have to try first with all you

throat tightening all over again. "You think I

time. No pressure. No demands. Just honesty." Ethan’s voice softened. "She doesn’t need grand gestures, man. She needs you to see her. She needs you to really see her. Now I’m not saying you can’t use grand gestures but whatever you

stood by him, cared for him, kissed him with trembling hands like he was her everything. He hadn’t seen the way her voice cracked when she said she loved him. He hadn’t seen the

And now? She didn’t even

his voice low. "I’m sorry for

seeing the way she looked at you, I’m glad I didn’t. I’m not sure she

you sure?" Stefan asked, and Ethan looked at him for a