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

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.

"You think I care about the cost, man? She’s angry, yeah. She probably won’t speak to me for a while... maybe ever.

situation and everything that had happened. Though he

then would whatever he say to Rayna make sense to her. Going to explain things to her now would only

look at Ethan, eyes searching his friend’s face. "But I hurt her too. Both of them. I stood there and watched Ruby break right in front of me... and

on the

hospital, after I got my sight and pushed her away... Is this how she felt when I

Stefan closely, letting the silence

said gently. "I think

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

idiot. I thought I was protecting myself. I thought 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 felt familiar to me but I still pushed her away thinking I was protecting

clenched

hand on Stefan’s back, firm and

now, Stefan. And she has every right to be. But at least now you know where she is. At least now, you can start

"What if she doesn’t want

her. But you don’t stop loving her. You have to try first with all you have. You shouldn’t just give

over again. "You think I still have a

again, it’s you. You just have to do it the right way this 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. Not the woman who had stood by him, cared for him, kissed him with trembling hands like he was her everything.

now? She didn’t even want

his gaze to Ethan, his voice low. "I’m sorry for dragging your relationship into this. You didn’t deserve that. Neither

it out. I just... I wish I’d told her the truth yesterday. But seeing the way she looked at you, I’m glad I didn’t. I’m not sure she would’ve given me her consent

asked, and Ethan looked at him for a moment