Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 135: A Start

Rayna arrived at the quiet rooftop bar ten minutes past the agreed time, her heart beating just a little faster than usual. The sun was already low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the city.

Her eyes scanned the small crowd, and then she saw him—Ethan, sitting by the glass railing, staring out into the skyline with his hands folded on the table.

He looked like he hadn’t moved in a while and she couldn’t help but wonder how long he’d been sitting there, waiting. Perhaps, he’d arrived earlier than the agreed time.

She approached slowly, careful not to let her thoughts overwhelm her. But that was hard, considering the wave of emotions still rolling inside her chest.

When she reached the table, Ethan looked up immediately. There was a flicker of relief in his eyes, and he stood halfway before sitting back down.

"Hey," he said softly.

"Hey," she replied, pulling out the chair across from him and sitting down.

A brief silence settled between them, heavy and awkward.

"What would you like to drink?" Ethan asked after a beat, trying to break the tension.

She glanced at the menu briefly. "I’ll just take a mojito," she said.

orders. Then silence again. Neither

quicker than expected, clinking softly as the waiter set

before either could take a sip,

"I’m—"

"Why?"

while Rayna took a sip, Ethan set his glass

"Go ahead," he said.

know me? About finding me interesting? Or was all that just a way to find out where I lived so you can get

couldn’t help it. No matter how logical she tried to be and tell herself that there was no way he would’ve known Ruby was in Florittle the day she gave him her contact because Ruby had just arrived at the airport then, she

you since that day six months ago—the night we met. I’m sure you know that. At least, that should tell you I liked you even before all this

the grocery shop a week ago but then it turns out you were Stefan’s lover’s friend. I didn’t know until Stefan showed me your profile from that time I helped you sort out the lawsuit. Even then, I was still in doubt until I saw you in

So why didn’t you tell me first before you brought Stefan to my house? Just the next

got on a plane to Florittle. Do you think he would have waited for me to pave the

listened carefully,

responsibility for hurting you. For breaking your

while, her fingers curling lightly around her drink as

understand. If the tables were turned, maybe she would’ve done the same. She would’ve wanted to help Ruby if she were in Ethan’s shoes. Still,

long to apologize?" she asked quietly. "Why now? After

first. I didn’t want to come to you and make it sound like an excuse. I wanted the