Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 155: Morning Sickness

Warm sunlight streamed gently into the spacious bedroom, wrapping the air in a soft, golden glow. Outside, birds chirped faintly in the garden, and a breeze rustled the leaves, creating a peaceful melody that drifted through the partially open window.

Ruby stirred beneath the plush white sheets, her lashes fluttering before she slowly opened her eyes. For a moment, the world was quiet—too quiet even.

Then, she felt the softness of the pillows around her, the faint scent of fresh roses wafting from the bedside vase, and the unmistakable warmth of someone nearby.

She turned her head. There, sitting on the edge of the bed, fully dressed was Stefan. Watching her. She could swear she’d seen worry lines etched on his face when her eyes met his face but it had transformed into a smile before she could make anything of it.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty," he murmured, his voice low and soft.

Ruby smiled sleepily, stretching under the covers. "You’re staring," she said, her voice still husky from sleep.

"I always stare at things that make my heart feel full," he replied with a small smile.

Her heart gave a gentle flutter. Even now, with all the things they’d been through, he still found ways to say things that melted her.

She sat up slowly, brushing her tousled hair back. "How long have you been sitting there?"

"Long enough," Stefan replied, reaching for the tray he’d placed on the bedside table. "But I wasn’t going to let you get out of bed without breakfast today."

Ruby’s brows lifted in surprise as she saw the tray—stacked pancakes, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Everything was plated neatly, as if he’d taken his time.

Her heart softened again. Ruby reached for the fork, touched. "Thank you," she whispered.

As she started eating, Stefan leaned back against the headboard beside her, his arm loosely draped behind her. She leaned into him without thinking, the silence between them comfortable.

Just as she scooped a forkful of eggs and tried eating it, she paused as her fork froze halfway to her mouth.

A sudden, uncomfortable wave rolled through her stomach.

She blinked once. Then again and then it hit her.

Oh no.

"Ruby?" Stefan asked, his brows furrowing slightly as he noticed her stillness.

"I—" she started, but clapped a hand over her mouth as her face paled.

Without another word, she shoved the tray aside and scrambled out of bed, rushing straight into the bathroom.

was on his feet in an instant, hovering near the

was a

toilet flushed, and he heard the tap run briefly. When Ruby emerged, her face was

she mumbled, pressing the back of her hand to her mouth. "I just... it hit me out of

moved toward her gently, his hand coming up to cup

think it was the pancakes." Then her nose scrunched up, and she groaned softly, covering her mouth again when the smell

he repeated,

triggered it. I was fine until then, but

sorry. I didn’t know they’d make

weak, affectionate smile. "How would

beside her again, reaching for her hand and lacing his fingers through hers. "Okay, no more eggs. Ever, he said as he removed the

as she watched him. "Not forever. Just... maybe not until the

softened at the word baby. Every time she said it, his chest tightened with wonder. "Still surreal,

shoulder. "It is. But knowing you’re here through

if I have to remake breakfast ten

But maybe tomorrow, let’s just stick with toast

it is," he confirmed with a dramatic

should just keep her in the dark

casually as she

since last night, and something about that didn’t sit right with her. Rayna usually checked in first thing in

slightly. Barely noticeable—but

quickly. "Yeah, she called earlier," he said, keeping his tone light. "She’s out with Ethan. Said they were hitting the gym

"She didn’t say anything

added quickly. "You know Rayna—spontaneous and

slowly, not questioning it further. She didn’t have a reason

Or... did she?

and continued eating. "Did she sound okay?" she asked,

a bit too fast. "She even told me to let you sleep in.

chuckled. "She would say

Stefan tried to distract her with talk of how they might redecorate the garden area or try out new spots in Zeden she hadn’t

the living room. The space was airy and elegant,

the couch, his head bowed slightly, fingers moving across his phone screen. His jaw

for a

breakfast ended. No teasing. No spontaneous kisses. Just... distant silence and somehow he

softly to the couch and sat beside him, curling her legs under her. "Is

a practiced smile on his

sure?" she pressed, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You’ve been glued to