Chapter 158: Surprise!

Stefan went silent, weighing everything.

Elizabeth continued, her tone softening. "Besides, she deserves this, Stefan. After all she’s been through—being dragged into this mess, the pregnancy, the media frenzy... give her the fairytale, please."

A slow smile crept onto Stefan’s face as he thought about Ruby walking down the aisle as his bride for real with him being able to see her. "You’re right."

"Of course I am."

"Let’s do it, then. Let’s plan it in three weeks. But I want this one bigger. Better. Grand. I want her to feel like the most loved woman on earth."

Elizabeth chuckled softly. "Now that, I can make happen."

They exchanged a few more logistical notes before ending the call. Stefan sat on the bed, thoughtful, already running through the possibilities in his head. His heart raced—not with anxiety, but with anticipation as he returned into the room and sat on the bed close to Ruby.

He turned to Ruby, who had set her book aside and was now watching him with curious eyes.

"Everything okay?" she asked softly.

He leaned over and kissed her forehead. "More than okay."

Ruby tilted her head. "Was it about the video?"

"Some of it," he admitted. "But also... we’ve got a party to attend. A business anniversary."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. Just for a few hours. Mr. Rogers wants to meet us in person."

Ruby nodded slowly. "Okay... if it’ll help clear the air."

Stefan smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "And after that..."

"After that?" she echoed.

He grinned. "You’ll see."

elegant bedroom. The warmth should have been comforting,

on a call. No

in a

The other side was empty—no impression left in the sheets, no warmth. A

he left for work? He

her legs over the side of the bed and rose to her feet, her robe

working on something or about to leave

he might’ve left without a word tugged at

nearly bumped into a maid walking past with a small basket

Good morning, ma’am," the maid greeted quickly, stepping

hair back. "Good morning. Um...

head. "No, ma’am.

Ruby blinked, surprised. "Really?"

since early. But he said not

wave of relief washed over her, laced with just a hint of guilt.

you," she

As she descended the grand steps, she expected to hear his voice. Maybe on the phone. Maybe calling

instead made her freeze on the last

bright, and unmistakable. Her heart

No. It couldn’t be.

the corner into the sitting room—and stopped dead

a travel bag by her side, was Rayna.

whispered, her

she turned toward her. "Finally!

"Oh my

without thinking, arms flinging around her best friend, holding her tightly like she never wanted to let

and hugged her back just as

just enough to see her face. "What...? How—when—why didn’t

surprise you," Rayna grinned. "Mission accomplished, I’d

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