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."

a soft glow over the elegant bedroom. The warmth should have been comforting, but Ruby stirred restlessly,

voice on a call. No faint aroma of breakfast

in

slowly, her brows creasing as she pushed herself up in bed. The other side was empty—no impression

work? He hadn’t even

to her feet, her robe

maybe downstairs, working on something or about to leave for

left without a word tugged at her

nearly bumped into a maid walking past

Good morning, ma’am," the maid greeted

a polite smile, brushing her hair back.

her head.

Ruby blinked, surprised. "Really?"

since early. But he said not to disturb you. He wanted you to

with just a hint of guilt. Of course he

you," she said

staircase, her bare feet light against the polished wood. As she descended the grand steps, she expected to hear his voice. Maybe on the

she heard instead made

laughter that was familiar, bright,

No. It couldn’t be.

the corner into the sitting room—and stopped dead in her

couch with a travel bag by her side, was Rayna. Smiling. Glowing. As real as the wild beating of Ruby’s

Ruby whispered, her

she turned toward

"Oh my

forward without thinking, arms flinging around her best friend, holding her tightly

her back just as hard.

pulled back just enough to see her face. "What...? How—when—why didn’t you tell me

to surprise you," Rayna grinned.

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