Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 162: Disappointed

As the door closed behind him, Rayna sat there, staring at the mug in her hands, her fingers tightening around the ceramic.

So that was it.

She’d allowed herself to believe in something soft. Something promising. Ethan had whispered possibilities into her ears in Florittle. He had made her laugh, made her feel like the center of something rare. And now? Now he couldn’t even be bothered to call.

Her pride screamed at her to delete his number. To let him go and call herself foolish for ever hoping he was different. Because clearly, he wasn’t.

He was just like the others. Just better at pretending.

And maybe it was a good thing he showed his true colors now. Maybe it was better to be disappointed early than devastated later.

She set her mug down and leaned back against the couch, pulling the throw blanket over herself.

But even as she told herself it was fine, even as she tried to pretend it didn’t matter, a quiet ache pulsed in her chest—persistent, undeniable.

She had let her guard down. And Ethan hadn’t even noticed.

Deciding not to waste her time thinking about Ethan, she stood up and headed to the kitchen, deciding to help with whatever she could just to get her mind off Ethan.

Moments later, the scent of warm vanilla and soft cinnamon wafted through the corridor as Rayna carefully balanced the breakfast tray in her hands.

finally wrapped up Ruby’s meal, customized to fit her pregnancy cravings and aversions—no eggs, no strong spices, no rich sauces. Just lightly buttered toast, slices of mango, and a glass of almond milk

heavier her heart began to feel. It wasn’t the tray that was weighing her down. It was the conversation she’d

was going

onto her face. This wasn’t about her. It was about Ruby, and Ruby deserved all the joy in the world. She gave the door a soft knock with

voice called out from inside, soft

if in a silent conversation with the life growing inside her. Her long

off again just after Stefan left even though she’d wanted to

she said in a mockingly formal

chuckled softly and sat up straighter. "You’re the best," she murmured. "Set

edge of the bed, smoothing her floral gown as she sat. Ruby took a bite of her toast, then glanced sideways

ordered for you come? He ordered it last night," she asked, her voice casual

beige dress with delicate beadwork around the neckline. Honestly, I feel like I should be on a red carpet instead of attending a business event

took a sip of her almond milk. "He has great

upward. "Clearly. I mean, look who he’s

eyes, but her cheeks colored faintly. She reached for another bite, chewing slowly, her gaze drifting toward Rayna’s face. She didn’t miss the faint puffiness under her friend’s eyes, the tightness of her jaw, or the way she was holding herself too perfectly

of me, you know," Ruby said gently,

deflating like a balloon let

should’ve known," she murmured. "I

touched her friend’s arm. "I’m sorry, Rayna. I know he might have a valid

low voice. "The fact that I let him know my plans and then he makes me feel it wouldn’t be a problem when