Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 164: Let’s Date Already

The car rolled to a smooth stop in front of Winters Corporation, its sleek black surface gleaming under the golden sunlight of late morning. Ruby adjusted her sunglasses as the driver opened the door for her. She stepped out carefully, one hand carefully carrying her purse, the other holding onto Rayna’s arm.

"You didn’t have to come with me, you know," Ruby said softly as they headed inside, nodding politely to the staff that bowed their heads in greeting.

Rayna chuckled, linking her arm more tightly through Ruby’s. "Are you kidding? I’m not missing the sight of you walking into this building like a queen. Plus, I get to see your boss-slash-husband-in-the-making in his natural habitat."

Ruby smiled. Stefan had indeed become something of a natural habitat to her—steady, comforting, and always there.

As they entered the private elevator reserved for executives, Rayna tapped her fingers against her thigh, clearly unable to hide her excitement. She glanced sideways at Ruby. "So... this office of his... is it as fine as he is?"

Ruby smirked. "You’ll see soon enough. But I should warn you—Stefan’s taste in office décor is suspiciously minimalist. Lots of glass, greys, and dramatic lighting. Very ’brooding CEO’ vibes."

They both laughed, the sound echoing slightly in the elevator before it softly chimed and opened directly into Stefan’s floor.

Ruby stepped out first, but Rayna lingered a moment, adjusting her earrings in the mirrored wall before following behind.

The first thing they noticed when they walked into Stefan’s office was the figure standing near the large window. Tall, broad-shouldered, and instantly familiar.

"Ethan?" Rayna’s voice came out high-pitched and uncertain, as though her mind hadn’t quite caught up to her eyes.

He turned around immediately, as though her voice had struck something deep inside him. His gaze locked onto hers. For a heartbeat, neither of them moved. Then, instinctively, Rayna took a step forward.

"Rayna..." he breathed, his voice thick with equal excitement. He’d done all these to get her attention but seeing her now, he just realized how much he’d missed her, too.

genuine smile broke out across her face before she caught herself. Her smile faltered. Her excitement morphed into

here?" she asked sharply, crossing her arms over her chest. "And why are you acting like everything’s okay? You

stood with you. After the way you brushed me off, I thought... maybe I was reading too much into what we had that maybe

Ghosted me because of your pride? Besides, when have I

felt about you right from that night, six months ago. Yet,

deny it, but the words wouldn’t come. Because it was true. She had been happy to see him, even if her brain tried to suppress it seconds later and maybe, just

like me, Rayna. I know you do. I feel it every time you look at me. Just like the way you’re

She wanted to argue, to say something sarcastic, to keep her guard up—but her lips quivered with an involuntary smile. If she did, she might send him the

somewhere between defiance and

the only girl in the world.

I can’t believe I’m saying this...

quick, sweet kiss to her lips—just as Stefan walked into the room, followed closely by Ruby, who had paused by the glass

Stefan said loudly, folding his arms with a teasing smile. "Is this

flamed red, and Ethan rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. Ruby laughed and

Ruby gently as he came to her side. "I told you they

rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. "Fine, fine.

should probably get going. The event starts

the very event you got me

head. "Actually.. it was me. I got the dress for you," Ethan said and Ruby frowned since she’d

he saw Ruby

slide even though she didn’t like that he was lying for