Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 183 - 183: I Forgive You

Ruby's eyes fluttered open to a dim, stale-smelling room. The air was heavy, almost suffocating. She blinked several times before her vision cleared, the cracked ceiling above her swimming into focus. She was lying on a thin, creaky bed.

Her brow furrowed in confusion. Why… why was I asleep?

Just as the question came to mind, everything came rushing back—the sudden blackout. The chaotic shuffle of bodies. Someone bumping into them. That sharp prick in her arm. Her own startled scream. And then… nothing but darkness.

Her stomach twisted, hoping it wasn't what she was thinking it was. How long had she passed out and why was Stefan still not here? Wasn't she still at the hospital?

Her gaze darted around. The walls were stained, the floor coated in dust. Abandoned. Forgotten. Where am I? Was this an abandoned ward or.....

"Well, well, well…"

Ruby's heart jumped at the voice and all her thoughts ceased. She turned her head sharply to confirm what she knew.

Ivy stood a few feet away, arms folded, smirking like a cat that had cornered a mouse.

"Look who's finally awake," she drawled. "Drugs wear off fast enough, don't they? Or I guess it's the exact one I used."

Ruby's mouth went dry, but her voice came out steady. "So… it was you. You have the guts to kidnap me. After killing our mother. Aren't you tired——"

The crack of Ivy's palm against her cheek was so sudden Ruby's head whipped sideways, her skin stinging.

"Don't you dare mention our mother," Ivy snapped, her tone sharp as glass.

Ruby let out a bitter laugh. "Why not? Don't you want to hear the truth? You killed her. And now you want to kill me, too. Don't you? Why? Why do you want to ruin our family?"

"You're the one who have ruined our family! Besides, I didn't plan to kill mom!" Ivy's voice rose, her eyes flashing. "But... she wouldn't stop protecting you. And that—" she jabbed a finger toward Ruby "—cost her her life. So yes, I want to kill you. Send you to go keep her and our dear father company."

frowned, confusion piercing through the fear. What did she mean

me? She never loved me. Why would she protect me

a cold smile. "From me, of course. The reason she protected you? Well, that's what you'll find

all this… killing her by mistake… wanting to actually kill me too… this is all because of

man—the one I was supposed to marry after I abandoned Stefan—told me he was only with me for Stefan's money. That's why I came back two days

matter how hard she tried to understand, she just

Then I could take him for everything he had,

leaving Stefan. So that's why… they'd both played her for a fool. Was that her badly their

the reason?" Ruby asked

you, Ruby. If you hadn't fallen for that man.… none of this would have happened. Now mother is dead and my boyfriend's married to another wealthy woman—all because of you. So yes, I'll kill you. I'll kill you to pacify my anger. And teach Stefan a lesson.

Ivy turned away sharply. "Stuff her mouth. I

Ruby's lips, tying it tight at the back of her head. Her eyes widened

be too quick. I want you to feel it slowly. I want

as she heard that. She tried to scream, but only muffled sounds

the men starting to splash

hurt. They're going to burn me

sharp and choking. It clung to Ruby's skin, her hair, the back of her throat. The gag was damp from her breath, each inhale

every small movement making them cut deeper into her skin. The coarse fibers had already rubbed the flesh raw. She could feel

toward the curtains, the liquid soaking

heavy bolt scraping into place moments earlier. The windows were nailed shut, the glass yellowed and dirty. There was nowhere to

stood near the wall, watching like she was inspecting an art piece she'd spent weeks crafting. Her arms were crossed,

beg for her baby's life if not her own,

of matches. The faint click-click of the cardboard opening

hitched. This