Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

The soft hum of the chandelier above cast golden shadows across the elegant dining table as Ruby, Stefan, and Rayna sat down to enjoy their breakfast together.

The air smelled of buttered toast, grilled sausages, warm croissants, and a fresh fruit platter laid out neatly before them.

Ruby's place, in particular, had been curated with special care—no eggs anywhere in sight. Stefan had remembered. After her morning sickness episode the previous day, he made sure never to include anything that might trigger her queasiness.

Ruby picked up a croissant and nibbled at it slowly, occasionally stealing glances at Rayna who was humming as she poured herself some tea.

"So," Ruby began with a smile, "how was your flight?" she asked, not because she was curious about it—what exciting thing could happen during a flight—but because she just wanted to talk to Rayna and listen to her talk.

Seeing Rayna just made her realize just how much she'd missed her even though it has just been a few days since she left abd they talked everyday.

Rayna shrugged, smiling back. "Surprisingly smooth. No screaming babies, no turbulence. I even got some sleep. But I still can't believe I'm here."

Ruby giggled softly, resting her cheek in her palm. "Well, you are. And thank God for that."

Rayna's gaze swept over the grand dining space before landing on Ruby again. "You wanna know what's funny? The fact that this is actually my second time in this house, but the first time I'm sitting out like this, eating at the dining table."

Ruby choked on her tea and burst into giggles. Stefan, who had been focused on slicing through his toast, looked up in surprise. "What's so funny?"

Ruby chuckled before he could ask further. "Well.... she's been here before. But you didn't know because that was when you were still blind."

Stefan's brows arched. "Wait, what?"

Rayna leaned forward, grinning mischievously. "Yep. I was here not long after the wedding. I stayed hidden most of the time.... not most. I was in hiding till I left."

Ruby nodded, giggling still. "It was just a few days after we got married. That was the day I received that blackmail text. The one I didn't know you sent. I called Rayna to to tell her about it but she was already in Zeden to visit me since she thinks I've been here long enough after 'My Sister's wedding.' When she learned of the situation, she decided to stay so she'd help me figure out who was behind it. She came in, acting like some detective straight out of a movie," she said, laughing as she remembered all about it.

Rayna smirked proudly. "Complete with a notebook and all."

Ruby laughed. "But she couldn't step out of the guest room because we were scared you'd realize I wasn't Ivy. I mean, suddenly having a best friend you didn't know existed and that wasn't Eliana? That would've raised flags."

Stefan leaned back in his chair, laughing. "And to think I actually believed you that day at the wine cellar when you went on and on about being changed… about stepping up and taking responsibility because I couldn't anymore...."

He shook his head with a soft chuckle. "Maybe if I hadn't bought it, all this Ivy drama would've been long over and we would've been married by now."

Ruby raised a brow and tilted her head. "Or maybe we wouldn't have had the chance to fall in love. How would you have felt knowing the woman you thought loved you ran away from your wedding and that her sister took her place, just a few days after your wedding? I'm sure you wouldn't have known the side of me you fell for."

Their eyes locked. The air between them shifted into something warmer, gentler.

Stefan smiled, his voice dropping. "I think you're right or maybe not. I would've fallen for you regardless. You know why? Because we're meant to be."

Rayna groaned dramatically, tossing her napkin onto the table. "Ugh. You two are being disgustingly cute again. And it's not even lunch yet."

Ruby laughed, her cheeks pink with affection. "Sorry, but not sorry."

Stefan smirked. "Jealous?"

Rayna shot him a look. "Maybe. But mostly hungry. So you better finish this breakfast and leave for work before you start feeding her strawberries or some other mushy thing."

Before Stefan could respond, the doorbell rang.

Ruby looked up, startled. "Are you expecting someone?"

Stefan didn't answer immediately. "No one special."

Before she could press further, a maid entered the dining room, holding a small white box.

"Sir, a delivery just arrived. It's for you."

Ruby glanced at Stefan curiously. "What is it?"

He took the box from the maid and walked over to Ruby's side, placing it gently on the table. "Something I ordered for you."

Her fingers brushed over the smooth packaging before she opened it. Inside lay an elegant designer dress in a soft blush color. The fabric shimmered under the light, exuding class and grace.

"Stefan…" Ruby's eyes widened as she touched the material. "It's stunning."

"I thought it would suit you," he said, watching her reaction.

Rayna leaned in. "Wait, what's the occasion? Don't tell me he just randomly drops luxury dresses on Mondays."

Stefan chuckled. "It's for Mr. Rogers' company anniversary. Ruby and I were invited. It's kind of important."

"Oh, well then, I'm coming too, please."

Ruby blinked. "You are?"

Rayna shrugged. "I'm not staying here alone. Besides, you might need backup in case Ivy or any drama decides to show up uninvited."

Stefan nodded. "Though I don't think Ivy is going to show up there but I think it's best you come too. I'll have a dress delivered for you too. You'll be our plus one since we both received the invite."

Ruby ran her hands over the dress again, smiling softly. "It's so beautiful. I haven't worn anything this nice in a long time."

Stefan reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers. "I made sure it looks even better than the one you gave Rayna."

Ruby looked up, amused. "How do you even know about that?"

He smirked. "Let's just say it was the dress that confirmed your friendship with Rayna to Ethan."

That explained it. She thought, thinking that what they'd explained was really true. Talking about Ethan, Rayna couldn't help thinking about what he could be doing and why he hadn't called her all morning.

A laugh escaped Ruby's lips. "I honestly thought there was nothing left for me back then. That everything had ended and I really wanted Ray to look everything the beautiful queen she is. I'm sorry I gave it out."

Stefan's thumb caressed the back of her hand. "I'm here now. And I'll spend every day proving you made the right choice by coming back and you should know I hold no grudge about that. If anything, I'm even more grateful because it would've been just a guess game if Rayna hadn't worn the dress that night."

Rayna placed a hand over her heart dramatically. "Okay, okay. If you guys get any more romantic, I'm calling the press."

They all laughed as they returned their attention to their meal.

Later, after breakfast, as Ruby stepped into the kitchen to grab a glass of water, the maids began clearing the table. Rayna turned to Stefan, her tone sincere.

"I just want to say… thank you."

Stefan looked at her, slightly surprised. "For what?"

"For taking care of her. For being… this man you are with her. You have no idea how much that means to me. She's been through so much. And seeing you actually make the effort, being present, putting her first—it makes me feel… fulfilled. Like I can finally breathe easy."

Stefan smiled faintly, leaning back in his chair. "Honestly? I should be thanking you. If you hadn't given me a chance, or even been there to console her when she was in so much pain , maybe none of this would've worked out. I don't know where she would've gone or done, so, thank you."

Rayna chuckled. "Well, you're lucky I'm an awesome friend."

He nodded in agreement. "That you are."

A moment later, Ruby returned, sipping her water. She looked between them curiously when she saw both of looking at each other like they were discussing something earlier and had probably stopped because of her.

"What did I miss?" she asked even though she was sure nobody would tell her.

Rayna grinned. "Just me being amazing, as usual."

Ruby laughed, settling beside Stefan once more, the morning sun wrapping around her like a blessing.

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