Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

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."

Morning sunlight seeped gently through the linen curtains, casting a soft glow over the elegant bedroom. The warmth should have been comforting, but Ruby stirred restlessly, her eyes fluttering open to an unfamiliar silence.

No soft footfalls. No low murmur of Stefan’s voice on a call. No faint aroma of breakfast drifting in from the hallway.

Just... stillness in a strange way.

Ruby blinked slowly, her brows creasing as she pushed herself up in bed. The other side was empty—no impression left in the sheets, no warmth. A strange ache settled in her chest.

Had he left for work? He hadn’t even said goodbye.

She swung her legs over the side of the bed and rose to her feet, her robe slipping around her frame as she padded across the floor.

Maybe he was in the living room, she thought after checking the bathroom. Or maybe downstairs, working on something or about to leave for work. Maybe he’d just gotten caught up and hadn’t wanted to wake her.

Still, the thought that he might’ve left without a word tugged at her heart.

She stepped into the hallway and nearly bumped into a maid walking past with a small basket of towels.

"Oh! Good morning, ma’am," the maid greeted quickly, stepping aside.

Ruby offered a polite smile, brushing her hair back. "Good morning. Um... did Stefan already leave for work?"

The maid shook her head. "No, ma’am. He’s downstairs."

Ruby blinked, surprised. "Really?"

The maid nodded. "He’s been downstairs since early. But he said not to disturb you. He wanted you to rest."

Ruby’s lips parted slightly as a wave of relief washed over her, laced with just a hint of guilt. Of course he hadn’t just left. This was Stefan. Thoughtful, considerate, always putting her first.

"Thank you," she said softly.

She turned and made her way toward the staircase, her bare feet light against the polished wood. As she descended the grand steps, she expected to hear his voice. Maybe on the phone. Maybe calling out to the maid. Or something.

But what she heard instead made her freeze on the last step.

A laughter that was familiar, bright, and unmistakable. Her heart skipped.

No. It couldn’t be.

She turned the corner into the sitting room—and stopped dead in her tracks.

There, standing in front of the plush couch with a travel bag by her side, was Rayna. Smiling. Glowing. As real as the wild beating of Ruby’s heart in that moment.

"Rayna?" Ruby whispered, her voice cracking with disbelief.

Rayna’s face lit up even more as she turned toward her. "Finally! Sleeping beauty’s awake."

Ruby gasped. "Oh my God—RAYNA!"

She darted forward without thinking, arms flinging around her best friend, holding her tightly like she never wanted to let go.

Rayna laughed and hugged her back just as hard. "Surprise, Rubes!"

Tears welled up in Ruby’s eyes as she pulled back just enough to see her face. "What...? How—when—why didn’t you tell me you were coming?!"

"I wanted to surprise you," Rayna grinned. "Mission accomplished, I’d say."

"You’re here," Ruby whispered again, like she was trying to make sure it wasn’t a dream. "You’re really here." noveldrama

Rayna cupped her face gently, smiling. "I told you I’d think about moving to Zeden. Well... I thought fast."

Ruby let out a teary laugh. "Oh my God, you’re insane. But I love you so much."

"Love you more," Rayna said, before they embraced again.

Behind them, Stefan entered the room holding a tray with two cups of tea. He paused as he took in the sight of Ruby and Rayna locked in a tight embrace, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Ruby finally turned toward him, eyes still misty. "You... you knew she was coming?!"

"I might have," Stefan said innocently, placing the tray on the table. "She arrived really early. I wanted to let you sleep."

"You two planned this together?" she gasped, turning from one to the other.

Rayna smirked. "No, we didnt. I’m sure it’s Ethan that might’ve told him."

Ruby’s laughter bubbled out again, free and unrestrained. "Ray! I can’t believe this. You have no idea how much I needed this right now."

Rayna wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "I had a feeling. After the video and everything Ivy said, I couldn’t stay away."

Ruby’s smile faded a little as she nodded, remembering the scandal. But then she looked at Stefan and Rayna—her two constants—and her heart steadied again.

"I’m just glad you’re here," she whispered.

Rayna grinned. "And I’m not going anywhere."

Stefan stepped forward and kissed Ruby’s forehead. "Go sit. I’ll get breakfast started for the three of us."

Ruby looked up at him with so much affection it made Rayna quietly smile.

"You didn’t have to keep it a secret, you know," Ruby said softly.

"I know I promised you no secrets, but honestly, I wanted to keep this one. I wanted today to start with a smile," Stefan replied. "And it did."