Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 147: Sweet Care

The black luxury car glided through the quiet streets of Zeden, its headlights cutting through the still night. The clock on the dashboard glowed softly, showing the time—11:26 PM.

Ruby leaned her head against the window, her fingers idly tracing the glass as she watched familiar streets pass by, her heart oddly full and content.

She couldn’t believe she was back. Back in Zeden. Back beside Stefan. And somehow, everything felt... right. Even before they landed, Stefan had called Martin to have him wait to take them home.

Though she’d told him they could’ve just waited in the jet till morning but he’d insisted they returned home that she needed rest, and hell, yeah, she needed it.

Stefan’s hand rested lightly on her knee as Martin drove them, his thumb brushing absent circles over the soft fabric of her pants.

He hadn’t let go of her since they landed, and Ruby found herself secretly loving it. The way he hovered around her, the way his eyes never left her for too long—it was sweet, gentle, and new.

The mansion came into view at last, the sprawling estate bathed in the soft glow of the outdoor lights. It looked exactly the same, and yet somehow different—maybe because her heart wasn’t heavy with confusion or secrets she needed to spill this time.

As the car pulled to a stop, Martin quickly stepped out of the car and went around to open the door for them with a polite bow.

Stefan stepped out first, offering Ruby his hand without hesitation. She took it, smiling softly as she stepped out, the cool night air brushing her skin.

"Home," Stefan murmured, his voice warm. "Welcome home, Ruby." noveldrama

Her chest fluttered at the words. Home. She wasn’t sure she’d ever thought of this place as "home" before, but now... with him by her side... it felt closer to one than anywhere else.

They walked into the grand foyer, Ruby’s eyes adjusting to the soft golden lights illuminating the space. She hadn’t taken more than three steps before her brows furrowed in confusion.

A man stood in the living room, a black medical bag by his feet. He was dressed in a crisp white coat, his expression professional yet friendly.

She didn’t need an explanation or to ask any questions to know who the person was but what she didn’t know was why a doctor would be there at that time of the night.

Ruby paused, turning to Stefan. "Um... why is there a doctor in the house? At this time?" she asked before she could stop herself.

Stefan offered a small smile, gently guiding her toward the living room. "I asked Martin to arrange for one," he explained softly. "I wanted to make sure you’re okay. Sixteen hours in the air isn’t a small thing, Ruby. The doctor at Florittle specifically said you shouldn’t strain yourself."

She blinked, surprised. "But I didn’t do anything on the plane," she protested, though her lips twitched at the corners. "I just sat, Stefan."

"Sitting is something," he said gently but firmly. "It could tire you out. And the last thing I ever want is for anything to happen to you or the baby because I’m being careless."

Something soft and warm bloomed in Ruby’s chest. The way he said "you and the baby" so naturally made her heart skip. He wasn’t just saying it—he meant it. It was just as though he’d been there all along. That they never separated.

Though he was being excessive, she loved it. She loved every bit of it. The way he was taking sweet care of her.... It made her heart flutter.

She watched in amusement as the doctor stepped forward then, offering her a polite smile.

"Good evening, Mrs. Winters. If you don’t mind, this won’t take long."

Ruby gave Stefan a side glance but sighed, smiling softly. "Okay."

Stefan stayed beside her the entire time, holding her hand as the doctor checked her vitals, asked gentle questions, and did a quick scan. The atmosphere was peaceful, almost intimate in a way that made Ruby’s heart ache pleasantly.

"You’re perfectly fine," the doctor finally announced with a smile. "No stress signs. Baby’s heartbeat is steady. Just make sure to rest well."

Ruby exhaled in relief. "Thank you."

Stefan nodded gratefully to the doctor, who excused himself a moment later, Martin leading him out.

As the front door clicked shut behind them, Stefan turned back to her, his eyes warm. "Come on. Let’s get you to bed."

She smiled, allowing him to guide her gently up the familiar grand staircase. Each step brought back memories—some good, some painful—but tonight felt different. Tonight, she didn’t feel like an intruder or an actress in someone else’s life.

When they reached his bedroom—their bedroom—Ruby paused at the doorway, her eyes sweeping across the space. The elegant, tasteful decor. The soft lighting. The massive bed with its pristine sheets.

Memories of her last time there, hit her but she quickly covered them with that of when she first stepped in there... how everything had been beautiful, yet, she’d been too scared to touch or do anything out of the ordinary because she thought nothing was hers there.

"It’s still the same," she murmured softly. "Nothing’s changed."

Stefan smiled faintly. "That’s because Ivy never stayed long enough to change it," he said casually.

Ruby blinked, glancing at him over her shoulder. "But Ivy was your wife," she teased lightly, her tone playful. "I was the one who wasn’t your wife."

He stepped closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "That’s what you think," he murmured softly. "Not what I think."

Her breath caught slightly at the quiet intensity in his voice. For a second, she felt the urge to argue, to correct him, but Stefan smiled and brushed a gentle hand against her arm.

"No more arguing," he whispered. "You need to rest. It’s been a long day."

Ruby hesitated, then nodded. "Okay."

He helped her settle onto the bed, pulling the soft covers over her before sitting beside her for a moment longer. His fingers brushed over her hair, tucking a stray strand behind her ear.

"Sleep well, Ruby," he murmured, his voice soft as velvet. "I’ll be right here."

Her heart swelled. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt this safe, this... wanted. Her eyes fluttered shut as exhaustion finally pulled at her limbs.

Her last thought before sleep claimed her was simple but profound.

She had missed this. Missed him being on this bed beside her, cuddling her, his warm breath against her skin.

The night stretched on quietly, wrapping the mansion in peaceful stillness, and for the first time in weeks, Ruby slept without fear, without weight—wrapped in warmth, safety, and a love she was slowly learning to trust again.

The following morning, the soft glow of morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a gentle warmth over the room.

Ruby stirred, her lashes fluttering open slowly as her eyes adjusted to the new day. For a moment, she was still, her mind hazy with sleep. Then, as her vision cleared, she caught sight of Stefan sitting upright on the edge of the bed, his eyes fixed on her with an unreadable expression.

She blinked, startled. "Stefan?" she murmured, her voice still thick with sleep. "Why are you up? You should be resting too. You were tired."

He gave her a small, almost sheepish smile, his eyes soft as they stayed on her. "I know. I just... I couldn’t sleep," he said quietly. "My mom came over early. Since then, I’ve been restless. I guess I just decided to watch you instead. You look beautiful and peaceful when you sleep. I’ve wanted to do this for too long and now, it just feels like it’s a dream."

Ruby felt warmth rush to her cheeks at his words. She smiled instinctively, but the smile faltered as his words sank in fully. Her brows drew together slightly. "Wait—your mom? She’s here?" She asked, her heart skipping a beat.

He nodded, his expression shifting to something more serious. "Yeah. She showed up after I sent her a text to let her know we landed safely. She says she wants to apologize to you, but I told her she could do that any other time. Didn’t know she’d still come. But you don’t have to see her if you’re not ready to face her"

Ruby sighed softly, sitting up a little more in bed. Her fingers fidgeted with the edge of the blanket as her thoughts tumbled around.

She remembered clearly how Elizabeth had once agreed to let her stay by Stefan’s side when she asked. She knew if Ivy hadn’t returned, Elizabeth would’ve probably not have a problem with having her as her son’s wife.

Though she’d joined them in betraying her that way, still, Elizabeth had held to her end of the bargain, paying her without hesitation.

No matter how she thought about it, she was Stefan’s mother and had probably been doing what she thought was best. Just like she’d asked her to be a substitute just to protect Stefan’s heart. She was the reason hers and Stefan’s heart intertwined.

Ruby took a deep breath, her eyes meeting Stefan’s. "I’m ready," she said softly. "If I’m going to marry you one day, then I have to face your mother. I can’t keep avoiding it."

Stefan’s eyes softened further, something like relief flashing in them. He reached for her hand, lifting it gently to his lips. He pressed a kiss to her palm, holding it there for a moment longer. "Thank you," he murmured against her skin. "Thank you for loving me."

Her heart ached sweetly, her fingers tightening around his. "Always," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

They sat there in the quiet morning light, hands entwined, hearts steady, both knowing that whatever came next, they’d face it together.

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I’m so sorry for the error earlier