Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO
Chapter 106: Dinner Date 2

Chapter 106: Dinner Date 2

"What about you?" he asked, leaning in a little. "You said you’re a blogger. What kind of stuff do you write about?"

"Everything," she said with a small shrug. "People. Moments. Life. I’m a professional overthinker, so writing is how I keep myself from exploding." f .r e\ewebnov(e)(l).c om

"That sounds poetic," he said, genuinely intrigued.

"Poetic, sure. But sometimes it’s just me ranting about how laundry should count as cardio or why cereal at night is the peak of adulthood."

Ethan laughed—a deep, rich sound that made something flutter in her chest. She liked the way he laughed. Like he wasn’t just being polite. Like he got her.

They talked through dinner, trading stories—some light, some surprisingly personal. Ethan told her about growing up in Zeden, the long hours building his company, and how he almost lost it once to a terrible investment.

She told him about her childhood in Zeden and how her parents had moved to Florittle when she was fifteen, her love for words, and how she once accidentally sent a love poem meant for her crush to her high school math teacher.

"You did not," he said, eyes wide with amusement.

"Oh, I did," she groaned. "Mr. Daniels thought it was a prank. I almost died."

He chuckled. "You’re full of surprises," he said, still smiling.

"I try."

As they finished their meals, Rayna noticed something shift. It wasn’t just that the conversation had gotten easier—it was him. He wasn’t just handsome. Or charming. He was... kind. Thoughtful. And he listened. Really listened. Not like he was waiting for his turn to speak, but like he actually cared about her answers. He hadn’t pretended to be this way the other night. It was just who he was.

That was rare. Rarer than it should be. And somehow, it made her feel seen.

As the plates were cleared and the check paid Ethan stood and offered her his hand.

"Come with me," he said.

Rayna narrowed her eyes playfully. "That sounds suspicious. I know I can be crazy but trust me, I’m not having sex in a restaurant’s restroom."

Ethan laughed by her crazy assumptions. "Sex? No one is having sex today least of all in a restroom. Just.... trust me and come with me, silly."

"Famous last words," she said, still, she took his hand.

He led her outside, not toward the parking lot, but around the restaurant, to a small garden patio tucked behind the building. String lights dangled from the trees, and there was a wooden bench facing a shallow koi pond, its surface glowing under the soft light.

They sat, and for a moment, just watched the fish swim lazily beneath the water. fr.eew eb novel..com

"This is my favorite part of the place," he said. "Most people don’t even know it’s here."

"It’s beautiful," she said softly. "Peaceful."

"I thought you’d like it."

"I do. You did say I was yet to see the best part," she said, and he chuckled softly.

She turned to him, her voice quieter now. "Why did you want to see me again, Ethan? After all that time?"

He looked at her, eyes steady. "Because I didn’t forget you. I tried. I told myself it was just a night. Just a coincidence. But when I saw you again last week, I knew I had to try."

"Even though we barely know each other and I refused your calls?"

"Especially because you refused my calls when you could’ve said no. You gave me your contact info. That means there’s still time to get it right."

Rayna felt her throat tighten unexpectedly. She wasn’t used to this—people being so open, so honest. It scared her a little. But it also made her want to believe. To try.

"Okay," she whispered. "Let’s see if we can."

They sat there for a while longer, talking about everything and nothing. She told him about Ruby and her love of quiet mornings. He told her about his niece who wanted to be an astronaut-chef. It was simple. Sweet. Real.

Eventually, the night grew cooler, and Rayna shivered slightly.

"Let me drive you home," Ethan offered. "It’s late."

"I brought my car. You seem to have forgotten."

He nodded. "Then let me drive behind you. I want to make sure you get home safely," he said, not because he needed to know where she stayed so he could tell Stefan but because he genuinely needed to make sure she got home safely. fre/ew.ebnovel.c om

She came out because of him and he needed to be sure she got home safely.

She hesitated for a heartbeat, then nodded. "Alright."

They walked to her car together, and he opened the door for her like it was the most natural thing in the world. After she got in, he went back to his car and followed behind her.

When they reached her house, he quickly texted her to wait and while she was waiting, he parked at the curb and went to get her door for her.

"Was this why you asked me to wait? I’d thought you saw a thief or something," she said, and he chuckled.

"I’m sorry but I just wanted to treat you like the queen you are," he said, making Rayna’s cheeks flash a crimson pink.

She turned away so he wouldn’t notice.

Ethan smiled when he noticed she was blushing and then cleared his throat. "I had a great time tonight," he said.

"Me too," she replied, turning to face him. "You’re... not what I expected."

"Is that a good thing?"

She smiled. "It is."

He didn’t try to kiss her. Didn’t push. Just reached over and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Goodnight, Rayna and thank you for coming out."

"Goodnight, Ethan."

She moved away from her car and watched him drive off, his taillights disappearing into the quiet Florittle night.

And as she stood there, in the soft glow of the porch light, she realized something.

She wanted to see him again.

Not for Ruby. Not for distraction. But for herself.

Because for the first time in a long while, something inside her stirred—something that felt dangerously close to love and she wasn’t ready to run from it. Not yet.