Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO
Chapter 57: Your Marriage Is Over

Chapter 57: Your Marriage Is Over

The steady beeping of machines was the only sound in the room as Ruby entered the room after Stefan had been transferred to a room.

Ruby stood beside Stefan’s hospital bed, her fingers curled tightly around the bedrail. His face was still, too still, with pale skin and a small bandage near his temple.

Tubes were attached to him, a harsh reminder of how fragile life could be. He looked peaceful, but it didn’t bring her any comfort. This was the man who’d insisted he’d come pick her up if she didn’t show up or called by noon.

Who would’ve thought this could happen in the space of minutes? If she’d known then she wouldn’t have let him take her to the hospital. She would’ve taken a cab or driven herself to the hospital.

If she’d done that then he would’ve arrived safely at the company or would he not? She swallowed, biting up the tears threatening to fall as she looked at him.

She let out a quiet breath and pulled a chair closer. Her hand found his, and she sat down, eyes never leaving his face.

"I guess you probably can’t hear me," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I’m going to talk anyway."

She looked around the room, as if checking for witnesses, then turned back to him. "There’s something I should have told you a long time ago. Something I’ve been carrying around for over six months even while loving you dearly."

She laughed nervously, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Isn’t that crazy? All this time I’ve had this huge secret, and now here I am, saying it when you’re unconscious." f\ree webn ovel(.)com

Her hand tightened on his. "I’m pregnant, Stefan. I’m carrying your baby. But that’s not even it."

Her voice broke on the last word, and she closed her eyes, breathing through the emotion that rose in her chest.

"The truth is, I didn’t plan—i never planned to fall in love with you. I didn’t plan to become the kind of woman who keeps secrets like this. But I got scared. Everything happened so fast, and I just wanted to protect you... or was it me? My heart. I was scared of telling you. I mean how could I have been bold enough to tell you that...."

She let her words trail off as she smiled faintly, blinking through the tears. "How could I have told you that you weren’t even supposed to be mine? You were Ivy’s fiancé. And I was just the girl who stepped in at the last minute to clean up the mess. The mess Ivy caused."

She leaned forward, her forehead gently resting against the back of his hand. "I hope I have the courage to say this when you wake up. Because the doctors said you’re going to be fine. And they’re planning your eye surgery. It’ll happen as soon as you regain consciousness."

Her lips trembled. "You’re finally going to see again. And I don’t know what that means for us. But I wanted you to know. I wanted you to hear it from me first, even if you’re not really hearing it."

She sat there for a few more minutes, holding his hand in silence before slowly standing.

"Please regain consciousness soon so I tell you before I get the jitters again," she muttered as she sniffled.

One last glance, and then she turned and walked out of the room.

Her fingers shook slightly as she pulled out her phone and dialed her mother’s number while Elizabeth went in to see her son since Ruby had begged to go in first.

"Ruby?" Regina’s voice came through immediately.

"Mom," she said, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Stefan’s been in an accident. I’m at the hospital."

There was a pause, then Regina gasped. "What? Oh my God! I’m coming right away."

It wasn’t long before Regina arrived, her heels clicking sharply against the floor as she rushed into the waiting area. Elizabeth met her first, hugging her briefly before they all sat together.

Though after the wedding, they both hadn’t been best of friends, they knew they needed comfort from each other, especially Elizabeth. fre\e(w)ebn ov.e l\. co.m

"Oh my God, Lizzy. I’m so sorry to hear about this. How is he?" she asked in a worried tone.

Elizabeth pulled away as she looked into Regina’s face. "The doctor said he’s stable. And there’s good news too. His eye surgery can happen soon."

Regina looked at her in surprise. "Already? But they said it would take a year."

Elizabeth nodded. "Apparently, his optic nerves healed faster than expected. It’s rare, but it happens."

Regina exhaled in relief. "That’s wonderful."

But then Elizabeth turned to Ruby, her tone more serious. "I hope you know what this means."

Ruby frowned. "What do you mean?" she asked not understanding what her mother was saying.

"Once he regains his sight," Elizabeth said slowly, "your marriage is over."

Though Elizabeth had known that, she hadn’t wanted to bring it up until after everything was over. But since Regina was already saying it, then she just had to say it too.

Ruby blinked. "But... didn’t we agree it would be for a year?"

Elizabeth nodded. "We did. But things changed. This accident, the surgery... they’ve pushed everything forward. We have to adjust the plan."

Ruby hesitated before nodding. "Alright. But is there... is there a way I can continue being his wife?"

Regina’s head snapped toward her. "What are you saying?" she asked sharply. "You should be happy this contract is finally coming to an end, not trying to drag it on!"

Ruby didn’t respond. Her eyes were locked on Elizabeth’s, silently pleading, waiting for Elizabeth to speak.

Elizabeth studied her for a long moment. "If you want to stay," she said finally, "I’ll support you. As long as my son is happy, I don’t mind. But I won’t be paying you anymore."

Ruby nodded without hesitation. "That’s fine. I don’t want the money."

Regina stood up abruptly, her expression tight with anger. "I can’t believe this. You’re choosing to stay in a fake marriage for nothing? What is wrong with you, Ruby?"

"Mom, he needs me—"

"Is that what you tell yourself?" she asked and then narrowed her eyes. "Are you inlove with your sister’s husband?"

Still, Ruby didn’t answer. She just looked away, her heart already making its choice.

Regina scoffed and grabbed her bag, shaking her head. "I’m leaving. Can’t believe you’d fall for your sister’s husband!"

She stormed out of the hospital, leaving Elizabeth and Ruby in silence.

Elizabeth reached over and took Ruby’s hand. "You’re a brave girl. I hope he sees that when he opens his eyes, otherwise, there’s nothing I can do about it either."

Ruby gave her a small smile, but her heart was still heavy. Soon, Stefan would wake up. And then... everything would change.