Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO
Chapter 88: Hope 2

Chapter 88: Hope 2

It had been three days since she’d arrived in Florittle with Rayna, and just yesterday she’d made the decision to stop running—from her feelings, from the truth, from the man she had unwillingly fallen for. She didn’t know what the future held, but what she did know was that she couldn’t let the past dictate her every step.

With a quiet sigh, she pushed the covers off and sat up, brushing her hair back with her fingers. Her body felt tired but rested, and a faint nausea still lingered as it had every morning lately. She moved slowly toward the door, the scent of something warm and toasty already drifting through the air.

She followed the aroma into the small kitchen and smiled as she spotted Rayna standing over the stove, humming to herself while flipping something in a pan.

"Morning," Ruby said softly.

Rayna turned around immediately, her smile bright and genuine. "Hey, you’re up. I was just about to bring you something in bed."

"I could’ve helped," Ruby said, stepping further into the kitchen.

Rayna quickly waved her off. "No way. You’re not lifting a finger, missy. You’re pregnant, remember?"

"I’m pregnant," Ruby echoed, her voice barely above a whisper as she rested her hand on her stomach again. Sometimes, saying it out loud still felt surreal.

Rayna reached into the fridge and pulled out a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, handing it to her with a smirk. "No coffee for you anymore. Juice it is."

Ruby accepted the glass with a chuckle. "Thanks, Mum." f.(r)eewe/bnov\ll.com

"Hey, I take my honorary godmother duties seriously," Rayna said with a playful wink before turning back to the stove. "Now, sit your cute little self down and relax. Breakfast is almost ready."

Ruby obediently moved to the small dining table, sipping her juice slowly. The tartness was refreshing, and it helped soothe the queasy feeling in her stomach.

By the time Rayna finished and set the table, the scent of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and toast filled the air. Ruby’s eyes widened as she took in the spread.

"Rayna, this is a feast."

"You need it," Rayna said, sitting down across from her. "Eat. Eat all of it."

Ruby didn’t need to be told twice. Her appetite had been unpredictable lately probably due to her mood, but this morning, her stomach growled in approval. She dug in, savoring every bite as if it were the best thing she’d tasted in weeks.

Rayna watched her with a satisfied smile. "Okay, seeing you eat like that is giving me life." .com

"I didn’t realize how hungry I was," Ruby said between bites. "This is amazing," she said and Rayna giggled.

"Glad you think so." Rayna leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. "So, what’s next? I mean... for you. For the baby."

Ruby paused for a moment, setting her fork down as her eyes grew distant. "I’ve been thinking about that. A lot."

Rayna waited, giving her time to finish what she wanted to say.

"I’ve always wanted to open an event planning center," Ruby said finally. "You know, something small at first. Birthdays, engagements, corporate launches. I used to sketch ideas in my notebook back home."

Rayna’s eyes lit up. "You never told me that."

"I guess I never thought I’d get the chance. Life’s always gotten in the way. But now... maybe this is the perfect time." Her fingers grazed the rim of her glass. "If I start now, I can get it up and running before I get too close to delivery. Maybe by the time I’m thirty-eight weeks, I’ll already have a brand name—clients, maybe even a team. That way, I’ll have something for myself... and the baby when she arrives."

"She? How do you know it’s a she and not a he?" Rayna asked in amusement and Ruby shrugged.

"I just have a feeling," she said with a wink.

Rayna nodded, impressed. "That’s a solid plan. I love it."

"I just... I want something stable. Something mine. I don’t want to depend on what-ifs anymore. I want to live on my own and do all I can to take care of my child."

"That’s the Ruby I know," Rayna said, reaching over to squeeze her hand. "And guess what? I’m in. I’ll help however I can."

Ruby blinked, surprised. "Really?"

"Of course! My job is remote, remember? And thank God I don’t have to face any trouble because of anyone again."

Ruby grinned. "Are you still so scared of them posting another fake story?"

Rayna rolled her eyes dramatically. "Don’t remind me. One unverified article and boom—lawsuit city. I’m glad it’s over and Stefan’s best friend helped when he did. I’ve learned my lesson, and I’m free to pour my energy into something else. Like your dream."

For the first time in days, Ruby laughed—a genuine, heart-deep laugh. It felt good. It felt like healing.

"Thank you, Rayna," she said softly. "For everything. For not asking too many questions, for taking me in... for making me laugh."

Rayna got up and wrapped her arms around her from behind. "That’s what best friends are for, babe. And besides, this little peanut"—she placed a hand on Ruby’s stomach—"is going to need the best aunt in the world."

Ruby rested her hand over Rayna’s, her smile tinged with emotion. "I don’t know what I’d do without you."

"Well, you don’t have to find out."

For a while, they just sat there in comfortable silence, sunlight warming the room, the soft hum of a new beginning in the air.

Ruby didn’t know what the future held. She didn’t know if Stefan would find her, or what he would even say if he found out the difference between her and Ivy. But for now, she had a plan. She had purpose. She had a baby to live for. And she wasn’t alone.

She was finally building something—something of her own. And for the first time in a long while... she felt hopeful. This hope would keep her going.