Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO
Chapter 95: Divorce?

Chapter 95: Divorce?

The morning sun filtered through the beige curtains of Stefan’s hotel room, casting long golden stripes across the floor.

Dressed in a navy-blue shirt and black slacks, Stefan stood in front of the mirror, running a comb through his still-damp hair.

A calm expression covered his face, but beneath it was a storm of emotions—restlessness, guilt, and a strong, unwavering resolve.

Martin, his ever-reliable valet, entered the room with Stefan’s suitcase in hand. "I’ve packed the essentials and left the rest in storage, just like you asked."

"Thanks, Martin," Stefan said, grabbing his sunglasses. "Let’s head out. You’ll return the car keys after dropping me off."

"Yes, sir." Martin nodded, already wheeling the suitcase towards the door.

As they made their way down to the hotel parking lot, Stefan’s fingers itched to call Ethan with updates. But he decided to do that was they were on their way. f\r(e)ewe.b no\vel.com

Once they were on the highway, the trees blurring past the window, he pulled out his phone and dialed Ethan and the call connected after the third ring.

"What’s up, man?" Ethan answered. His voice was groggy, as though he hadn’t been up long.

"I’m good," Stefan said, his tone low but certain. "I’m on my way to the airport."

There was a pause as Ethan tried to understand Stefan’s words. "Airport? What for?"

"I’m flying to Florittle."

"You’re coming here? Why? For a business meeting?" he asked, confused.

"Im coming to find Ruby, man," Stefan said, his voice firm.

"Wait—what?" Ethan sounded more alert now. "Stefan, why would you do that? I’m already here looking for her. There’s no point in both of us running around, is there?"

"I understand. Trust me, I do but I can’t sit back and wait for updates anymore," Stefan said quietly. "I don’t think I’ll be able to breathe until I see Ruby for myself. Until I know she and the baby are okay."

Ethan let out a slow exhale. "I get it, man. I do. But we’re not even sure where she went from Florittle. I’m checking airport CCTV footage like you asked, but there’s nothing solid yet. You flying here doesn’t mean you’ll find her faster."

"I know." Stefan’s voice was steady, yet a current of desperation laced his words. "But at least I’ll be doing something. I need to do this, Ethan. I’ve already failed her once. I can’t sit back and wait to fail her again—not when I know she must definitely be in pains thinking I betrayed her."

There was another long pause before Ethan finally said, "Okay. But what the company? You can’t just walk away from everything. Don’t tell me you’re leaving it with your uncle. You know how he is."

"No." Stefan shook his head. "Not him. I’ve asked someone who is capable. More than that, who’s very trustworthy."

Ethan thought for a few seconds. "Oliver?" Ethan guessed, a hint of realization in his voice. He had seen how efficient he was so it can only be him.

"Yes, Oliver."

"Of course. That makes sense. But still, I don’t think it’s a wise decision, coming here."

Stefan didn’t reply right away. His eyes were fixed on the road ahead, jaw set with purpose.

"What about your mother?" Ethan asked when he realized that Stefan’s mind was already made. "Did you tell her? Maybe she can help Oliver oversee things too."

Stefan scoffed, a bitter smile curling at the edge of his lips. "I haven’t spoken to her. I’m still mad at her, Ethan. She helped—no, she orchestrate this entire mess. If she hadn’t backed Ivy, if she hadn’t silenced Ruby... none of this would’ve happened. I wouldn’t be chasing shadows. We would’ve settled everything thar day at the hospital."

Ethan sighed. "If you put it that way, then you’re also at fault, you know that, right? You didn’t trust Ruby when she needed you to. You didn’t see her pain. You didn’t see her when you should."

Stefan’s throat tightened. "I know, man. And I’m already paying the price. I carry the guilt every day. I see her in my dreams, hear her voice when I close my eyes. I betrayed the one person who stood by me. That’s why I’m not happy. That’s why I can’t sit still. That is why I need to find her, man. I have to."

Ethan went quiet for a moment before saying, "Your mom’s been trying to reach you for two days now. She called me—asked me to talk to you. She wants to help. She regrets what she did, Stefan. Maybe you should—"

Stefan interrupted. "I’m not ready to face her." f\ree webn ovel(.)com

"Don’t you think you’re being unfair to her? You should give her the chance to redeem herself," Ethan said gently. "Just like you’re trying to redeem yourself by finding Ruby."

Stefan’s grip on the phone tightened. He leaned his head back against the seat, closing his eyes for a moment. "Maybe," he said at last. "I will. But when I’m ready."

Ethan didn’t push. "Fair enough."

A heavy silence fell between them, broken only by the soft hum of tires against asphalt. Then Stefan spoke again, his voice more hesitant this time. "I signed the divorce papers."

Ethan blinked. "You what?" fr\eewebno vel .c(o)m

"Last night. I had it prepared and signed," Stefan explained. "The lawyer is taking them to Ivy any moment from now."

There was a long pause before Ethan chuckled. "Damn. I didn’t expect that so soon. But I’m glad. That’s one step in the right direction. Let’s just hope Ivy signs them without causing any troubles."

"I hope so too," Stefan said quietly.

"Look, I’ll keep digging here," Ethan promised. "I’ll send you the house address and everything once you land. What time’s your flight?"

"9 a.m. Should land around seven or eight in the evening."

"Alright. I’ll make preparations or I’ll come pick you myself." Ethan’s tone softened. "We’ll find her, Stefan. Together."

Stefan allowed himself a small, hopeful smile. "Thanks, Ethan."

"Safe travels, man."

The call ended. Stefan set the phone down, staring out the window. The morning haze was lifting, revealing a clear path ahead. A path he was determined to walk—no matter how long it took—to find the woman he should never have let go.

He stared at his phone and then sighed. Thinking about Ivy and the divorce, he decided it was probably right he called her to let her know beforehand.

Though she didn’t love him, she was a woman he’d loved and thought had been there with him until recently. Even if she didn’t care for him, he should give her the respect of letting her know. He thought, raising his phone to call her.

Away from there, the morning silence in Ivy’s room was broken only by the ticking of the wall clock. She sat on her vanity stool, gently dabbing foundation onto her flawless skin, trying to distract herself from the building anxiety in her chest.

Ever since Stefan had dropped those bombshell comments the day before, Ivy hadn’t been able to shake the feeling that something was... unraveling. How could she when he had not even returned home once and his mother was also on Ruby’s side?

Her phone buzzed on the marble countertop. She picked it up to see it was Stefan.

She stared at the screen for a moment, her pulse instantly racing. He hadn’t called her in days—barely even acknowledged her since everything and just yesterday he’d said those disturbing words. She hurried to accept the call, eager and nervous all at once.

"Stefan?" Her voice was soft, almost tentative.

"I’m not going to waste time," came his voice, cold and steady like steel. "The lawyer will be bringing the divorce papers to you later today."

The words struck her like a slap across the face. Her breath hitched, the compact falling from her hand and shattering against the floor.

"W-What?" she whispered, her hand trembling. "Divorce?"

"I’m willing to compensate you with two million dollars," he said calmly, as if he were talking business and not ending a marriage. "So don’t make this more difficult than it needs to be."

Ivy’s mind spun out of control. Divorce? No, no, no. He couldn’t possibly mean it. He’s just angry... maybe all Eliana said got to him. Or maybe it’s temporary. Maybe he just needs space. He’s just emotional, vulnerable—it’s not over. It can’t be over.

But Stefan kept speaking, cutting through her spiraling thoughts.

"In case you’re wondering on what grounds," he continued coldly, "it’s on the grounds of deceit. That wedding certificate you’re so proud of throwing in my face? The one you flaunt like a trophy that we’re married? That alone is enough proof. Because the signature on it—it isn’t even yours."

Her heart dropped to the pit of her stomach. Her lips parted, desperate to argue, to defend herself, to say anything—but her mind was too chaotic to form the words.

"Think carefully, Ivy," Stefan warned, his voice like frost. "Sign those papers before I return. It’ll be easier for both of us."

And without waiting for her response, the call ended and the line went dead.