CHAPTER 21: I’LL TRY

Ruby’s mind raced, trying to recall the details Ivy might have mentioned. She painted a picture quickly, describing the stone path, the rose bushes by the fountain, the small bench under the pear tree.

He nodded as she spoke, as if remembering it all just from her words. "I missed that place," he murmured.

Regina gave her a brief, approving smile.

Elizabeth said nothing but watched Ruby closely—thoughtfully.

After that, dinner flowed smoothly—almost too smoothly. Every word, every gesture, felt like a scene in a carefully choreographed play. Ruby sat at the table with the grace of a trained performer, and beside her, Stefan remained composed, but Ruby could sense he was still searching—for clues, for truth or maybe she was just being paranoid and he was just being his usual self.

He wasn’t outright suspicious, not yet, but something in his subtle pauses, in the way his hand tightened ever so slightly around his cutlery, told her he wasn’t entirely convinced either—that was what her head was telling her but her mind was saying something else. He was troubled by something he wasn’t sharing.

Just then, Elizabeth set down her glass of wine and turned to Ruby with a calm smile. Her tone was light, casual, almost as if the compliment came to her naturally—but Ruby knew it was calculated.

"I heard from Oliver that you stepped in at the company today."

Ruby paused, surprised. "Oh... that was nothing of importance."

Elizabeth nodded with a thoughtful hum. "And who says it isn’t? He said you spoke with confidence. Said you corrected the board’s assumptions about Stefan’s capacity to lead. That takes courage. how did you feel when she took charge, Stef?"

Stefan shifted slightly beside her, his brows pulling together into a smile as he recalled that moment.

"I have to say I was the most happiest and most proudest to have my wife beside me. I’m glad she was there," he said proudly and Ruby turned to look at him.

Her heart skipped when she saw the raw affection in his eyes. Though she knew he couldn’t see her, the love in his eyes weren’t lying. What she saw was true and genuine. Too bad Ivy wasn’t here or was it towards her? After all, she had been the one with him at the conference hall, not Ivy.

Ruby shook her head when she realized what she was thinking. It was just three days so how could she be thinking that? She mused and then cleared her throat.

"I didn’t realize you’d feel that way. I just knew I had to step in. I couldn’t just sit there while they treated you like you were less capable because of your sight. You’ve worked hard for everything you’ve built. If they can’t see that, I will."

Silence fell over the table for a heartbeat. And then Elizabeth spoke again, her tone firm, approving. "That’s the kind of woman I always hoped Stefan would end up with. Someone who doesn’t shrink when things get difficult."

Stefan’s expression changed—he didn’t smile, but the tension in his jaw softened slightly. His thumb brushed across Ruby’s hand under the table. A silent acknowledgment.

Elizabeth looked at him now. "You made the right choice, Stefan. I know you were unsure for a while... but I’m glad you followed through."

"I... I am too," he said softly, as if testing the words in his mouth. "It hasn’t been easy. But Ivy’s different now and I think I like her better this way."

Ruby looked down at her plate, heart pounding. That was the point, wasn’t it? Ivy was different now—because she wasn’t Ivy at all. But in this moment, that didn’t matter. What mattered was that Stefan was beginning to believe and he liked her version. What did that even mean?

Across the table, Regina’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. She raised her glass slightly toward Ruby, who returned a faint smile, hiding the swirl of anxiety threatening to burst.

After dessert, the plates were cleared, and the maids began quietly wrapping up service. Regina patted her lips gently with her napkin and stood, smoothing the fabric of her gown.

"I think we’ve all had our fill," she said with a pleasant sigh. "This dinner was just what we needed."

Ruby nodded and rose to her feet. "I’m going to take Stefan upstairs. I’ll be back to see you both out."

"You’re sweet," Regina said, and Elizabeth offered a brief smile.

Ruby helped Stefan up, his hand settling over hers easily now. Their steps were measured, quiet as they left the dining room and made their way through the hall. The moment they reached the stairs, Stefan murmured, "I really meant what I said. What you did at the company was remarkable, makes me think I could leave the company under your hands."

"Don’t say that. You do a better job and we both know it," Ruby answered quietly. "Today, I just sort of felt I couldn’t sit back. I know you didn’t ask me to, but I couldn’t stay silent."

"I didn’t think you would," he said after a pause. "You surprised me today... in a good way. Just be this way with me always, okay?"

"I got you," she said and he raised a brow.

"Got me?" he asked since he’d been expecting a normal okay from her.

"Yeah. My way of saying, Okay, I’ll do as you say," she said and he chuckled.

"Alright."

Ruby glanced at him, her throat tightening. Don’t let that trust go to waste, she reminded herself.

When they reached his room, she helped him ease into bed, fluffing his pillows and pulling the blankets over him gently.

"You’re not staying?" he asked, his voice softer now.

"I’ll be right back," she whispered. "I just want to walk Mother and your mom out. I’ll freshen up in my room and join you here."

He nodded, and she looked at him quietly before lowering her lips to his forehead and kissing it, letting her lips linger just a second longer than necessary before quietly slipping out of the room.

Though she had just done it to seal whatever trust he was beginning to apportion to her, she just couldn’t take the vulnerability in his eyes after the kiss away.

All this wasn’t fair on him. He didn’t deserve the lie. He didn’t deserve any of this deceit. He didn’t even ask to be blind or to get involved in an accident.

Should she just damn everything and just be genuine with her emotions with him? She could try to treat him like her husband, and play the real wifely duties to him but only with the idea that everything would end in a year?

Perhaps that would be better. That way, she wouldn’t have to feel guilty everyday since she’d at least treat him genuinely. Perhaps that was it. She told herself as she walked out.

Downstairs, Elizabeth and Regina were waiting near the grand doors, coats in hand and shoes clicking lightly against the marble floor.

Regina looked up as Ruby approached. "That was brilliant," she whispered with a proud smile. "Absolutely brilliant."

Elizabeth gave a rare nod of approval. "He’s beginning to believe. But don’t let your guard down. He’s smart. If anything feels off, he’ll notice."

Ruby exhaled, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress. "It’s not easy... being someone I’m not."

"It was never going to be," Elizabeth said coolly. "But you’ve managed better than we could have hoped. Just treat him better, the way you would a lover. Only difference is, you’d have to break up in a year so put that at the back of your mind."

Regina stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Ruby’s arm. "Yes, I agree with Elizabeth. Now that he’s starting to trust you, this is the time to show him love. Real affection. Even if it’s uncomfortable. You need to erase the remaining doubt, not by words but by your affection and actions."

Ruby looked between them, her heart heavy. "And what if I slip? What if he sees something I miss or what if I show him too much love than Ivy did?"

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"Then you cover it up with care," Elizabeth said. "You distract him with tenderness. That’s how people fall in love... even with strangers. Besides, he’d only be happy if you show him more love, not suspect you."

Ruby swallowed hard. This wasn’t just a performance anymore—it was becoming real. Stefan was beginning to trust her. And that trust... terrified her.

"I’ll try," she whispered.

"You’re doing more than trying," Regina said gently. "You’re surviving. And one day, this will all be behind us."

Ruby nodded, her voice caught in her throat. As the door opened and the night breeze whispered in, she watched the two women disappear into the dark, leaving her alone in the vast, silent foyer.

But upstairs, in the room where Stefan waited, the real challenge was just beginning.

Though she had told herself she would be genuine with her feelings for him since he deserved a genuine heart, how was she going to go about it?

Doing all of that was at her own risk and what would happen if her sister ever returned? Would she be willing to leave Stefan vulnerable and aline with her knowing she could leave him at will?