CHAPTER 20: DINNER

"Stefan?" she called softly.

She found him seated on the edge of the bed, fully dressed in a navy shirt and dark trousers, his head tilted slightly as if listening for her.

"Ivy," he said with a small nod. "I thought you weren’t coming."

Her heart twisted at the way he said it—not accusing, just... disappointed. Was he no longer doubting or suspicious of her?

"I’m sorry," she said, walking over. "I didn’t mean to keep you waiting. I thought Martin would help you down."

"He offered," Stefan said, turning toward her voice. "But I wanted to wait for you. You promised you’d be back early so I figured I wait for my darling wife."

Ruby froze for a second, then forced a smile as she stepped closer. "That’s sweet of you, Stefan. I’m here now."

She extended her hand, guiding his fingers into hers. His grip was warm, strong, and somehow trusting in a way that made her chest ache. Perhaps, he had stopped doubting her but what changed?

He stood slowly, and Ruby instinctively moved to support him. His arm slid around hers as they walked together toward the door.

"I like walking with you more now," he said suddenly, almost in a whisper.

She glanced at him, her throat tightening, wondering where that was coming from.

"Before now, you used to say I always walk too fast," he continued with a small chuckle. "But now, now I never feel rushed. You’re patient with me, leading me just how you need me to walk."

Ruby didn’t know what to say. The guilt that had been simmering all evening rose like a tide, and for a second, she couldn’t breathe.

He thinks you’re her. He loves her. And you’re just... a substitute. A substitute to the one his heart knows.

"Thanks and I’ll try to be more patient with you now," she managed to say.

As they reached the stairs, she guided him carefully, step by step. With each one, she felt the weight of her deception settle heavier in her chest.

She wasn’t sure how long she could keep doing this — pretending, smiling, holding his hand like it was hers to hold. But for now, she had no choice.

Because if she didn’t play her part perfectly, everything could fall apart and someone, somewhere, was already watching, waiting to expose her.

The last few steps felt longer than they should have, each one filled with a mixture of dread and responsibility. Ruby held onto Stefan’s arm carefully, her other hand pressed against the polished mahogany railing. She could already hear faint voices from the drawing room—soft, elegant, and unmistakably familiar.

By the time they reached the ground floor, a figure stepped into view.

Elizabeth.

She was dressed in a slate-gray tailored dress that fit her slender frame perfectly, her dark hair swept into an elegant twist. Her sharp eyes were the first thing Ruby noticed—eyes that always seemed to notice everything without trying. But today, they softened just a little when they landed on Stefan.

"There you are," Elizabeth said with a calm smile, her heels clicking softly as she walked toward them. "I was beginning to wonder if I’d have to come upstairs myself."

Ruby returned the smile, subtly tightening her grip on Stefan’s arm. "We were just coming down."

"Good," Elizabeth said, then turned her full attention to her son. "How are you feeling, dear?"

"I’m alright," Stefan replied. "Just a bit tired."

"You’ve been through a lot," Elizabeth said, placing a hand briefly on his shoulder. "But it’s good to see you up and dressed. A little dinner will do you some good."

From the corner of her eye, Ruby noticed Regina emerging from the hallway. She was already wearing a warm smile that seemed crafted for this very moment—poised, pleasant, a perfect social mask.

"Elizabeth," Regina greeted smoothly, walking over with arms slightly open. "It’s so lovely to see you."

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"Regina." Elizabeth’s tone was polite, but her embrace was more of a courteous gesture than genuine warmth. Still, they exchanged air kisses, like old acquaintances playing the roles they’d learned long ago.

"I’m so glad you came for dinner," Ruby said quickly, trying to bridge the tension she felt creeping between the two women.

"I couldn’t possibly miss it when I was the one that initiated it. We’ve not gathered like this since after the wedding," Elizabeth replied, turning to Ruby with a smile that, while kind, held a trace of something unreadable. "You look lovely, dear. That color suits you."

Ruby smiled, murmuring a soft thank you, even as her nerves danced beneath her skin. Compliments from Elizabeth always felt layered—like she was evaluating more than just your outfit.

"Well, I think everything’s ready," Regina chimed in. "Shall we head to the dining room?"

Stefan turned toward the sound of her voice. "What’s for dinner?"

"Oh, just a few of your favorites," Regina said lightly. "Roasted lamb, mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus—simple but comforting."

"You know all my favorites?" Stefan asked with a raised brow.

"How can I? It was what I met the cooks preparing and when I asked, they said Ivy gave the orders," Regina replied, leading the way.

"That’s so sweet of you, babe," Stefan said with a soft smile

"Well, I figured you needed a good meal to keep you away from your thoughts," Ruby said remembering how deep in thoughts he’d been before she left.

Ruby walked beside Stefan, guiding him gently as they followed Regina and Elizabeth through the wide archway and into the dining room.

The long table had been set elegantly, with white porcelain plates trimmed in gold, crystal glasses sparkling under the chandelier’s light, and a centerpiece of fresh orchids in soft shades of lavender and cream.

The maids stood to the side, quietly waiting to serve, their eyes flickering toward the guests as they entered.

Ruby helped Stefan into his seat at the head of the table while Elizabeth took the spot to his right, and she settled into the chair on his left. Regina sat opposite her, her posture graceful and proud, as if tonight was a display of everything she’d worked for.

The clinking of cutlery, the pouring of wine, the low hum of background conversation—it was all smooth, orchestrated, and yet Ruby felt like she was sitting at a table made of glass. One wrong move, one crack, and everything could shatter.

"How have things been at home?" Elizabeth asked after a few bites, slicing delicately into her lamb. "Settling in well, I hope?"

"Yes, everything’s fine," Ruby answered with a gentle smile, glancing at Stefan. "We’re... adjusting."

Elizabeth raised a brow slightly, then nodded. "That’s good. Stefan is lucky to have you."

Ruby met her gaze for a moment, uncertain whether it was praise or a warning.

"And how are you feeling, Stefan?" Regina asked, lifting her glass.

"Tired," he admitted honestly. "But I’m glad to be here. Ivy tells me Ruby didn’t make it to the wedding, I hope she’s good," he asked changing the subject and Elizabeth glanced at Ruby to see that she and her mother were exchanging glances.

"Yeah. She said she had so much work so she couldn’t make it to the wedding. Though she’d said she’d come one of these days," Regina said and Stefan nodded.

"So, have you been to the doctor’s since then? Is he still saying the same thing?" Regina asked since it was obvious that if they could ever get Ivy to come back then it’d be because of Stefan’s sight.

"Yeah. Though we’ve not been there but he’s still saying everything would depend on a year from now. That’s when my optic nerves would likely might have healed properly. He says if I’m lucky, my sight could heal with it and return without a surgery," he said and Regina sighed.

"I’m glad we could still be hopeful in all of this," she said and Elizabeth sighed.

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"We’ve all been worried," Elizabeth said softly. "But I have faith you’ll recover fully. You’ve always been stronger than you let on, you know? I know this is just a phase and it’ll definitely pass."

Ruby watched the way Elizabeth looked at her son—so poised, so controlled, yet with undeniable affection hidden just beneath the surface. It was a complicated love, but it was there.

As dinner went on, the conversation shifted to lighter topics—business rumors, charity galas, the upcoming spring auction. Ruby contributed where she could, careful with her words, always thinking two steps ahead. She could feel Elizabeth’s gaze now and then, like a breeze brushing over her neck—soft, but alert.

At one point, Stefan’s hand brushed hers beneath the table, a quiet gesture, grounding her. She looked at him, and he gave her a faint smile.

"Ivy," he said gently, "can you remind me of the layout of the garden? I want to sit out there sometime this week."

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.