CHAPTER 27: SOMETHING WAS OFF

The next morning, Ruby slowly stirred in bed, her lashes fluttering as sunlight slipped through the curtains, casting a soft glow in the room.

She stretched lazily, expecting the space beside her to be empty or her head on Stefan’s body like it usually was in the morning. But as she turned her head, her breath caught.

Her head was not on Stefan’s head, neither was the space empty. Stefan was facing her, his eyes fixated on her face like he could see her.

He wasn’t just staring at her, his face was barely inches away from hers that if she wanted their lips to meet, all she would have to do is just to pucker her lips.

Ruby’s heart skipped several beats, then began pounding loudly in her chest. His stormy gray eyes were locked on hers, his expression soft but curious—like he was searching for something.

Was he... looking at her? Could he see her now? Was that why he was looking into her eyes?

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Her thoughts raced wildly. Could he be seeing me? Did his eyesight return overnight? But... he hasn’t said anything.

She studied his eyes, trying to read them. But then she realized she’d been staring too long. Way too long. And he still hadn’t said anything. He didn’t seem to notice her silent panic or the fact that her eyes were open.

He was still blind. But why was he this close to her? How long had he been this way?

She swallowed her thoughts and cleared her throat lightly. "Good morning," she said, her voice coming out softer than she intended.

A slow smile tugged at Stefan’s lips. "Good morning. I’ve been wondering when you’d speak. You’ve been awake for some time now."

Ruby blinked, still unsure. She narrowed her eyes. "Yes, I’ve been quiet because I was wondering why are you so close to my face. It almost looks like you were about to kiss me in my sleep."

Stefan chuckled—a low, warm sound that settled deep in her stomach. "I won’t even lie. I would very much like that," he said, his voice honest and open.

Then, he reached out and gently ran his fingers along the side of her face. Ruby froze, her breath catching once more.

"You’re so beautiful," he murmured, his touch featherlight. "I miss seeing your face, baby. I just wish... I wish I could see your face again. Even just once more. I miss it." He exhaled deeply. "I miss watching your lips move when you talk. I miss being able to do simple things for you, simple things, like getting the car door or any door at all. I miss being able to take you places, and just... watch you smile."

Ruby’s throat tightened. There was so much emotion in his voice, it nearly broke her. She reached up and took his hand in hers, resting it against her cheek.

"You will, love. You’ll do all of that again," she whispered. "But for now, let me love you the way I can. I’ll see for both of us for now and since you’ve been the one complimenting me since, let me do so now. Let me be the one complimenting you and telling you how handsome you look, especially today."

He laughed quietly and finally moved his face away from hers. "Now you want to be the one giving compliments? Not bad at all. I love this side of you," he said with a smile. "Where have you been hiding her all these while?"

She rolled her eyes playfully. "Maybe I was waiting for the perfect moment."

Stefan shook his head, amused. "So, you wait until I can’t kiss you at will to show me this new version of you? Now you’ve left me wishing I could kiss you every time you surprise me."

Ruby let out a soft laugh, her heart fluttering at his words. "Well... I was saying, I was waiting for when we get married. I just wanted to show you how sweet I can be in marriage..." she said, her voice trailing as her gaze drifted to his lips.

She couldn’t help the surge of emotion that passed through her and suddenly all she could think about was the kiss last night.

Her heart skipped a beat as she started feeling the tension building inside her and all she could think about was having his lips on hers again.

Before she could talk herself out of it, she leaned in and kissed him.

Her lips brushed his gently at first, uncertain, then deepened the kiss without warning. Stefan’s lips responded instantly, his hand moving to cradle the back of her head.

The kiss turned passionate, full of emotion neither of them had voiced but had clearly been building. Ruby poured everything she couldn’t say into it—the confusion, the longing, the fear, and maybe... just maybe, the beginnings of love.

Stefan kissed her like she was the only thing grounding him, like her lips were his anchor to a world he couldn’t see but could still feel. Their breath mingled, and time felt like it had slowed down just for them. Her fingers clutched his shirt as her heart beat wildly against her ribs.

A moan escaped her lips as her whole body warmed up to the tension. Stefan ran his hand over her body until he found her breast and the he grabbed them gently eliciting another moan from Ruby.

But just as the sound escaped her lips, her senses returned and she slowly pulled away, not wanting him to think anything was wrong.

When they finally broke apart, Ruby’s chest rose and fell in sharp breaths. She turned her face slightly, stunned by the intensity of what just happened.

Why do I feel like this? She asked herself. Am I falling for him? Am I already in love? If she hadn’t stopped now, would they had gone all the way? What if she didn’t moan like Ivy? Or what if the sex isn’t as exciting as when he does it with Ivy? Why was she even thinking that? Why had she poured all her heart into the kiss without even minding their morning breath?

She shut her eyes for a moment.

’No... no, I told myself I’d just be real with him. Maybe that’s why my emotions are acting like this. Maybe it’s just because I’m playing the part well,’ she told herself.

Still, nothing she told herself stopped the warm flutter in her chest.

Stefan’s voice broke through her thoughts. "S.... do you... still want to go to the office today?" he asked hesitantly.

Ruby exhaled shakily and forced a smile. "Of course. We should go get ready."

She sat up, gently brushing her fingers over her lips as if trying to erase the sensation—or maybe remember it longer. She didn’t know anymore.

All she knew was that something had shifted.

And whatever it was, there was no going back.

Ruby and Stefan quickly prepared and while Stefan was bathing, Ruby was busy picking out her dress and that if Stefan’s.

Once he was done, he stepped out and Ruby handed him his pants. He sat down to wear it and when he was done, Ruby was left with no option but to help him buckle his belt and knot his tie.

As she did it, her heart pounded heavily in her chest as various thoughts ran through her mind. Thoughts she shouldn’t be having in the first place but she couldn’t help it.

"Are you okay?" Stefan asked when he sensed how it seemed like she was struggling with helping him.

"I am. Just need to finish up so I can go bath," she said dismissively and Stefan nodded.

She swallowed, bracing herself as she pushed every thought aside abd once she finished, she rang downstairs and while Stefan waited for his valet to help him down, Ruby went to bathe before going to join him for breakfast.

After breakfast, Ruby carefully wrapped a few slices of toast, some fruit, and leftover sausages in a napkin, stuffing them into a small covered tray. She glanced around the dining room before slowly making her way toward the stairs.

She hoped no one would notice. Especially not Stefan. He had been escorted by Martin to the room to get a document he had said he wanted to drop off at the office but had been forgetting.

Just a quick trip. I’ll drop the food off and be back down before anyone wonders where I went, she told herself.

Though that was the plan, she hoped she wouldn’t be compelled to stay there longer than was necessary.

Her cheek warmed up when she thought about the kiss and she couldn’t help but ask herself whether or not she should tell Rayna about it.

What would she say though? Would she chide her or tell her she was falling for Stefan which she knew was probably true. She’d think about what to do or say when she gets to the room.

As Ruby climbed the stairs with careful, quiet steps, she reached the hallway and turned the corner, only to stop dead in her tracks.

A maid was standing right in front of the room, holding cleaning supplies and staring at the door like something was off.