CHAPTER 29: DISTRACTING

Ruby shut the door quietly behind her, taking a steadying breath before heading down the hallway. Her pulse was still a little erratic from the close call with the maid, but she pushed it aside, straightening her shoulders as she slipped back into the persona of Ivy.

When she reached the living room, Stefan was already waiting. He stood near the archway, his white cane in one hand. Martin was nearby, handing him a file.

Ruby slowed her steps, clearing her throat softly.

Stefan’s head turned slightly in her direction. "There you are," he said, his voice calm but curious. "I was wondering what took you so long."

Ruby walked over to him and placed a light hand on his arm. "I was in my room, eating," she said, not wanting him to later hear it from the maid and start wondering why she was sneaking and eating.

"Your room? Eating?" Stefan repeated. "You just had breakfast."

"Yeah. But I was feeling a little hungry again," Ruby said with a slight laugh. "I guess breakfast didn’t fill me up like I thought it did."

There was a pause after she said that.

Stefan’s brows lifted slightly. "You? Hungry again?" he asked, a faint teasing tone in his voice. "That’s unusual."

She gave a small shrug, realizing he was listening intently to her tone and breathing. "My period is ending. Maybe it’s that... hormonal cravings or whatever it is. I don’t really know. I just know I wanted more food."

He nodded slowly, a small smile pulling at his lips. "Well, that explains it. That would’ve been helpful to know before I started wondering if you were hiding something."

Ruby’s stomach clenched for a moment, but she forced a light chuckle. "What would I possibly be hiding from you?"

"I don’t know," he replied, adjusting his grip on the cane. "But these days, I seem to be hearing and feeling more than I used to. So don’t get any ideas."

Ruby swallowed, her smile still in place as she reached for his free hand. "I’ll keep that in mind."

Martin handed Stefan his coat. "The car’s ready, sir."

Ruby helped Stefan into his coat, her fingers lingering for just a second on his shoulder before she stepped back. Together, they walked toward the entrance, Ruby guiding him with gentle touches and soft words.

As they stepped outside, Ruby glanced at him quietly—his calm, composed presence making her chest tighten unexpectedly.

One lie after another, and yet... why did she feel like she was the one getting drawn in too deep?

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The car ride to the office had been quiet—comfortable, yet humming with unsaid thoughts. Ruby helped Stefan out of the car, her hand lingering a second longer than needed on his arm.

As they entered the office, the staff gave their usual nods and respectful greetings. Ruby kept her head high, walking beside Stefan like the poised Ivy everyone thought she was—but inside, her thoughts swirled.

When they stepped into Stefan’s private office, he let go of her hand but didn’t step far.

"Stay," he said simply, and Ruby blinked, confused.

"Stay?"

He gave a faint smile. "You don’t have to sit across the desk today. Come sit beside me."

She hesitated, unsure. "Why?"

"Because I want to feel you close," he said plainly. "Not just hear your voice across the room. That’s allowed, isn’t it?"

Ruby’s throat tightened. She said nothing, just walked around the desk and took the seat beside him. Their knees brushed under the desk. Neither moved.

Stefan leaned back in his chair, fingers lightly tapping the wood. "You wore a different cologne today."

Ruby glanced at him. "Is that... a problem? You don’t like it?"

"No," he said softly. "It’s distracting. But I like it."

Her breath hitched at his words as various thoughts swirled her mind and thoughts she wasn’t supposed to have clouded her head.

He reached out slightly, as if trying to locate her hand. Without thinking, she guided his fingers to hers. Their hands fit too easily—like a secret waiting to be told.

"I’ve been wondering..." he said, voice low. "If I wasn’t blind, would you still be here?"

The question landed like a thunderclap. Ruby’s hand twitched in his as she frowned.

"What kind of question is that?" she whispered, wondering where the question was coming from.

"A real one." He turned toward her again. "You’ve been patient with me, kind. You help me when you think no one’s watching. You touch me like I matter. But I also know something’s changed. There’s something different in your silence now."

Ruby stared at him, heart hammering. Her mouth opened, but she didn’t know which version of herself was about to speak—Ruby or Ivy.

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"I’m still here," she said at last, "because I want to be."

The words were true. She could’ve run away like her sister but she didn’t. She was here not exactly because of the money or anything but because she wanted to stay.

Stefan tilted his head, his voice quiet but heavy.

"I don’t know what’s happening to me anymore," he said and Ruby froze, wondering what was wrong with him today.

"I thought I knew who you were... I loved you already—I did. But lately, it’s like I’m falling all over again. And it feels different. Deeper. Realer."

He paused, then added, "Do you know how terrifying that is? Loving someone and then realizing... maybe I never truly did. Not like this."

Ruby’s breath hitched. His words struck a place inside her she didn’t know was exposed. He wasn’t wrong—he was falling in love. But not with Ivy.

With her. He just said it.

She swallowed hard, fighting the wave of guilt and longing that rolled through her chest.

"So tell me," Stefan said softly, turning toward her, "if this version of you is who I’ve been waiting for all along... would she ever be able to remain this way? Even after I get my sight back."

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Ruby couldn’t breathe.

Stefan’s words lingered between them like smoke—thick, inescapable, and far too dangerous to inhale. Her lips parted, but no sound came out.

What could she say? That he was right? That the person he was falling for wasn’t Ivy at all—but her? Or that she wouldn’t leave when she would? Could she promise him now and stay?

Her heart thudded wildly in her chest, like it was trying to push the words out on its own.

Just as she opened her mouth to respond—a sharp knock broke through the tension.

The office door creaked open and Stefan’s secretary walked in, looking very tense.

"I’m so sorry to interrupt, sir," she said, clutching a tablet. "But we have a situation at the construction site. Another riot just broke out."

Stefan’s jaw tightened. Ruby saw the subtle change in his posture—the shift from emotionally exposed man to decisive CEO.

"Alright," he said, already moving to stand. "Call Oliver. Tell him to get the car ready."

The secretary nodded and backed out.

Ruby stood as well, her heart still not recovered. The moment had passed—but it wasn’t gone. Not by a long shot.

As Stefan reached for his cane, he turned slightly toward her. "We’ll finish that conversation later."

It wasn’t a question. It was a promise.