As the car pulled up in front of the grand estate that was now her home, Ruby's fingers clutched the fabric of her gown tightly.
The reality of her situation settled in her chest like a heavy weight. She had just married a man who thought she was someone else. A man she barely knew. And now, she was expected to live under the same roof with him as his wife.
She stole a glance at Stefan beside her. Even in the dim light, his sharp features were striking. His strong jaw, slightly furrowed brows, and the way his lips pressed into a firm line made him look even more intimidating. He turned his head slightly in her direction, as if sensing her gaze.
"You've been quiet," he said, his voice deep and smooth. "Are you still feeling unwell?"
Ruby forced a small smile. "I'm fine. Just… a little overwhelmed."
"That's understandable," Stefan said as the driver opened the door for them. "It's been a long day."
A butler welcomed them at the door, and Ruby barely heard his formal greetings as they stepped inside. The house was grand, with high ceilings, marble floors, and an air of elegance that screamed wealth. It felt too big, too unfamiliar.
"Come," Stefan said, reaching out. Instinctively, she hesitated before slipping her hand into his. His fingers closed gently around hers, warm and firm. It was such a small gesture, yet it sent an unexpected flutter through her chest.
The butler led them upstairs to their bedroom—their bedroom. Ruby's heart pounded as the door closed behind them, leaving them alone.
The room was spacious and tastefully decorated, with a large bed in the center. Her gaze immediately locked onto it, and a nervous lump formed in her throat.
Stefan sighed, walking toward the bed with her help before pausing. "You're still tense."
She forced herself to speak. "It's just… a lot to take in."
A small, knowing smile touched Stefan's lips. "I may be blind, but I can still sense things, Ivy."
Ruby stiffened. The way he said that name, so full of warmth and familiarity, made her stomach twist. She didn't correct him—she couldn't.
"You don't have to worry," Stefan continued. "We can take things at your pace. I won't rush you into anything you're not comfortable with."
Relief crashed over her, but guilt followed quickly after. He was being kind. Understanding. Yet, he didn't know the truth.
"Thank you," she murmured, avoiding his gaze—even if he couldn't see her expression.
Stefan walked toward the wardrobe with his cane, beginning to unbutton his shirt. "There's nightwear in the closet. I'll give you some privacy to bathe and change."
Ruby hurried to the closet, picking out a silk nightgown before rushing into the bathroom.
As she dressed up after she had finished bathing, she caught sight of herself in the mirror. Dressed in white silk, hair falling over her shoulders, she looked like a bride. But not Stefan's bride. Not really.
She sighed, pressing a hand to her racing heart before stepping back into the room.
The bedroom was dimly lit, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting warm shadows across the room. Ruby stood near the dresser, her hands gripping the fabric of her silk nightgown as she watched Stefan settle onto the edge of the bed.
He seemed like he had also taken his bath since he was dressed in just t-shirt and sweatpants now. Seeing him, she couldn't help but wonder who had helped him.
Though she didn't know who, she was glad someone had helped, at least that would save her from being too close to him.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The only sound was the faint ticking of the clock.
Stefan ran a hand through his dark hair before turning his head slightly in her direction. "You smell different," he remarked, his voice deep and smooth.
Ruby's pulse quickened and she realized that she and her sister didn't usually use the same lotion or body essentials. Her body essentials and other important things had been brought over to the house by Stefan's mother while they were still at the reception earlier.
She forced a small smile, already anticipating where this conversation was going. "I wanted to try something new," she said lightly.
Stefan hummed in approval. "I like it," he said and patted the space beside him. "Come closer."
Ruby hesitated for only a second before stepping forward, careful not to show her nerves. As soon as she was close enough, Stefan reached out, his fingers trailing up her arm before resting on her waist.
He leaned in, inhaling deeply. "You always smelled sweet," he murmured, "but tonight… you're intoxicating. You should keep using this."
Ruby swallowed, her mind racing for a way to escape the moment. But before she could think of anything, Stefan's hands moved, tracing the curve of her waist, his touch firm yet gentle.
His lips brushed her shoulder. "We should make this night memorable," he whispered, his voice laced with desire.
Panic shot through Ruby's veins. Her hands instinctively flew to his chest, stopping him before he could lean in any further. "I—I'm on my period," she blurted out and cringed at the thought.
Stefan stilled. His brows furrowed slightly. "But you don't usually see your period at this time of the month."
Ruby's stomach twisted. She hadn't thought about that.
"It… changed," she said quickly. "These things aren't always predictable, you know."
There was a beat of silence before Stefan exhaled and leaned back slightly.
"You never used to be this shy with me," he mused, his tone unreadable though she could see a trace of amusement in his features.
Ruby's breath hitched. Of course, she wasn't. Ivy had been with him for years.
Stefan let out a soft chuckle. "But if you're not ready, I can wait." He reached out, brushing a stray curl behind her ear. "We have forever, don't we?"
Forever?
The word sent an ache through her chest. If only he knew the truth.
Forcing a small smile, she nodded. "Yes. We do."
Stefan seemed satisfied with her answer. He reached out his hand, an invitation. "Come, let's go to bed."
Ruby hesitated for a fraction of a second before sliding into the bed beside him, while keeping a slight distance between them.
But Stefan wasn't having that.
With ease, he pulled her into his arms, wrapping them around her as if it was second nature. His warmth surrounded her, his steady heartbeat a quiet lullaby against her back.
"This feels right," he murmured, his breath fanning against her neck.
Ruby clenched her eyes shut, guilt clawing at her insides.
It shouldn't feel right. Because it wasn't. If she was already allowing him cuddle her and he was already wanting to consummate the marriage on their first night together, she wondered what she'd have to do and how much effort she was going to put into keeping him away from her for one year.
*******
Hello there, lovelies!
It's your Author BabyAngel!
And I'm here with another book straight from my heart. If you are here because you read and enjoyed my other book, then I hope you enjoy this one as well. And if you're new to my work, I also hope you enjoy this one.
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