The following morning, Ruby found herself standing in front of the mirror, adjusting the delicate pearl earrings she had chosen to wear.
The soft cream-colored blouse and tailored black pencil skirt hugged her figure in a way that was both elegant and professional.
She looked the part—poised, polished, and every bit the wife of Stefan Winters and every bit, Ivy Quinn.
His wife.
She inhaled sharply, pushing the thought away. It was a role, she was playing for money and for family, nothing more. A dangerous role, but one she had no choice but to play.
"You're unusually quiet this morning. You don't have to go if you don't want to."
Ruby turned to see Stefan standing near the doorway, his head tilted slightly as if trying to pick up on her mood.
He was dressed immaculately in a navy-blue suit, the crisp lines accentuating his tall, commanding frame. Even without sight, he carried himself like a man who owned the world.
She forced a small smile. "Just thinking."
"About?"
"How convincing I need to be today," she said, more to herself than to Stefan though loud enough for him to hear.
Stefan smirked. "You're already doing a good job. You sound nervous, just like a new bride accompanying her husband to work for the first time," he said with a chuckle.
Ruby rolled her eyes. "I am nervous, just not for the reasons you think."
It wasn't a lie. She was nervous of being caught since Ivy had been to Stefan's office countless times.
They both didn't have the same personality so it was going to be a difficult task for her.
He moved toward her, his steps confident despite the lack of sight. "Then let's get this over with, shall we?"
She swallowed hard as he held out his hand. With only a slight hesitation, she placed her fingers in his, ignoring the warmth that spread through her at the simple touch.
This was just another act. Just another day of pretending. She thought as she led him out to the car where the driver was already waiting for them.
The moment they stepped into the grand lobby of Winters Corporation, all eyes turned to them. The usual morning bustle of employees slowed as whispers spread through the floor.
"Good morning, Mr. Winters."
"Welcome back, sir."
"Mrs. Winters, you look lovely today," the employees greeted.
Ruby forced a polite smile, nodding in acknowledgment. It felt strange hearing herself addressed that way, and the weight of the lie pressed heavier on her shoulders.
Stefan, on the other hand, moved through the space as though he owned it—which he did. He acknowledged the greetings with slight nods, his grip on her hand firm but not overbearing.
His assistant who had stepped out the moment she received a call from Stefan that he was on his way quickly approached them.
"Good Morning, Mr. Winters and congratulations on your wedding," she said and then turned to Ruby.
"Congratulations on your wedding ma'am," she said and Ruby barely gave her a nod, making Naomi frown.
The Ivy she knew would've been smiling and be all over the place by now but it seemed she had changed after being married for just two days. Naomi thought with a frown.
"Has Oliver arrived yet?" Stefan asked as they approached the private elevators.
"Yes, sir," Naomi, responded. "He's waiting in your office."
Ruby studied Naomi carefully. The woman was sharp, professional, and undoubtedly loyal to Stefan. She would have been one of the first to notice the difference in 'Ivy.'
And yet, if Naomi had any suspicions, she kept them well-hidden. She thought, telling herself to act properly and composed. The least they could say was she was quiet. At least, it was better than being all over the place or being too overbearing.
Once inside the elevator, Stefan released Ruby's hand, adjusting his cufflinks instead. "If at any point you feel overwhelmed, just step out. I won't force you to stay longer than necessary."
Ruby lifted an eyebrow. "I'm not a child, Stefan. I can handle a few business meetings."
His lips curled slightly. "We'll see about that," he said, while Naomi couldn't help but glance at Ruby.
Something must have changed in this few days after getting married to Stefan. She thought and then took a closer look at Ruby.
Though she knew Ivy's hair color was chestnut brown with waves, the way it was styled before was more sophisticated than it looked now. The waves weren't sleek as it used to. Rather, it was just there. Wasn't it supposed to even look better than before since they only just got married?
Looking at the length, she couldn't help but think that her hair was a bit longer than it was before. She narrowed her eyes and then looked Ruby over again.
She was probably overthinking things, she thought when she saw that Ruby's eye color were still Hazel with gold flecks and she was very much fair skinned.
Once they got into the CEO's office, Oliver stood as soon as they entered.
"Stefan," he greeted with familiarity before his eyes flickered to Ruby. "Mrs. Winters."
Ruby smiled, pretending not to notice the brief flash of surprise in his expression.
She was certain Oliver had worked closely with Ivy before. If anyone would notice the differences, it would be him since Naomi didn't notice anything. Or maybe she was just overthinking things.
Stefan had said she hadn't been so interested in his business so maybe neither Naomi or Oliver knew Ivy on a personal note.
All she had to do was make sure to take note of every name being mentioned since she was the only who didn't know anyone from the company. She definitely wouldn't have developed amnesia so she had to be extremely careful.
"Let's get started," Stefan said as he took his seat behind the desk, his fingers lightly brushing the edge before resting against the polished surface.
Oliver cleared his throat, shifting his attention to the documents in front of him.
"There's been a slight issue with the Singapore deal. The investors are hesitating due to last-minute concerns about the projected returns."
Ruby watched as Stefan's expression hardened, his mind already working through solutions.
"And what has been done to reassure them?" he asked smoothly.
"We sent the revised reports as per your instructions, but they're requesting a video conference to discuss things further."
Stefan leaned back slightly. "Set it up for this afternoon."
Oliver hesitated. "Are you sure? If you'd prefer, we can—"
"I said this afternoon," Stefan cut in firmly. "I'm not in the habit of letting my investors dictate how I run my company."
Ruby bit her lip. He was completely in control, despite his blindness. And yet, the way Oliver shifted uncomfortably didn't go unnoticed.
Stefan's blindness changed things. Even if he refused to acknowledge it, there were people in this company—maybe even on the board—who doubted his ability to lead.
And doubts often led to betrayals. He needed to reassure them that he could still lead even in his situation but what could a blind man do really? She exhaled softly. What kind of mess have I walked into?
"Ruby," Stefan said suddenly, pulling her from her thoughts.
She blinked. "Yes?"
His lips quirked slightly, as if he could sense her distraction. "Since you're here, why don't you sit in on the meeting later?" he asked and both Naomi and Oliver turned to her.
Her stomach clenched. "Me?"
"Yes," he said smoothly. "You're my wife. I should start involving you in these things, don't you think?" he asked and she swallowed.
She knew it was a test and backing down now would only raise suspicions. Though Ivy might not be a business type but she wouldn't outrightly tell him she couldn't, right?
What was wrong with her? Perhaps she should just stop thinking about what Ivy would do and just be herself? Maybe that's what she needed to do.
Be herself while making sure not to raise so much suspicions.
Having come to that conclusion, she straightened her spine and forced a confident smile. "Of course. I'd love to," she said and Stefan nodded in satisfaction.
But as Oliver stole another glance at her, Ruby couldn't help but wonder—
Was she playing the role too well? Or had someone already started to suspect the truth?
Well, they could only suspect since none of them at the company knew Ivy was a twin. Stefan's mother had told her that much.
They'd all only assume she changed so she could be a better wife to her husband. She'd do all she could to help him and leave him to decide if he thought she was a changed Ivy or someone else.