Chapter 7: Pay More Attention
As the evening breeze swept across the rooftop, carrying the soft melody of a distant violin, Ruby and Stefan sat across from each other at the elegantly set table. Candlelight flickered between them, casting a warm glow on Stefan’s sharp features.
The dinner was exquisite—perfectly seared steak, creamy mashed potatoes, and a delicate red wine sauce. Stefan ate with practiced ease, his movements graceful despite his blindness. Ruby, on the other hand, found herself watching him more than eating.
He had adapted well. The way he reached for his wine glass without hesitation, the way he used his knife and fork with confidence—it was impressive.
Yet, despite how at ease he appeared, Ruby noticed the small details—the way his fingers skimmed the rim of his glass before lifting it, the careful way he adjusted his utensils, ensuring they were positioned exactly as he needed. He moved with practiced ease, but there were moments of hesitation. The slightest pause before reaching for his drink, the way his hand ghosted over the table as if confirming the placement of objects.
It was these tiny details, things she had overlooked before, that now stood out starkly.
"You’re quiet," Stefan remarked as he cut into his food with precision, his movements sure but calculated. "Is something on your mind?"
Ruby hesitated before offering a small smile. "Just thinking."
"About what?"
She glanced down at her plate, unsure of how to phrase it without making him feel pitied. "How well you handle everything." She gestured vaguely. "Your sight... the way you navigate things."
Stefan smirked, setting his knife down. "You sound surprised."
"Not surprised," she said carefully. "Just... impressed."
He leaned back slightly, his expression amused. "I wasn’t always this way, you know. The first few days were hell. I lost track of how many things I broke or how many times I ran into walls. And the frustration..." He let out a small, humorless chuckle. "It nearly drove me insane. That was when I talked about calling off our wedding. I’m glad you didn’t let me."