The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 284

Simone grabbed her hand gratefully. "Thank you, Winona."

If it hadn't been for Winona, she really might have been taken advantage of while unconscious.

Worst of all, her entire future and marriage could have been manipulated by Blythe and her son.

Winona stepped out into the hallway and saw Stefan.

His dark, deep-set eyes were looking at her with an unmistakable gentleness.

It wasn't that her heart didn't flutter.

She knew he had dropped everything at work again just to rush over for her.

And yet, she still couldn't bring herself to reciprocate.

For an ordinary person like her, the sheer weight of the Goddard family's status was simply too suffocating.

Noticing the exhaustion on her face, Stefan reached out, wanting to affectionately ruffle her hair, but half a second later, he pulled his hand back.

He could see her hesitation and her instinct to retreat.

When it came to romance, it had to be mutual.

Even though he could easily use his wealth and power to force her to be his, he refused to do it.

After a moment of silence, he said softly, "Go home and get some rest, Winona."

Winona gave a quiet nod and turned toward the elevators.

Stefan didn't follow.

He stood there, quietly watching her retreating figure until she disappeared behind the elevator doors.

Roxana called him right then. "Stefan! Mom can't go to Riverton to cause trouble for you and Winona lately. How are things progressing? Aren't you going to propose soon?"

The hallway lights cast sharp shadows across Stefan's handsome features.

He replied dryly, "Zero progress."

Roxana was floored.

"Zero progress? Stefan, that doesn't sound like you at all! Where's that ruthless efficiency you have at work? If all else fails, just use your charm and seduce her..."

Zack had a million questions he wanted to ask, but seeing her pale face, he swallowed them all.

They sat in silence for a while until Zack finally couldn't hold back anymore. "Winona, if... if you ever decide you want to date someone, could you consider me?"

Winona looked at him in total confusion, completely blindsided by the sudden confession.

Having finally said it, Zack's heart was hammering against his ribs.

He ran a hand nervously through his hair and rambled, "I know I'm a few years younger than you, but I'm actually really mature and responsible! I'll work incredibly hard. Within five years, I'll buy a house in Riverton, and you can pick out exactly where you want it. Once we're official, I'll hand over all my finances to you. I'll give you all the security you need! There are four people in my family—my parents, my brother, and me. They're all civil servants, super open-minded, and easy to get along with. I know they would absolutely adore you."

Winona listened to his earnest words, feeling slightly dazed.

It wasn't until she had "married" Yulen that she realized how vastly different their lifestyles were.

Back then, she had been genuinely shocked to learn one of his ties cost tens of thousands.

Meanwhile, he could never fathom why she always bought things on sale or from thrift stores.

She had bought a pair of reasonably priced bedsheets, and after one night, he complained they were uncomfortable and had them entirely replaced the next day.

She had often wondered, if she had married a normal guy from a similar background, would her married life have been completely different?