The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 391

"Winona," Zack asked, spotting the empty chairs at their table. "Mind if I sit here?"

Winona shook her head, offering a welcoming smile. Sheldon caught sight of them and strolled over to say hello as well.

Noticing Greta, Zack's expression softened. "It's been a while, Greta. Do you want a pastry? I can go grab you one."

Greta nodded politely. "Thank you."

Sitting nearby, Shirley watched Zack's uncharacteristic warmth with mounting irritation.

Zack returned with two small pastries and a plate of plain green salad. He slid the sweets toward Winona and Greta, keeping the salad for himself.

Sheldon raised an eyebrow, teasing him. "I thought you said you'd never subject yourself to bland health food?"

"Eating greens is good for you," Zack replied stiffly.

Truthfully, eating his usual bowl of noodles made him feel too disconnected from Winona and Greta. He figured that if he mirrored their lighter choices, he might feel just a little closer to her.

Greta kept stealing nervous glances at Shirley, her movements stiff as she ate. Stefan noticed the tension immediately. His gaze drifted to Shirley and Lily, who were just pulling out chairs to join them.

"There's no room here," Stefan said, his voice a cool, flat drawl. "Find a table next door."

Shirley and Lily froze. Resentment flared in their eyes, but Stefan's sheer, imposing presence suffocated any protests they might have had. Swallowing their pride, they shuffled over to the adjacent table.

Shirley had desperately hoped Zack might speak up for her, or better yet, follow her. Instead, he didn't even glance her way, entirely absorbed in his conversation with Winona and Greta.

Once they were seated, Lily leaned in and whispered, "Shirley, do you think Zack is into Winona?"

"As if!" Shirley snapped. Why would Zack want damaged goods? She refused to believe Stefan actually liked Winona either. He was probably just humoring her because she was connected to Mr. Harper.

After hanging up, Tallulah's mood plummeted. Desperate for comfort, she called Yulen, hoping he might fly out to see her.

Yulen had just landed in the capital. Exhaustion bled into his voice. "What's wrong now?"

Hearing his impatience, Tallulah pouted. "I hate it here in Seabrook City. I want to come home..."

"Come home and do what?" Yulen snapped, rubbing his temples. "Piss off Camille? She's prepping for breast surgery. Don't go back and add to her stress. If anything happens to her, you'll be public enemy number one in the Locke family."

Ever since Camille had stepped back due to her health, Yulen's workload had crushed him. He was barely sleeping three hours a night. Between the relentless stress, the lack of sleep, and the constant travel, his usually refined temper had completely frayed.

"You don't even love me or our baby anymore!" Tallulah wailed.

Yulen hung up. He had a client meeting in twenty minutes. He did not have the energy to argue about love.