The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 157

Victor was getting tired. “I need a rest,” he told Yulen. “You all carry on.”

Ophelia smiled. “Why don’t I have a go with Mr. Locke?”

“After you,” Yulen said with a gentlemanly nod.

For the first few rounds, Yulen and Ophelia seemed evenly matched.

Tallulah grew anxious. “Do you think Yulen can win?” she asked Zayden.

“Of course,” Zayden nodded. “What woman can beat a man?”

“You have a point,” Tallulah said, relieved.

Soon, Ophelia’s stamina began to wane, and she was quickly defeated. Removing her mask, she told Yulen, “You’re quite skilled. You might even be able to beat Stefan.”

Yulen offered a modest smile. “You flatter me.”

Tallulah rushed forward, dabbing at Yulen’s brow with a handkerchief. “Yulen, you were amazing!”

Yulen instinctively brushed her hand away. He turned to look at Winona, only to feel a pang of disappointment when he saw she wasn’t even watching.

“Winona, aren’t you going to try?” Ophelia asked.

“Alright,” Winona nodded.

Seeing that Winona was about to fence with Yulen, Tallulah said sourly, “Winona, don’t overdo it if you’re not up to it. We wouldn’t want you to get hurt.”

Winona ignored her.

Yulen smiled. “Winona, I never knew you could fence. I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ve got.”

Still silent, Winona put on her mask. Yulen, worried about hurting her, went easy at first. But he soon discovered that her skills were nothing to scoff at. Tallulah, seeing that Winona actually had some talent, ground her teeth in frustration.

Ophelia’s relaxed expression slowly morphed into disbelief, then into a venomous glare directed at Winona. Winona’s attacks, her defensive stances—they were identical to Stefan’s. Had they practiced together?

Impossible!

Yulen couldn’t help but step forward, offering Winona a tissue. “Winona, wipe your brow. You were incredible today.”

Winona didn’t take his tissue, using her own instead. “Thanks.”

Yulen wasn’t offended, his gaze only growing more tender.

Suddenly, Victor spoke up. “The only one who hasn’t competed is Mr. Goddard. Ms. Jowett has beaten everyone else today. Mr. Goddard, how about a match?”

Winona looked at Stefan. He rose from his seat with a small smile.

“No, I just got a call. I have to go.”

Winona felt an unexpected twinge of disappointment, but she had accomplished her main goal: she had beaten Victor.

After Stefan left, the others stayed to fence a while longer. Winona played two more rounds with Victor before excusing herself when someone arrived to discuss business with him. As she was leaving the changing room, Yulen approached her, offering a ride home.

“No, thank you,” Winona refused. “I still need to send the proposal to Victor when I get back.”