The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 172

Winona managed an awkward smile but said nothing.

Just then, Roxana’s phone rang. It was Mrs. Goddard.

“Mom,” Roxana cooed into the phone, “I’m perfectly fine, don’t you worry.”

But Mrs. Goddard wasn't convinced. “I’m sending the private jet,” she said in a tone that left no room for argument. “You’re coming back to the capital tonight.”

“No, I want to stay in Riverton for a few more days!” Roxana protested.

“Absolutely not,” her mother snapped.

Roxana was getting a headache trying to persuade her mother. Seeing her struggle, Ophelia gestured for the phone. “Let me talk to her,” she said.

A few moments later, after a brief, quiet conversation, Mrs. Goddard had been completely won over and agreed to let Roxana stay.

“That’s wonderful! Thank you, Ophelia,” Roxana clapped her hands in delight.

Winona noted the easy familiarity in Ophelia’s voice, even a hint of playful affection. It was obvious she was close with Mrs. Goddard—and that Mrs. Goddard was very fond of her.

Feeling like a third wheel, Winona didn't stay much longer. Stefan offered to have his driver take her home, but she politely declined and left the hospital.

In the end, Roxana’s extended stay in Riverton was short-lived. After two days, Mrs. Goddard sent people to escort her back home. Winona came to see her off.

“Stefan,” Roxana said, turning to her brother, “I found a little puppy in the hospital garden yesterday. I named him Biscuit. I had the bodyguards take him to the vet, so could you please pick him up and take good care of him? You can bring him back when you return to the capital.”

Stefan, who clearly wasn't a dog person, frowned. “I’ll have the bodyguards send him back to you.”

“He just got his shots; he needs to rest,” Roxana pouted. “Don’t be so heartless. You have to take care of him for me.”

Stefan, ever indulgent with his little sister, finally relented. “Fine, I know.”

Stefan was clearly out of his depth. The two of them ended up at a pet store, where they bought a small mountain of supplies. When they arrived at Winona's villa, Stefan and his bodyguard carried everything inside and even assembled the dog bed.

Cradling the puppy, Winona watched them work. “Thank you both for your hard work,” she said with a smile.

After they left, Winona gave Biscuit some food and water, settled him into his new bed, and then snapped a few photos to send to Roxana.

Roxana’s reply came almost instantly: “I knew my brother would entrust my little furball to you!” She was certain Stefan was using the puppy as a clever excuse to see Winona more often.

The next evening, just after Winona had finished her shower, her doorbell rang. She opened it to find Stefan standing there, his arms full of bags.

“Mr. Goddard,” she said, surprised. “What’s all this?”

“Dog toys,” he said, his expression flat. “Roxana sent them.”