The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 253

Stefan watched her practically run away in a panic, a low chuckle escaping him.

Rhea Sheffield, who had just arrived to help Winona feed the dog, caught the tail end of their highly charged moment.

Seeing Winona’s flushed cheeks, Rhea immediately switched into gossip mode. "Ooh, are you and Stefan Goddard sparking like a live wire again?"

Winona’s face burned even hotter. She shot her friend a glare. "Nothing happened. It’s not what you think."

Rhea burst into laughter, taking a moment to calm down before pressing on. "I saw that all the articles about Stefan and Ophelia have been scrubbed from the internet. That means a wedding is definitely off the table, right? The way he was looking at you just now—like he wanted to devour you—if you try to tell me he’s not into you, I’m calling your bluff."

Winona sat on the couch, pulling a throw pillow tight against her chest, remaining silent.

Rhea sat next to her, bumping her shoulder. "Are you holding back because you're scared of his mother?"

Winona hesitated before nodding. "When Margaret confronted me at the hospital... her arrogance and sheer disdain left a lasting impression."

"And what about Stefan’s attitude?" Rhea prompted.

Winona thought about it. "He doesn't tolerate her behavior at all. She called him today to demand he go take care of Ophelia, and he just hung up on her."

Rhea’s eyes curved into a delighted smile. "See? He is completely different from Yulen Locke. If you ask me, he’s ten times the man Yulen is. Yulen wouldn't dare say no to his mother."

Winona thought back to her past. Whenever Willow had made her life a living hell, Yulen rarely stood up for her. Instead, he would beg Winona to be more 'understanding' of his mother.

But Stefan was built differently. He never indulged his mother's irrational demands, and if she pushed him too far, he shut her down without a second thought.

Rhea offered an encouraging smile. "That’s why I think Stefan is incredibly rare. If you genuinely have feelings for him, why not give it a shot?"

***

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