The Wife He Forgot to Marry novel Chapter 42

But she had underestimated Winona's hold on Yulen. It was clear that just having Winona leave quietly wasn't enough. She had to find a way to ruin her completely. Only then would Yulen truly let her go. An idea formed in her mind, and a perfect pawn came to mind: Micah.

***

Rhea awoke from her drunken stupor, and after freshening up, she found Winona had already prepared a revitalizing broth and breakfast. A blissful expression crossed her face. "I finally understand why men want to get married. In my next life, I hope I'm reborn as a man."

Winona just rolled her eyes and playfully stuffed a shrimp puff into her mouth.

As they ate, Winona told her about becoming Jericho's student. Rhea's face lit up. "That's wonderful! If you study under him, you can carry on your grandfather's legacy. You could even open your own clinic and make a good living."

"Opening a clinic isn't that easy," Winona said. "Even though I've studied with my grandfather since I was a child, I've never officially treated patients. I have no practical experience. I'll have to start as an apprentice. Once I’ve finished the handoff, I’ll leave Locke Group and focus on studying under Mr. Harper."

Rhea nodded, smiling. "That's great, Winona. I was worried you'd fall apart over that scumbag. Seeing you planning your future so seriously puts my mind at ease."

Winona thought of Nikita and sighed. "But my grandmother is going to be a tough hurdle. She never approved of my aunt Helena's divorce. I'm afraid if I tell her Yulen and I are separating, she'll have a fit."

"Why don't you find a man who'll agree to a sham marriage?" Rhea suggested. "All your grandmother wants is for you to be married. Does it really matter to whom?"

Winona found the idea absurd. She’d already been through one sham marriage with Yulen; she couldn’t imagine doing it again.

*

Micah had been relentlessly messaging Winona, pushing for a meeting to discuss the project in detail. Winona, wanting to avoid being alone with him, had been putting it off.

But that evening, as she was leaving work, Micah's assistant arrived in a car to pick her up. Seeing Winona's hesitant expression, the assistant said politely, "My boss mentioned that Mr. Locke is also invited tonight. He thought that might put you at ease."

Winona sent a quick text to Yulen's assistant, who confirmed that Yulen did indeed have a meeting with Micah that evening. Reassured, she agreed to go.

He replied a moment later: "Something urgent came up at the office, so I had to go back. You and Micah can start without me. If there's anything you can't agree on, I'll come with you next time."

The message sent a chill through her. She knew it wasn't work. He had almost certainly rushed off for Tallulah again. Now, she was on her own.

She had known Micah for four years in college; she was well aware of his character. If she fell into his hands, the consequences would be unthinkable. Winona looked at Micah, trying to come up with an excuse to leave.

Micah smiled warmly at her. "Winona, it's been a long time. Have you forgotten all about me?"

Winona squeezed her hands together, playing along. "How could I?"

She was about to say she needed the restroom again when Micah suddenly turned to his assistant. "You can leave us. Winona and I have some catching up to do."