The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 627

Carrying one of the books, Winona wandered out into the living room.

Stefan was sitting on the sofa, methodically clipping Biscuit’s claws. The usually feisty dog was completely subdued, nestled securely against his chest, her wide eyes tracking the clippers with cautious respect.

Winona leaned against the doorframe, a soft smile playing on her lips. Watching his large, capable hands move with such surprising gentleness, she could easily picture him doing the exact same thing for their baby.

In their circles, it was practically a given that wealth equated to absence. Men worked, and women were expected to manage the household or outsource the child-rearing entirely to a fleet of nannies.

Winona knew that with Stefan’s resources, they would undoubtedly hire the best maternity nurses in the world. But a nurse couldn't replace a parent.

She had already promised herself she would be present. She didn't just want to provide for her child; she wanted to raise them. To give them love, attention, and a real childhood.

She had assumed Stefan was too buried in corporate warfare to think about the logistics of parenting yet. She was wrong. He was already doing his homework.

Stefan finished the last claw, set Biscuit gently on the floor, and meticulously sterilized the clippers. After washing his hands, he walked back into the living room and noticed the book in her hand.

"That one's a bit outdated on sleep training," he said, gently taking it from her. "Let me grab you a better one."

He disappeared into the study and returned a moment later with a different volume.

"Have you read all of these?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ever since the positive test, he had dedicated a strict hour every single day to reading up on pregnancy and infancy. With his intellect, he was absorbing the material at a terrifying pace. He was essentially an encyclopedia of childcare theory, just waiting for the practical application.

"Most of them," he admitted, tucking a throw pillow behind her lower back to support her posture. "I figured I’d read them all and just filter out the most useful ones for you. That way, you can spend more time resting."

Winona’s heart melted. She reached out, wrapping her arms around his waist.

Stefan pulled her close, resting his chin on the top of her head. "I read in one of the medical journals that hormonal fluctuations during the first trimester can cause sudden emotional drops. If you ever feel overwhelmed or unhappy, you have to tell me immediately."

Stefan sighed heavily, glaring at the robot and the cat. "We have way too many third wheels in this house."

Winona rested a hand lovingly over her flat stomach. "Don't forget, we're adding another one to the mix."

Stefan knelt down, pressing a tender kiss to her belly. "Our baby could never be a third wheel."

*

Across the city, Giselle was losing her mind. A full week had passed, and Sylvan had yet to lift a finger to help her at work.

Realizing she couldn't keep playing nursemaid forever, she retreated to the hallway and dialed Wynne.

"Mom, Dad is still recovering in the hospital. He’s been really depressed lately. Could you please just come see him for a little bit?"