Chapter 322 Probationary Boyfriend
He never used to say flattering words, but now he seizes every chance to blurt out apologies.
Winona had noticed his changes and efforts recently. The reason she had that thought last night was because she didn't want to owe him any favors.
He lacked nothing materially and was quite satisfied with his life. The only regret he had was probably his "sexual dysfunction."
So, on an impulse, she had that thought.
By the time she realized it, the words had already been spoken.
After that, there was no room for her to regret or overthink.
But what if it were someone else? Would she still use this method?
Definitely not.
So Zachary was different to her.
Winona just couldn't tell if this difference was because she liked him, because he was once her husband and her first man, or because her exit was too disgraceful, leaving her feeling resentful.
Since she couldn't figure it out, the best way was to give it a try.
Winona agreed, "During the probation period, don't go around telling people I'm your girlfriend, especially in front of people we know."
She still remembered the last time the rumor about their remarriage spread. She hadn't said a word, but Zachary, had spread it everywhere based on his assumptions.
"What if others figure it out themselves? You can't blame that on me."
He was setting traps for her again.
"Stay away from me, and no one will figure it out."
"Samuel is quite perceptive."
Winona actually had a good impression of Samuel. He was polite, well-mannered, and had a way with words. "If he figures it out, then so be it."
Having achieved his goal, Zachary seemed very cheerful. "Then I'll have the housekeeper move your luggage back today..."
Winona interrupted him, "We'll still sleep in separate rooms. Don't touch my stuff."
Zachary was speechless.
He looked dejected but knew he couldn't push too hard. It had taken a lot of effort to get the position of probationary boyfriend. He couldn't mess it up on the first day.
"Anything else?"
"Yes, no messing around with other women," Winona glanced at the time and said, "I have an appointment today, I'm running late. We'll talk about the rest later."
Just then, her phone rang, and the screen displayed the name "Matthew."
Zachary sat up straight, alert. "You have an appointment with Matthew?"
"No."
She had an appointment with Matthew's mom.
They had arranged to meet at 11:30 at a highly-rated French restaurant. Winona didn't like French food. She chose the place purely because it was quiet.
She had something to ask Matthew's mother.
The place was a bit far from Regal Oaks. She had set her alarm for 7 AM, but plans couldn't keep up with changes, and she woke up late.
She answered the phone, "Matthew..."
Beside her, Zachary's resentful gaze felt almost tangible, as if it could bore a hole in her back.
"My mom asked me to pick you up. I'm at your apartment door, knocking, but no one's answering. Are you not home?"
The lease still had some time before it expired. Winona moving back to Regal Oaks was just temporary, and she hadn't found a new place yet, so she hadn't told Matthew about moving out.
Zachary's gaze grew even more resentful.
Winona couldn't speak properly with him staring at her. She turned and used a pillow to cover his face before continuing, "I've recently moved to another place. I'll explain later. I'll go by myself. You don't need to pick me up."
"Many roads are closed today, and traffic is heavy. I'm not comfortable with you driving alone."
Winona was at a loss for words.
The veins on Zachary's forehead twitched.
'My girlfriend, and you’re worried? This guy has ulterior motives!' he thought.
Winona awkwardly hung up the phone and grabbed her clothes to head to the bathroom.
When her feet hit the ground, her legs went weak, and she almost fell back onto the bed.
She couldn't help but curse Zachary from head to toe in her mind!
Zachary followed her. "You're not allowed to have a meal with him. You told me not to mess with other women, and now you're going to have a meal alone with a suitor. That's a double standard."
"Are you saying you also want to have a meal with your suitors?" Winona looked up, her gaze falling on the mirror. She couldn't help but raise her voice. "Can you put on some clothes before talking to me?"
Zachary said, "Take me with you."
"I'm not having a meal with Matthew. I'm meeting Mrs. Watson. I'm the one treating. If she wants to bring a family member, I can't refuse. I have something to ask Mrs. Watson, and bringing you along would be inappropriate."
The main thing was, she feared that before she could ask, Zachary and Matthew would start arguing.
Zachary frowned and asked, "What do you want to know? You can ask me. Whatever Mrs. Watson knows, I know too."
They were in the same circle. Even if he didn't know, he could find out with a little inquiry.
"My mom's ex-boyfriend."
Zachary fell silent.
After freshening up, Winona grabbed her bag and hurried downstairs.
Zachary followed. "I'll drive you."
"No need, I can drive myself."
"I won't go in. Several main roads are closed today, and traffic is heavy. With your habit of keeping a two-meter distance from the car in front, you'll probably get cut off and stuck in traffic all day."
Winona hesitated for just a second before agreeing. "Thanks."
The traffic was indeed heavy. Winona did her makeup in the mirror. Her already flawless features looked even more stunning with the exquisite makeup.
Zachary frowned. "Do you need to put on makeup just to have a meal with an elder?"
"Then why does your company require female employees to wear makeup to work? It's a form of respect," Winona glanced at him. "Don't I look much better than when I'm not wearing makeup?"
Zachary opened his mouth, about to speak.
Winona cut him off directly, "Shut up."
When they arrived at the restaurant, Zachary indeed didn't go in. He parked the car at the curb. "I'll wait for you here."
Winona pursed her lips but still expressed concern. "If you're hungry, go get something to eat."
She had eaten a cupcake before leaving, but he hadn't eaten anything. "Or you can go back. I'll take a cab later."
Zachary gestured with his chin towards the spot by the window. "Mrs. Watson is already here. Go on, don't keep her waiting."
Winona agreed, got out of the car, and hurried towards the restaurant.
Matthew was waiting at the entrance. He wasn't wearing a tie today but a bow tie, looking even more refined and gentle. Seeing Winona running over, he smiled and said, "Don't rush, we just got here too."
Winona climbed the steps. "It's rare to treat Mrs. Watson to a meal, and I'm late. I'm really sorry."
She was talking to Matthew and didn't watch her step, tripping over something and losing her balance, falling forward.
Winona closed her eyes. If she fell, it would be so embarrassing.
However, a pair of hands caught her and pulled her up. Winona was spun around and ended up in the person's arms.