A Wedding Night Gone Terribly Wrong novel Chapter 148

After graciously shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with the parents, Leland turned his attention to the guests of honor.

He held out a beautifully wrapped, elongated box. "Now, which one of you is Seth?"

"I am," Seth said, raising his hand.

The man and the boy locked eyes, silently sizing each other up.

Leland smiled first. "You're even more handsome than I imagined. Happy birthday, big guy." He handed over the gift—a finely crafted wooden practice sword.

"Thank you, sir," Seth said politely.

"And how are you going to thank me?" Leland asked, raising an eyebrow playfully.

Seth answered with deadpan seriousness. "I'll treat you to a big birthday dinner."

Leland shook his head. "Food isn't important. I want you to like me. Think you can do that?"

Seth glanced at Winifred, his dark eyes thoughtful. "Take it slow."

Leland chuckled, straightening his posture. "Understood. I accept all tests."

The room erupted into laughter at the billionaire's willingness to be vetted by a child. Seth sat back down, completely straight-faced, while his friend Kirk leaned over, staring at the wooden sword with pure envy.

Leland then turned back to the room. "And which one is Princess Annelise?"

"I am!" Annie chirped, raising her little hand.

A faint trace of red crept up Leland's ears. "You are just... incredibly beautiful. You look exactly like your mother." He practically hid his face behind the next gift box, suddenly bashful.

His unexpected shyness had Mrs. Channing and the others laughing again. "Who knew the intimidating Mr. Lockwood had such a soft side?"

Naturally, everyone was dying to see what he had brought for the little girl he was too shy to look at.

Annie hugged the pretty box and looked up at Winifred. "Mommy, everyone wants to see. Can I open it?"

Winifred hesitated, glancing at Leland. It was usually considered impolite to open gifts immediately in front of guests.

"Open it! Please, go ahead. Don't make our princess wait," Leland urged with an encouraging gesture.

She gently took off the bow, gathered a section of Annie's soft hair at the crown, looped the rubber band around it to make a little bun, and carefully pinned the tiara securely in place.

"So beautiful!" Gwen cheered again, and the adults joined in with applause.

Amidst the laughter, Leland, still slightly flushed, leaned down. "I rushed over here tonight and didn't have time to prepare properly. Give me a month, and I'll have a custom diamond tiara made for you. Would you like that?"

Annie's eyes sparkled. "Yes! I want a pink one."

Leland looked incredibly touched. "Done. A custom pink diamond tiara for you."

"Thank you, sir!"

"And how is the princess going to thank me?"

Annie glanced over at her brother and perfectly echoed his formal response. "I'll treat you to a big birthday dinner."

"I don't want food," Leland teased gently. "How else can you thank me? Can I get a hug?"