A Wedding Night Gone Terribly Wrong novel Chapter 19

It was completely smooth and glaringly pale.

Winifred had neither the interest nor the inclination to figure out why Holden Lockwood had shaved off his signature, charming hair for this bizarre look.

Just then, Kian stepped back into the doorway, holding out a phone on speaker. "Iris is looking for you. She says she misses you."

Holden's gaze reluctantly tore away from Winifred as he spoke into the phone.

"Are you at the hotel?"

"Yes, I just got here," Iris replied.

"Did you get the room sorted?"

"Mhm. I'm about to take a shower. When will you be here?"

"I'll be right there."

"I'll be waiting. Bye!"

When Holden turned his face back to Winifred, that cynical smirk was still playing on his lips.

"Please pay the specialty consultation fee at the billing counter," Dr. Shultz said with a stiff nod, squeezing past him and out the door.

The moment she stepped out, she was swarmed by several elderly women who had rushed down from the waiting room to find her. Two of them had been completely cured and had brought homemade goods to thank her. The others were new patients brought in by friends, hoping to get a quick word with her before their official appointments. Surrounded, Winifred immersed herself in her work.

Watching from a distance, Kian clicked his tongue in awe. "That female doctor is seriously impressive. Her skills are top-notch, and everyone adores her." He turned around, only to catch Holden staring intently in her direction. Kian clapped a hand on his shoulder. "What were you two talking about in there?"

"Nothing."

"Right, sure! Like I don't know you. Aside from Iris, when have you ever cornered a woman for a private chat?"

Holden kept his face entirely unreadable and started walking. Kian hurried after him, adding seriously, "Look, man, I'm just gonna say it... you and Iris—"

When they walked out of the clinic, the car that had rear-ended them had already been towed away, leaving only the two sports cars driven by Kian and Preston. Since there were five men and sports cars only fit four, Holden suggested they wait. His other assistant was already on his way to pick him up.

They waited another hour.

It was 1:30 PM.

The sun beat down relentlessly, making the pavement shimmer with blinding heat. Finally, a woman in a buttery-yellow dress walked out of the clinic. She was still wearing her medical mask and her messy bun, but her dress fluttered gracefully as she walked. Holden tossed his cigarette aside and sprinted toward her.

Winifred spotted the ghost she had hoped never to see again practically materializing in front of her. She adjusted her small purse on her shoulder, mentally preparing for a fight.

With her path blocked, she looked up, her long eyelashes fluttering slightly. "What do you want?"

Holden chuckled. "I came to Kingsbridge on business with some friends. We got into a fender-bender, and now I'm just waiting for a ride. Don't flatter yourself. I didn't come looking for you."

Since that was the case, Winifred didn't want to waste another syllable on him. She spun on her heel and started walking in the opposite direction.

Before she made it three steps, Holden grabbed her arm.

"Admit you're Winifred, or are you afraid I'll tackle you right here?"