A Wedding Night Gone Terribly Wrong novel Chapter 371

Leland Lockwood couldn't cook for himself, but otherwise, he was fully self-sufficient. Before leaving, he made a point to seek out Declan Sutton.

Declan patted his chest with absolute confidence. "Don't you worry. Leave your soon-to-be wife and kids to me. By the time you get back, I guarantee they’ll have each gained five pounds."

Leland clapped a hand on the man's broad shoulder. "I appreciate this."

"Don't mention it. I've got nothing but free time," Declan chuckled. "Quinn leaves for work at eight and doesn't get back until six. The hours between are agonizingly long when I'm just sitting here missing her." Having the privilege of looking after Seth and Annelise suddenly brought color back to his days.

Leland's expression turned serious. "Winifred has been through hell and back. She wears a strong armor, but she walks on eggshells. While I'm gone, no matter what happens, you have to believe in her unconditionally. Stand by her side and help her however you can."

"I know, I know." Declan shrugged off his friend's hand. "She's my woman's absolute best friend. Even if you didn't ask, Quinn would hold a knife to my throat to make sure I helped."

Reassured, Leland departed for his business trip to Germany as planned.

Life for Winifred Shultz fell into a steady, comforting rhythm. She woke up early to take care of the family, and after they finished breakfast, she washed the dishes and prepped a hearty winter stew, leaving it to simmer so Celeste and the kids could grab a warm bowl whenever they felt hungry. At noon, she had lunch with Quinn in the research lab. In the evenings, Declan's housekeeper would prepare dinner and wheel it over on a cart so the two households could eat together.

After the meals were cleared away, the families would gather in the living room. Seth and Annelise's newly adopted puppy, Star, would perform handshakes, making its rounds from left to right, soaking up everyone's affection. The sound of human laughter and the little dog's happy barks intertwined, keeping the bitter winter chill firmly outside their doors.

On the other side of the city, Iris Morgan lay sprawled on her bed, scrolling through her phone in misery. Her career in the entertainment industry felt like it was on an indefinite hiatus. Even though the storm had passed and the negative press had died down, no production teams were reaching out, and no brands were offering sponsorships. It was as if she had been entirely discarded.

When the phone rang, Shelly glanced at the caller ID and promptly ignored it. The 'Reality Show Goddess' could wait. Right now, Shelly was treating Larissa and Demi Jordan to an extravagant dinner at a famous barbecue restaurant, spending upwards of a hundred dollars per person. She was heavily investing in this manipulation.

"I feel so bad seeing you girls suffer," Shelly said softly as she turned the sizzling meat. "Wanting Winifred back is a great idea, but... she's dragging around those two dead weights."

She sighed, watching the girls' expressions. "Most of the money she makes goes to those kids. Her time and energy are completely drained by them. That's the money and love that you two desperately need. Winifred should belong entirely to you, but those two little burdens are standing in the way."

Larissa leaned in, her eyes narrowing. "Do you have a solution?"

A cold smirk twitched on Shelly's lips. "Get rid of Seth and Annelise."