A Wedding Night Gone Terribly Wrong novel Chapter 53

Leland Lockwood. The eldest son of the main family's east wing. Twenty-six years old. Celibate. He served as the General Manager of the family's corporate empire, co-managing the company alongside the top executive, Alistair Lockwood. Alistair was Leland's uncle. Because Alistair had too many romantic entanglements in his youth, his secret wife had divorced him and left. He never remarried and had no children of his own. Everyone in their circle knew that the future heir to the main Lockwood empire was the eldest son of the east wing, Leland.

With his aristocratic background, dazzling prospects, and the flawlessly handsome face of a perfect gentleman, women threw themselves at him wherever he went. He was, true to form, a perfect gentleman, treating everyone with courtesy. As a result, he was incredibly popular in high society.

Leland was a good man, and Winifred never felt the need to keep her guard up around him. Seeing him smile at her, she smiled back. "Hello, Mr. Lockwood."

Leland sidestepped the heiress who had used the spilled drink as an excuse to drape herself over him. He took off his suit jacket and handed it to his assistant. Dressed only in a crisp white shirt and a perfectly knotted tie, he strode toward Winifred with his long legs, radiating an elegant, righteous charm.

Sylvia spoke first. "Leland, your brother and sister-in-law are panicking. The baby has a high fever. I'm heading back now."

Leland's expression softened. "Take my car. I'll drive you."

"Alright."

Guests scattered around the venue immediately turned their attention to them, calling out enthusiastic greetings.

"Mr. Lockwood, Mrs. Lockwood, leaving so soon?"

"Mr. Lockwood, won't you stay a bit longer?"

"Leland, man, we haven't even had a drink together yet!"

"Mr. Lockwood, ma'am, mind if I walk out with you?"

Thanks to the dazzling Mr. Leland Lockwood walking beside them, Winifred basked in his reflected glory. The guests looked at him with reverence and admiration. She picked up the residual glow, feeling a warmth seep into her bones. The gloom brought on by Holden's family and Nelly seemed to dissipate entirely. She felt a twinge of gratitude toward Leland for giving her this moment of healing, and shot him an appreciative look.

"Don't mention it."

He pulled out a square container of yogurt, peeled off the foil, straightened the little spoon, and held the bottom of the container with both hands, offering it to Winifred as if presenting a tribute to a goddess.

"Thank you!" Winifred took it.

"Eat up. You've been working the wedding all day without a break. You must be hungry."

It was very unexpected. Winifred felt she hadn't done much socializing at the event; she had just stood there accompanying Nelly and hadn't even noticed Leland. Yet he, who had been busy mingling and charming everyone, had clearly observed her every move.

Winifred took off her mask. She looked down, unzipped her bag, and searched for a wet wipe. Pulling one out, she cleaned her face. As she tossed the tissue into the trash bag, her gaze accidentally flicked to the rearview mirror.