A Wedding Night Gone Terribly Wrong novel Chapter 7

When the morning light finally pierced through the small diamond peepholes, the heavy wooden door was unlatched.

Holden appeared in the doorway. The early sun draped over his broad shoulders, illuminating his impeccably tailored bespoke suit. It formed a glowing halo around his perfectly styled hair. With his flawless, aristocratic features and naturally commanding presence, he looked like a prince stepping out of a myth.

His dark, freezing gaze swept the room.

"Have you signed the divorce agreement?"

"No."

Winifred sat on the damp brick floor, hugging her knees to her chest. She stared up at him, her eyes wide and hauntingly deep.

Under her unwavering stare, Holden's brow twitched. "Are you incapable of showing me even a shred of basic respect?"

"I just want to know... if I sign the papers and disappear forever... will you ever come looking for me?"

"No."

Winifred shrank back, her chin trembling. He meant it. Once she walked away, he would be gone forever.

"So... you're just going to throw me away the moment we get married and marry Iris instead?"

Yesterday, Holden had stated very clearly that he needed to take responsibility for Iris. Madeleine's dying wish was for him to divorce Winifred and marry Iris Morgan. He had practically been commanded to love her.

Holden stared at her, his jaw locked in silence.

Winifred felt her soul shatter. Tears spilled hot and fast down her cheeks, her voice cracking with desperation.

"So you aren't denying it. When you were studying in Mystonia, Iris flew out to see you three times a month. You two spent all that time together. You fell for her, didn't you?"

This entire nightmare perfectly paved the way for Iris. Iris had won Holden's heart, manipulated her way to the top, and now she was playing the untouchable victim.

If Holden already had feelings for Iris, then this divorce was just a convenient excuse to immediately marry her. It was the perfect, harmonious union everyone else wanted.

Holden's face darkened with disgust. "You're the one who caused this catastrophe! Iris was completely innocent, and she's still lying in the intensive care unit because of you!"

"So you're going to use your love to magically heal her trauma?!"

"Winifred! Have you not caused enough damage?! Where is your basic humanity?! What happened to the sweet, caring girl I knew?! I don't even recognize you anymore!"

"I'll accept whatever punishment they want to give me, as long as you don't divorce me!"

Holden violently ripped his arm out of her grasp, stepping out of reach.

"Everything I say just goes in one ear and out the other. You really have become entirely selfish and delusional."

He turned and walked away without looking back.

As he stepped out of the gloomy courtyard, he nearly collided with Arthur, who was supervising the estate's gardeners as they meticulously pruned the ancient yew trees.

"Mr. Lockwood!" Arthur quickly bowed, asking hesitantly, "Has Winifred... still not signed?"

Holden's fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. He remained completely silent.

Arthur wiped his brow nervously. "How... how should I explain this to your father? He's been waiting for three days. He's furious. He called me late last night demanding an update."

Today was the ultimate deadline.