From a Wrong Turn to Mr. Right novel Chapter 140

Lavinia Bennett felt a secret thrill of satisfaction, though her face stayed perfectly calm as she replied, “I’m just checking in on her, that’s all.”

No sooner had the words left her mouth than Helen Adams and Olivia Bennett appeared, walking toward them in single file.

Daniel Gill’s breath caught in his throat. He couldn’t help but let his gaze settle on Olivia.

Olivia approached them with a cool, unreadable expression, not bothering with small talk. “Come with me,” she said briskly, and turned on her heel, expecting them to follow.

Lavinia looped her arm through Daniel’s, her voice suddenly louder and sweeter, as if she wanted to make sure Olivia heard. “Come on, Daniel, let’s go.”

Daniel hesitated, aching to pull away from Lavinia and march off on his own. But reason won out over impulse, and he forced himself to follow, his expression carefully neutral.

Helen was left standing by herself, gnawing her lip in frustration. She grabbed her notepad and scribbled two huge X’s on the page.

Outrageous! Shameless!

...

Olivia led the group inside and turned to Davina Ford. “Davina, could you and Fannie do their hair and makeup? Something classic, for the wedding photos.”

Davina looked up, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Aren’t you doing an outdoor shoot?”

Lavinia cut in smoothly, “No need. Indoor shots are just fine.”

Of course, the real reason she was here had nothing to do with wedding photos. She just wanted to parade Daniel in front of Olivia. She wasn’t interested in the photos Olivia would take anyway—when she wanted pictures she actually liked, she’d hire her own photographer.

Davina just shrugged. “Alright then. You two take a seat.”

Lavinia tugged Daniel to the makeup chairs. She glanced around the room, her eyes landing on Olivia. With a bright, syrupy smile, she called out, “Olivia, aren’t you going to do my makeup?”

Davina nodded, not pausing her brush strokes. “Will do.”

As Olivia disappeared from view, Daniel felt as if she’d taken the air out of the room with her. He sat there, suddenly hollow, his eyes losing their light.

About half an hour later, they were ready—hair done, makeup flawless, outfits immaculate.

Lavinia wore a white gown with delicate embroidery and tiny pearls stitched along the skirt, sparkling like dew on new grass. She looked effortlessly elegant, almost regal.

Beside her, Daniel was dressed in a deep navy suit, perfectly tailored, the fit sharp and crisp.

With their good looks and polished appearances, they made a picture-perfect couple.

Lavinia admired herself in the mirror, then caught sight of Olivia entering the room. She slid her arm through Daniel’s again, her lips curving in a practiced, triumphant smile. “Olivia, what do you think? Don’t we look amazing?”