On the other end of the line, Stewart paused before asking, “Why are you moving out?"

Briony could guess why he sounded so confused-he was already planning to leave Southcreek Manor to her, so from his perspective, there was no need for her to leave.

"I don't intend to keep Southcreek Manor," Briony said, taking a breath before adding, "I've already taken what I need. The rest is yours to do with as you please."

"Are you sure about this?" Stewart's voice remained cool and detached. "We can still amend the terms. If you have any requests, just say so."

"No, let's just stick to the agreement." Briony felt utterly drained; she had no

strength left to drag things out in this hollow marriage.

Even her own mother thought Stewart and Rosita made the perfect couple. In this marriage, Briony truly felt like nothing more than a pitiful clown.

Stewart didn't reply.

The silence stretched on for more than half a minute.

Finally, Briony asked, "When will you have time to file the divorce papers?"

"In a hurry, are you?"

caught off guard by

a rush? He and Rosita had already gone public with their relationship —surely he'd want this marriage finalized as soon as possible? Wasn't he worried someone might leak the news and tarnish Rosita's reputation, painting her as the

he

wanted to end this warped, one-sided

both of us." Her tone

gave a noncommittal "Alright," then said, "Tomorrow morning,

of the marriage certificate. The other's in the nightstand drawer in

hung

when the bedroom door opened

her head in. "Bryn, are you still

up, steadying herself.

sat beside her,

despise me, and now that they know I'm out, I

brushing a hand gently over Briony's pale, exhausted face. “I'm always dragging you into my mess,

you talking about?" Briony protested, alarmed. “How could

a weak smile. "I just think... without me, maybe you'd have

Don't let them get to you. I'm not a child

know you can. But I hate seeing you suffer

as you're here." Briony hugged her tightly. "Mom, as long as

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