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?"

was caught off guard by

their relationship —surely he'd want this marriage finalized as soon as possible? Wasn't he worried

did he have

only wanted to end this warped,

the better-for both of

"Alright," then said, "Tomorrow

I have one copy of the marriage certificate. The other's in the nightstand drawer in the master bedroom—don't

that, Briony hung up

her phone down when the bedroom door opened a

in.

herself. "No,

hurting again? Can't sleep?" Julia came into the room and sat beside her, her gaze full of concern as

my fault," Julia sighed, voice thick with guilt. "The Kensingtons despise me, and now that they know I'm out, I doubt they'll leave us

you into

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

weak smile. "I just think... without me,

voice firm. "Don't say that. You've done nothing wrong -they have. Don't let them get to you. I'm not

can. But I

tightly. "Mom, as long as you're with

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255