When Briony arrived at the hospital, she had just stepped into the elevator when footsteps echoed behind her.

Catching the movement in the polished reflection of the elevator wall, Briony saw Stewart approaching.

She pressed her lips together and ignored him.

Stewart entered the elevator, gave her a cool glance, and then moved to stand behind her.

A moment later, six or seven more people squeezed in, making the small space instantly crowded.

A plump woman in front shuffled closer, forcing Briony to take a few steps back.

Her back was now almost-though not quite-touching Stewart's broad, solid chest.

He stood a full head taller than her, and she could faintly catch that familiar, subtle hint of mint on his skin.

Unbidden, memories flickered through her mind.

She recalled the past five years: tying his tie for him in the mornings like any dutiful wife as he got ready for work; and how, like any ordinary husband, he'd wrap an arm around her waist and press a soft kiss to her lips before leaving...

Looking back now, the whole routine felt painfully ironic.

off the thoughts and focus on the present, resolutely ignoring the man behind

the elevator reached Julia's floor, the doors slid open. Briony slipped

stayed where he was,

figure disappeared down the hallway,

...

to head home and get some rest-she could come back in

Gina left, Stella

the tiny break room, closed the door, and lowered their voices to discuss the latest online

up," Stella said. "But honestly, I doubt she wrote it

pulled up Facebook

scanned it,

Not bad, she thought.

she's feeling guilty," Stella scoffed. "All those vague, wishy-washy comments she made before? They looked supportive on the surface, but really she was just egging her fans on to question

Rosita's statement went up, all the gossip about you and Ms. Hudson vanished. Even the trending tags disappeared completely-like someone was pulling strings behind

guess is Stewart," Briony said

eyes widened. "Wait, he actually helped

Briony

at her, shocked. "Girl, spill! How did you pull

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

Comments ()

0/255