Briony blinked, her gaze steady. "Do you know why I rang the doorbell at

Southcreek Manor today?"

Stewart offered no reply, his silence stretching between them.

She continued, “Because ever since the moment I signed the divorce papers and moved out, Southcreek Manor stopped being my home. When you visit someone else's house, you ring the bell. That's just common courtesy."

Stewart's brow furrowed. "If Irwin hears you say that, he'll be upset."

Briony let out a soft laugh, the swirling snow doing a fine job of hiding the redness in her eyes.

"You really do live up to your reputation, Stewart-the brilliant attorney everyone admires and fears. You certainly know how to twist the knife."

He remained stone-faced, refusing to argue. To Briony, that look meant only one thing: he couldn't even be bothered to explain.

In the past, she would have felt crushed by that-hurt, even. But now? Not anymore.

some things needed to be said, if only to finally

that what you think, Stewart? That my behavior today

depends on you." Stewart hesitated, then

did you say those things to him? You want him to understand that blood family is irreplaceable, but you also want him

a look, her voice icy. "Don't you

aback. He let out a heavy sigh. "Irwin and Rosita are his real mother and son. Rosita's depression-well, reconnecting with Irwin has always

them from being together," Briony shot back. "Me stepping aside was my way of making space for the three

darkened, unreadable in the swirling

felt to Briony like the most natural kind

ever thought of our marriage, but as far as I was concerned—even if there was no love, I believed we were at least family, that we trusted and cared for each other. But you hid Irwin's parentage from me. You had me raise your and Rosita's child, without ever

now. Briony paused, swallowed hard, and drew

in a business partnership, I deserved to know the facts. But you-Stewart, you kept me at arm's length the whole time. Or maybe you just thought I was too

never thought of you

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

Comments ()

0/255