Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Briony told Stella everything that had happened at The Wentworth Group, including what she'd seen-Stewart coughing up blood.

Stella fell silent for a long time after listening.

Then suddenly, as if something clicked, she exclaimed, "No wonder I thought Cedric Clarke's been showing up in the ER way more often. Turns out he wasn't there for work, he was treating Stewart in secret, wasn't he?"

Briony pressed her lips together and said nothing.

"So just now, when Cedric said he was going to the hospital, was he going to see Stewart again?"

"Most likely."

Stella lapsed into silence again.

Coughing up blood-things must be serious.

She might despise Stewart, but with someone that sick, she decided she'd better hold her tongue and not say anything harsh.

Stella fixed her gaze on Briony. "If Stewart really is this sick, what are you going to do?"

Briony met Stella's eyes, her expression calm. "I'd feel sorry."

"Briony! Say that again—"

mean, I'd feel

out an exasperated sigh. "Can you just finish a sentence without all the

moved on. Everything between Stewart and

you sure?" Stella narrowed

kids together, so I can't cut him out entirely, but any contact is

wrong idea and think you're giving him

down again. Honestly, he's been good to the kids lately. Maybe he knows

trying at all!" Stella huffed. "If he'd just stayed away, the kids wouldn't miss him when he's gone. But now he's gone and built a bond with

since she became a mom, Stella couldn't

her lips

else to say. The whole thing just felt so sudden. This was Stewart,

one everyone in Northborough's legal and

end up like this: betrayed by his own father, now gravely

a moment's hesitation, Stella asked, "Should I ask Cedric about Stewart's condition when he

lowered her gaze. "Even if I knew, it wouldn't change anything. If Stewart