Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

It took a long moment before the call finally connected.

"Lauren?"

Hearing the gruff male voice on the other end, Lauren's breath caught in her throat.

Her grip on the phone tightened.

The man couldn't hear her, his tone growing anxious. “Lauren, I know it's you. Did you call because you're in trouble? Whatever it is, just say the word—I'll help you, no matter what."

A flash of memory cut through her mind—a thunderstorm, that terrible night.

Malcolm falling from the second floor-

Her breathing turned ragged, her voice trembling. "I... I need you to help me with something else. When it's done, I'll pay you again."

"Lauren, there's no need to talk about money between us."

"Money is all I have left to give you," Lauren said through clenched teeth, fighting to keep her frustration in check. "Neal, I wouldn't come to you unless I had no other choice. Please don't make this harder than it already is."

On the other end, Neal fell silent for a moment. At last, he gave a heavy, resigned sigh. “Alright. Whatever you say. Just tell me what do you need me to do?"

A sudden crash of thunder split the sky outside. For a brief instant, lightning illuminated Lauren's perfectly maintained face through the glass.

a fierce resolve, her voice low and chilling.

the last of the city's winter snow, breathing hints of spring into the

the horizon, and the morning

was up at six for his morning run. By the time he jogged back to Skybreeze Retreat at seven, Briony was

put on a touch of makeup today, looking more refreshed

in

"Well, it's not every day you get to finalize your divorce. I'm feeling pretty good,

what I like to hear!” James grinned, bounding up the stairs. “Let me grab a quick shower, and then I'll drive

need. I can

of that sorry excuse for a

but smile at that, her mood lifting even further.

a change of clothes,

to the table. Once they'd

white Range Rover made its way toward

intersection, the light turned red and

That's when it happened.

in from the right, heading straight for Briony's side

spotted it in time,

CRASH!