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.

glinted with a fierce resolve, her voice low and chilling. "I need you to help me kill someone. One

downpour washed away the last of the city's winter snow, breathing hints of

horizon, and the morning forecast promised

the time he jogged back to Skybreeze Retreat at seven, Briony was

touch of makeup today,

raised his eyebrows. “Someone's in a good mood

it's not every day you get

me grab a quick shower, and then I'll drive you to

no need.

"You're finally getting rid of that sorry excuse for a husband. As family, I need to be there for such a momentous

that, her mood lifting even further.

and a change of clothes, James rejoined her

breakfast to the table. Once they'd

made its way toward

turned red and

That's when it happened.

right, heading straight for Briony's side

it in time, wrenching the

CRASH!