Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

The heavy rain had delayed all departures, and Briony's flight was no exception.

She'd booked a first-class ticket, so she waited out the storm in the airport's VIP lounge.

To pass the time, Briony picked up a magazine from a nearby table and began flipping through it absently.

Suddenly, the polished toes of a pair of black dress shoes stopped right in front of her.

Puzzled, Briony looked up-and found herself staring into Stewart's dark, inscrutable eyes.

Her lips pressed together, and her brow furrowed, almost instinctively.

A faint, knowing smile played at the corner of Stewart's mouth. "Heading to Silveridge too?" he asked.

Briony felt a vague but unmistakable sense of foreboding settle in her chest.

"Judging by your face, I got it right," Stewart said, his voice low and even. "I'm on my way to Silveridge as well."

Briony said nothing.

He glanced at the empty seat beside her and, without the slightest hesitation, sat down.

"Are you going for the Antiquarian Society's documentary shoot?" he asked.

"That's none of your business," Briony replied coolly, barely giving him a glance before returning to her magazine.

After what had happened last time at City Hall the way Stewart had played her for a fool-she saw no reason to pretend civility anymore.

This man was selfish and manipulative, always looking out for himself, always finding new ways to use her. If that was the case, why should she bother maintaining appearances?

she had underestimated

how openly she displayed

cultural artifacts," he continued, as if her rudeness didn't register. "So I'll be

impatience. She didn't want to hear any

cold profile, his mouth curving just slightly.

want to talk to you," she said, finally lifting her head and taking a steadying breath. Her eyes, icy and bright, locked onto his. "If you want to discuss when we're signing the divorce papers, I'd be more than happy to have that

an eyebrow. "Let's save that for after we get back from

expected as much. It wouldn't be the first time he dodged the issue; she wasn't about to be fooled

said, her tone flat. Stewart said nothing, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on

person. Rolling her eyes,

really coming down out there.

back

her screen. She answered

idea when you'll take

so if it doesn't clear up, the flight

the rain's letting

I'll come

"Okay."

if it isn't, call your professor before takeoff-he'll need to know when to come

Mr. Delaney." Briony couldn't help but laugh. "You worry too

in your belly, I

lips pressed

Stewart sat silently on the sofa, never taking his eyes off her. The lounge was quiet. Briony's conversation was soft, but even so, a gentle warmth crept into her voice-a voice that was naturally delicate, with a steady, comforting cadence. It was the kind of voice made for reading bedtime stories. Over the past five years, it had proven to be just that. Irwin, for one, had grown

about this, Stewart's

...