Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

"Stewart, if you're sick, go see a doctor. Stop dragging me into your drama."

Briony ended the call without waiting for a reply.

She nearly blocked Cedric Clarke's number too, but when she thought of Stella Joyner, she hesitated and let it slide.

"What were you about to say?" Briony pocketed her phone and looked up at James.

James cleared his throat and waved his hand dismissively. "Nothing, really. I just wanted to say there's no need to be so formal between us. We're like family-no need for all that 'thank you' business."

Briony grinned. "Got it. From now on, I'll treat you like my own little brother. No more formalities."

"That's more like it!" James beamed. "We're both only children, after all. A brother- sister bond works-always have each other's backs."

He scratched the back of his head and turned to watch the distant sunset. He looked calm and relaxed, but a faint ache stirred in his chest.

Briony didn't notice anything amiss; she simply followed his gaze toward the horizon.

The sun dipped behind the hills, and neon lights flickered on across the city.

James snuck a sideways glance at her delicate profile-the soft curve of her cheek aglow in the last light. Affection flickered in his eyes, but he kept it hidden beneath the cover of night.

Northborough, private club, VIP lounge.

Cedric Clarke snatched his phone back.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" He glared at Stewart, exasperated. "You're trying to win your wife back, not issue orders to your employees!"

Stewart pressed his lips together, silent.

at him and realized all his advice had probably gone in one ear and out the

his watch. "I need to be home in half an hour-no, scratch

back to change another

"You're missing the point. It's not about the diapers- it's

him for

night. The only reason he was here now was because Stewart had brought up the divorce with

was looking out for Briony for Stella's

was obvious: Cedric truly

gotten her memory back?"

shook his

does—and realizes

my phone, and this is what I get? Are you jealous because my wife and kid are

"That's not it." He hesitated, then continued. "I just wonder-does love really

"Of course it does!"

friend had just lost all credibility as

aren't you?" Stewart frowned,

Cedric stared. "Excuse me?"

was always a transaction between us. We agreed to get what we each needed. I think we've both benefited

a divorce. That's the only

grew serious. "Are you

replied. "She filed for divorce because

relationship with Rosita, and she assumed Irwin was my son.

think the only reason she wants

else?" Stewart looked at Cedric, frowning.

get why she's