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.

all his advice had probably gone in one

hour-no, scratch that, fifteen minutes if you count the drive. You've got exactly fifteen minutes left,

back to change

diapers- it's about being there!

him for a

Cedric married Stella, he rarely came out for drinks at night. The only

was looking out for

thing was obvious: Cedric truly loved his

hasn't gotten her

paused, then shook

does—and realizes she doesn't really love

I risked Briony's wrath lending you my phone, and this is what I get? Are you jealous because my wife and kid are waiting for me

cut in, "That's not it." He hesitated, then continued. "I

"Of course it does!"

had just

you love her, aren't you?" Stewart frowned, thinking it over seriously. "I don't love

Cedric stared. "Excuse me?"

get what we each needed. I think we've both benefited

for a divorce. That's the only

"Are you

sure," Stewart replied. "She filed for divorce because she thought

relationship with Rosita, and she assumed Irwin was my son. I've cleared

you think the only reason she wants a divorce is because of those

Cedric, frowning. "Plus,

get why she's so determined