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

in half an hour-no, scratch that, fifteen minutes if you count the drive. You've

a cool look. "Heading back to change another diaper? What, is your

the point. It's not about the diapers- it's about being there! No one can replace

him for

he rarely came out for drinks at night. The only reason he was here now was because Stewart

for Briony for

Cedric

hasn't gotten her

then shook

one day she does—and realizes

and this is what

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

"Of course it does!"

friend had just lost all credibility as a

with Briony because you love her, aren't you?" Stewart

Cedric stared. "Excuse me?"

always a transaction between us. We agreed to get what we each needed.

reason for a divorce. That's the only reason I'm

serious. "Are you sure

sure," Stewart replied. "She filed for divorce

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

only reason she wants a divorce is

at Cedric, frowning. "Plus, now we have Little Nina.

she's so determined to