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.

his advice had probably gone in one

in half an hour-no, scratch that, fifteen minutes if you count the

a cool look. "Heading back to change another

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

studied him for a

at night. The only reason he was here now was because Stewart had brought

looking out for Briony for Stella's

Cedric truly loved

still hasn't gotten her memory back?" Stewart

paused, then shook his

if one day she does—and realizes she doesn't really love you?

him, incredulous. "Stewart! Are you even human? 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

not it." He hesitated, then continued. "I just wonder-does love really matter that much in

"Of course it does!"

like his friend had just lost all credibility

love her, aren't you?" Stewart frowned, thinking it over

Cedric stared. "Excuse me?"

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

reason for a divorce. That's

"Are you sure

Stewart replied. "She filed for divorce because she

with Rosita, and she assumed Irwin

think the only reason she wants a divorce is because

Cedric, frowning.

don't get why she's