Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

A chill of mockery swept through Briony's heart, though her face remained composed and impassive.

So this was what it felt like to be utterly disappointed in someone-so much so that even anger seemed like too much effort.

"Stewart, drop the act. I know everything you're doing is for Irwin." Briony called him out without hesitation.

"I'll make this clear: even if you ripped out your heart and handed it to me, I still wouldn't give it a second glance."

With that, Briony brushed past him and headed straight for the living room.

Stewart's hand tightened ever so slightly around the jewelry box he held. He lowered his gaze, staring at the wedding ring inside, a shadow falling over his expression.

...

Dinner was ready. The group gathered around the dining table, taking their seats.

Little Nina and little Mario were looked after by Crystal and Carol, sparing Briony and Gwendolyn White from any extra worry.

At the table, the four men each nursed their own thoughts.

James sent Marlene down to the wine cellar for two bottles of Château Lafite.

"I'm a lightweight, I admit defeat. The three of you can drink," James declared with easy generosity. "There's plenty more where that came from-help yourselves!"

Ferdinand offered a faint smile. "My tolerance isn't great either. I'll pass."

"I'm trying to be healthy these days," Garry added with a smirk. "I think I'll sit this one out too."

Despite the table overflowing with gourmet dishes, only the two oblivious children had any appetite. The rest hardly touched

wanted to play upstairs, so Crystal and

"Little Mario's probably going to refuse

hiding her annoyance for Garry, but her

"Then let him stay here with Carol. You

brow, clearly catching

chuckled. "Alright, then I'll head out

a phone call and announced he had to leave as

him

the front door, Gifford pulled

glanced at Briony, his tone gentle. "I'm off.

replied, watching him get into the car and

He smiled. "I will."

car disappeared

find Stewart had come outside at

stood in the yard under the porch light, its glow outlining his tall, lean frame and casting a

were edged with anger.

in dealing with him and headed straight

to let her go that

as Briony tried to pass him and step up onto the porch, he suddenly reached out, grabbing her

twisting to free herself. "Stewart! What's wrong with you? Let go of

don't want you getting too close to

none of your business!" Briony kept struggling, but Stewart's grip

back down, tension crackling between them as she tried to

and