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."

dishes,

to play upstairs, so Crystal and Carol took them both

"Little Mario's probably going to refuse to go home with

annoyance for Garry,

let him stay here with Carol.

arched a brow, clearly catching the exasperation

chuckled. "Alright, then I'll head out

Ferdinand took a phone call and announced he

saw him out

the front door, Gifford pulled up to pick Ferdinand

glanced at Briony, his tone

get into the

He smiled. "I will."

disappeared

only to find Stewart had come outside at some

the yard under the porch light, its glow outlining his tall, lean frame and casting a cold shadow over his

were edged with anger.

had no interest in dealing with him and

to

tried to pass him and step up onto the porch, he suddenly

scowled, twisting to free herself. "Stewart! What's wrong with

want you getting too close to

I told you, who I see is none of your business!" Briony kept

crackling between them as she tried

and Briony's patience snapped.