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."

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

little Mario wanted to play upstairs, so Crystal and Carol took them both

Mario's probably going to

annoyance for Garry, but

let him stay here

clearly catching the

"Alright, then I'll head

long after Garry left, Ferdinand took a phone call and

saw him out

door, Gifford pulled

glanced at Briony, his tone gentle.

watching him get into the car and waving goodbye as

He smiled. "I will."

car disappeared into

only to find Stewart

outlining his tall, lean frame and casting a cold shadow over

were edged with anger.

him and headed

Stewart wasn't about to let her

and step up onto the porch, he suddenly reached

herself. "Stewart! What's wrong with you? Let

I don't want you getting too close

you, who I see is none of your business!" Briony kept struggling, but Stewart's grip was

back down, tension crackling between them

shot up her wrist, and