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."

men abstaining, Stewart naturally joined the non-drinkers. Despite the table overflowing with gourmet dishes, only the two oblivious

upstairs, so Crystal and Carol took them both up, leaving the adults

to Briony. "Little Mario's probably going to refuse to go

didn't bother hiding her annoyance for

him stay here

a brow, clearly catching

"Alright, then I'll

after Garry left, Ferdinand took a phone call and announced

him out

door, Gifford pulled up

at Briony, his

into the car and

He smiled. "I will."

disappeared into the

find Stewart had come

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

were edged with anger.

dealing with him and headed straight back for the

wasn't about to let her

Briony tried to pass him and step up onto

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

told you I don't want you

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

down, tension crackling between them as she tried to

and Briony's