Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Briony drifted in and out of consciousness for a day and a night. When she finally

woke, her head throbbed and every muscle ached.

The room was dim, shadows pooled in the corners.

She tried to lift her hand, only to realize someone was holding it.

Startled, she turned her head.

The man beside her opened his eyes, dark and intent as they met hers.

"You're awake?"

Briony's breath caught. She tried to pull her hand away, but he wouldn't let go.

"Stewart, you—" Her voice broke off into a painful, scratchy cough.

Stewart was instantly on his feet, stepping away from the bed.

He poured a glass of warm water from a thermos and returned to her side.

"Here, drink some water. It'll help your throat."

He steadied the cup in one hand and gently helped her sit up with the other.

Briony's coughing fit left her cheeks flushed. She slapped the cup from his hand- water splashed everywhere, shards of glass scattered across the floor.

She shoved him away, bracing herself on the bed, her eyes blazing with anger and hurt. "I don't need your fake concern... cough..."

Stewart watched her, lips pressed into a tight, silent line. She looked so stubborn, so miserable.

pause, he let out a

the door opened

entered, carrying

throat's inflamed. I made you some tea. Drink a little-it should soothe

eased her raw throat. Bianca set the mug aside, her

Mr. Stewart, but I can tell he truly cares. You were burning up, unconscious for a whole day and night.

"I slept

you've had an IV and your temperature's dropping. The doctor will check on

fell silent,

she'd been cut off from the outside world for

was wrong by now. If

there anything you'd like

after a moment's

"Of course."

Bianca left, Briony threw off

left ankle, but she gritted her teeth and took a few tentative

the door, then hobbled toward

doorknob, the chain around her ankle jerked tight, stopping her

her jaw in

moment, the

Briony stumbled back, startled.

entered, shutting the door behind

a few paces away, watching

temple—a wound she'd inflicted with a

of that night flooding back-his force, her terror.

dropped to her left foot, then lifted to her face.

voice. "Please, Stewart. I'm begging you. Just let

don't have to be afraid of