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

the door opened

entered, carrying

made you some tea. Drink a little-it should

raw throat. Bianca set the mug aside, her expression soft

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

"I slept that

but you've had an IV and your

silent,

from the outside world for three days

If they'd alerted the police, Southcreek Manor

there

hungry, but after a moment's thought said, "Some plain noodles,

"Of course."

Briony threw off the covers and tried to

shot through her left ankle, but she gritted her teeth and took a

at the door,

the chain around her ankle jerked tight,

clenched her

the door

Briony stumbled back, startled.

the

stood tense a few paces away, watching

temple—a wound she'd inflicted

it brought the memory of that night flooding back-his force, her terror.

then lifted to her face. "Does your

Briony pleaded, desperation in her voice. "Please, Stewart.

to be afraid of