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.

he let out

later, the door

carrying

you some tea. Drink a little-it

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

Stewart, but I can tell he truly cares. You were burning up, unconscious for

frowned. "I slept that

fever was from severe inflammation, but you've had an IV and your temperature's dropping. The doctor will check

silent,

meant she'd been cut off from

If they'd alerted

are you hungry? Is there anything you'd like to

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

"Of course."

Briony threw off the covers and

left ankle, but she gritted her teeth and took a

the door,

her fingers brushed the doorknob, the chain around her ankle jerked

her jaw in

the door swung

Briony stumbled back, startled.

the door

a few paces

Stewart's temple—a wound she'd inflicted with

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

left foot, then lifted

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

don't have to be