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.

long pause, he let out a heavy sigh and

later, the door opened

entered, carrying

made you some tea. Drink a little-it should soothe

the mug Bianca offered, and the warmth eased her raw throat. Bianca set the mug aside, her

don't know what happened between you and Mr. Stewart, but I can tell he truly cares. You were burning up,

"I slept

an IV and your temperature's dropping. The doctor will

fell silent, brows

meant she'd been cut off from the outside world for three days

by now. If they'd alerted the police, Southcreek Manor would definitely be on

Is there

wasn't hungry, but after a moment's thought said, "Some

"Of course."

Briony threw off the covers and tried to

ankle, but she gritted her teeth and took

door,

the chain around her ankle

clenched her

that moment, the door swung

Briony stumbled back, startled.

shutting the door behind

stood tense a few paces

of bandage covered Stewart's temple—a wound she'd inflicted with a lamp days

night flooding back-his

left foot, then lifted to

Briony pleaded, desperation in her voice.

don't have to be