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.

a long pause, he let out a heavy

the door

carrying a

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

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

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

"I

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

fell silent, brows

cut off from the outside world for three days

have realized something was wrong by now. If they'd alerted the police, Southcreek Manor would definitely be on their

there anything you'd like

moment's

"Of course."

left, Briony threw off the covers and tried to

gritted her teeth and took

glanced at the door, then hobbled toward

the chain around her ankle jerked tight, stopping

clenched her jaw

moment, the door swung

Briony stumbled back, startled.

entered, shutting the

tense a few paces

wound she'd inflicted with

flooding back-his force, her terror. Her

then lifted to her face. "Does your ankle still

pleaded, desperation in her voice. "Please, Stewart. I'm begging

to be afraid