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 heavy sigh and

later, the door

entered, carrying

some tea.

the warmth eased her raw

you and Mr. Stewart, but I can tell he truly cares. You were burning up, unconscious

frowned. "I slept

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

fell silent, brows

been cut off from

must have realized something was wrong by now. If they'd alerted the police,

hungry? Is there anything you'd

hungry, but after a moment's thought said,

"Of course."

threw off the covers and tried to

left ankle, but she gritted her teeth and took a

at the door,

chain around her ankle

clenched her jaw

moment, the door

Briony stumbled back, startled.

shutting the

stood tense a few paces away, watching him

wound she'd inflicted with

back-his force, her terror. Her breath caught.

lifted to her face. "Does your

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

have to be afraid of me,