Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

The next morning, Briony woke up at seven.

Little Nina was still fast asleep, snuggled under her blankets. Briony leaned over and nuzzled her daughter's soft, rosy cheek, planting a few gentle kisses. The little girl, lips pursed in a sleepy pout, grumbled, "Mommy, just five more minutes...” and rolled over, her tiny voice muffled by the pillow.

Briony couldn't help but chuckle. She pulled the blanket up around Nina's shoulders, then slipped quietly out of bed.

It was still early. After washing up and changing into fresh clothes, Briony applied

a touch of makeup-subtle, but enough to make her look refreshed. Today was the day she'd be signing her divorce papers. If there was ever a day to hold her head high, it was this one.

As Briony headed downstairs, she caught sight of James coming in from outside. He was carrying a bouquet of white roses.

She couldn't help but shake her head, half amused, half exasperated. "You actually went out to buy flowers first thing in the morning?"

"I ordered them last night," James replied, grinning. "The florist just delivered them."

He handed her the bouquet with a flourish. "Happy divorce day!"

Briony took the roses, breathing in their fresh scent. She looked up at him, eyes sparkling with laughter. "Thank you."

Marlene appeared from the kitchen, holding a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup. "Ms. Kensington, sir, come have some breakfast before you go. There's still plenty of time."

And she was right-the morning stretched ahead of them. Even after breakfast, it wasn't yet eight.

James, of course, insisted on accompanying Briony to city hall. He seemed intent on bringing the bouquet along, but Briony was having none of it. The last thing she wanted was to draw even more attention to herself.

James looked a little disappointed but knew better than to argue. Briony had never been one for public displays.

his eyes. "Tell me, where

sidelong look. "You don't think it's inherited, do you? Maybe it's just

paused, then realized she was teasing him. "Well, if she takes after me, she'll never let anyone push her around. She'll say what she thinks, and steer clear

glad her daughter had a bright, outgoing personality. It meant she wouldn't spend

The drive

is on our side today," James said, peering out at the

window too. The sun was shining, not a cloud in

hall just as

divorce agreement already signed by both parties—and stepped out of the car.

was seated in

for support. Dressed in a crisp white shirt and black slacks,

awful moment on the cruise

in her hand, blood everywhere... The memory

blood,

a steadying breath, and schooled

unsteady. He had to catch his breath with each stride. Suddenly, he swayed-Carl, standing by with a wheelchair, moved

but Stewart held up a

sighed in

that moment, Cedric Clarke rushed through the door. "I'm not late, am

forth between Briony and Stewart. Watching Stewart stubbornly insist on walking, Cedric looked both frustrated and resigned. But as

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