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.

eyes. "Tell me, where do you think Little Nina gets her extroverted streak

shot him a sidelong look. "You don't think it's inherited, do you? Maybe it's just that her godfather's a bad

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 of losers-what could be

Honestly, she was glad her daughter had a bright, outgoing

and decided to head out. The drive from Skybreeze Retreat to city hall was smooth as

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

The sun was shining, not

just as

both parties—and stepped out of

Stewart was seated in

row. He saw them the moment they came in and slowly pulled himself upright, leaning on the chair for support. Dressed in a crisp white shirt and black slacks, he looked as striking

help but remember that awful moment on the cruise ship, the

her hand, blood everywhere... The memory brought back

blood,

her lips together, took a steadying breath, and schooled

unsteady. He had to catch his breath with each stride. Suddenly,

but Stewart held up a

sighed

moment, Cedric Clarke rushed through

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

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