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.

glinting in his eyes. "Tell me, where do you think Little Nina gets

inherited, do you? Maybe it's just that her godfather's a

me, she'll never let anyone push her around. She'll say what

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

a leisurely cup of tea, they checked the time and decided to head out. The drive from Skybreeze Retreat to city

universe is on our side today," James

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

arrived at city hall just as the clock

signed by both parties—and stepped out of the car. James walked beside

was seated in

himself upright, leaning on the chair for support. Dressed in a crisp white

that awful moment on the

in her hand, blood everywhere... The

tang of blood, making

pressed her lips together, took a steadying breath, and schooled

his steps unsteady. He had to catch his breath with each stride. Suddenly, he swayed-Carl, standing

Stewart held up

just sighed in

Cedric Clarke rushed through the door. "I'm not

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

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