Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

"Bryn, please—don't cry, I..."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Briony looked at him, her voice trembling. "Stewart, this is my life. I don't need you to save me like this."

A sharp pain twisted in Stewart's chest.

"Bryn, the only thing that matters is that you're alive."

He reached out, wanting to wipe away her tears, but Briony stepped back and stood up, just out of reach.

She brushed the tears from her face, her voice icy. "You traded ten years of marriage to save my life, Stewart. Do you really think that makes you some kind of hero?"

Stewart's breath caught. "I didn't think about any of that. In that moment, all I wanted was for you to survive. Bryn, everything else pales in comparison to you being alive..."

Briony stared at him, eyes shining with tears.

brittle laugh and nodded. "You're right. Compared to being alive,

You have to live.

was my choice. Even now, if Xenia Cooper is coming after you, it's because of me. If you want to call me selfish, fine—maybe I am. I just couldn't stand the

as she gazed at him, silent tears streaming

never once

couldn't play dumb. After everything they'd been through, if she

she couldn't bear the weight

least remained friends, but things had

say

you anything, then I'll accept that we're even. I can do it. I'm not as kind as you

her, Stewart felt as though

to keep our distance. From now on, there won't be a room for you at Pearbrook Mansion. If you want to see the kids, let me know ahead of time and I'll

more she spoke, the colder her words became,

He stepped forward and pulled her into

her face in