Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Chapter 417

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.

long pause, he let out a heavy

later, the door

carrying

you some tea. Drink a little-it should soothe

mug Bianca offered, and the warmth eased her raw throat. Bianca set the mug

know what happened between you and Mr. Stewart, but I can tell he truly cares. You were

"I slept that

your fever was from severe inflammation, but you've had an IV and your temperature's dropping. The doctor will check on

silent, brows

meant she'd been cut off from the outside world for three

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

there anything

after a moment's thought

"Of course."

threw off

but she gritted her

the door, then

as her fingers brushed the doorknob, the chain around her ankle

her

the door

Briony stumbled back, startled.

the

stood tense a few paces away, watching

Stewart's temple—a wound she'd inflicted with

flooding back-his force, her terror. Her breath

to her left foot, then lifted to her face. "Does your

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

don't have to be afraid of me,

He