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.

pause, he let out a

later, the

entered, carrying

made you some tea.

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

Mr. Stewart, but I can tell he truly cares. You were burning up, unconscious for a whole day and night. He never left your

"I

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

fell silent,

been cut off from the outside world for three days

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

are you hungry? Is there anything you'd like to

wasn't hungry, but after a moment's thought said,

"Of course."

threw off the covers and tried to

shot through her left ankle, but she gritted her teeth and

glanced at the door, then hobbled

fingers brushed the doorknob, the chain around

clenched her jaw

moment, the door swung

Briony stumbled back, startled.

shutting the

tense a few paces away, watching

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

of that night flooding back-his force, her terror. Her breath caught. Her spine

lifted

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

have to be afraid of

He