Stella blinked in surprise, as if she could hardly believe what she was hearing.

"Bryn, it's strange," she said quietly. "Back when you were hopelessly in love with Stewart, I don't think you ever truly understood him. But now that you don't love him anymore, it's almost as if... you see him more clearly than ever."

Briony paused, caught off guard by the observation.

The living room was silent except for the low, bubbling sound of the kettle boiling in the kitchen.

No one picked up the thread of conversation again.

...

Upstairs at Southcreek Manor, in the master bedroom.

After the IV drip, Stewart's condition finally stabilized, though he remained unconscious.

Dr. Cedric Clarke packed away his medical kit and stepped out of the bedroom, quietly closing the door behind him.

Waiting in the hallway were Lorna, Carl, and Carol-all three watching Cedric with anxious expressions.

he said, "but his illness is progressing much faster

Clarke, Mr. Wentworth is still so young. Please, there must be

he may not make it through the

July. The kids' summer

were brief; by the end of August, you could

the first hints of autumn in the

meant Stewart likely had less

realization left everyone in stunned

obvious to her how much he loved

Nina soon losing their father, Carol felt tears prick

their dad, hardly enough

just the other day that when winter comes, he

a punch

you mustn't

he's going to find

know the full extent of Stewart's illness yet not even the kids." She couldn't bring herself to

Riley. I'll do whatever you say," Carol promised, not fully understanding

turned to Cedric. "When will Stewart wake

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255