Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

The knock on the master bedroom door echoed softly through the quiet house.

Briony Kensington had just stepped out of the bathroom, damp hair clinging to her neck, dressed in white cotton pajamas. The long sleeves and pants did little to hide how thin she'd become.

She walked over and opened the door.

Stewart Wentworth stood there, frowning slightly. "It's late. Why are you washing your hair now?"

She offered a weary smile. "We had a barbecue tonight. My hair still smells like smoke."

"You shouldn't catch a chill," Stewart said, his voice stern. "Let me dry your hair for you."

Briony blinked, surprised, and shook her head. "It's nothing. I can manage." Stewart ignored her protest and held out a cup. "You need to take your medicine first. Don't worry, I'll leave as soon as I'm done."

She hesitated, pressing her lips together, then gave in.

Briony settled in front of her dressing table. Stewart handed her the medicine; it was warm, just the right temperature. She drank it in one go, the bitterness so familiar it barely registered anymore.

A moment later, a wrapped piece of creamy white candy appeared in front of her. Stewart's gentle voice came from above. "From Nina's secret stash."

Briony's lashes fluttered as she reached out and took it, closing her hand around the sweet.

Stewart switched on the hairdryer, setting it to warm. One of his arms was still bandaged; the doctor had said those knife wounds were deep, with some infection and inflammation, and would likely leave scars. Stewart didn't seem to care. He was just grateful it was his left arm, so it didn't get in the way of looking after Briony.

The only sound in the bedroom was the low hum of the hairdryer.

Briony's hair was long and silky, falling to her waist, but lately, because of her illness, it had started to come out in clumps.

her hair was finally dry, loose strands littered

the fallen hair into his

apple bobbing,

the mirror, saw what he was doing. But

him softly, and went to the bathroom

the sound of running water, put the hairdryer away, and quietly

door, gazing at

a cruel reminder that Briony's body was fading,

closed his eyes and swallowed his anxiety, letting it

the Kensington villa bustled with warmth

showed up almost daily, never, empty-handed. One day, he brought local pastries from

Maynard waved her off. "It's nothing. That's

Briony couldn't argue without seeming ungracious. Besides,

the agreement. Maynard bought five percent of Starlight Entertainment

shares were worth much more, but Briony had discussed

match, she

two billion was a favor-a way to persuade Maynard to

room to introduce him to the senior

especially the documentary series she had masterminded.

entire leadership team. More

could hide her pallor or the fragile thinness that had set in over just a few months. She looked utterly

...

the meeting, Briony returned to her

slow walk around the room, finally stopping at her

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