Is she really the biggest winner in all this?
Briony didn’t buy it
She took the divorce papers from Stewart, flipping through a few pages, her expression growing more serious with each line she read.
What was Stewart playing at?
He was giving her half of his personal assets–just like that. And not just that… he was even including her studio
“Two years ago, you wanted to start your own studio,” Stewart said, his dark eyes unreadable as he watched her. “I waited for you to come to me for help, but instead, you went to the bank for a loan. You never asked
Briony’s brow furrowed as she stared down at the stack of papers, her emotions in turmoil.
“The building your studio is in–that property is already under my name,” Stewart continued. “After the divorce, the deed will be signed over to you. It’s in a prime location. Aside from the floor you use for your studio, the rent from the other offices and shops downstairs brings in a seven–figure annual income.”
“I don’t need any of this.” Briony met his gaze, her voice cold. “Stewart, I don’t want your money. I just want this divorce over with, as soon as possible.”
“Keep reading.” he said evenly.
Clearly, Stewart had anticipated that financial compensation alone wouldn’t sway her. He’d added another clause at the end of the agreement.
“After the divorce,” he said, “your relationship with Irwin will be dissolved. I’ll talk to him, make sure he doesn’t come looking for you anymore.”
Briony actually laughed, a sharp, incredulous sound. “Isn’t that how it should be?”
Stewart arched a brow, a slight, almost mocking smile on his lips. “Maybe. But Irwin’s only five. He doesn’t understand the mess between us. As far as he knows, you’re his mom. Even if we’re divorced, he’ll still call you ‘Mom‘ every time he sees you. He’ll cry for you, beg you not to leave him. When that happens, Briony, do you really think you’ll be able to just walk away?”
Briony pressed her lips together, gripping the agreement more tightly.
“You will cave,” Stewart said quietly, his eyes sharp and relentless, as if trying to see straight through her. “We’ve been married five years. I’ve seen how much you love Irwin, how much you’ve done for him. He’s always been a sickly kid. You bought every parenting book, every medical guide you could find, even took online courses just to take better care of him…
“You raised him from the very beginning. All those nights he wouldn’t stop crying, you were right there, just as lost and desperate as he was. The first time he called you “Mom, you cried happy tears….
“He was always sensitive, easily startled, but you were patient, guiding him–helping him turn into the confident, sweet boy he is now…
“These five years, you poured your heart into him. Five years of being his mother–Irwin can’t just let that go. And neither can you. You’re just cold right now because of what happened with Rosita and your mother. But that’s only temporary…”
“Enough!” Briony snapped, her voice raw, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
“So you did notice everything I did, Stewart!” Her laugh was bitter as she looked at the man before her. “That’s why you think you can just trample my feelings, over and over, and I’ll always come haak. Da
Chapter 158
I’ll always give in!”
“Yes, I care about Irwin. But don’t forget–I’m human. My love isn’t infinite. If you keep taking me for granted, why shouldn’t I take it back?”
“You have all the power, Stewart. I can’t win against you. So can’t you just let me go? Why keep holding on to me like this?”
Stewart’s dark eyes flickered with hidden emotion.
He clenched his fists, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he struggled for words. When he finally spoke, hist was rough and low. “This is the last time. I mean it.”
Briony glared at him, her anger mingling with exhaustion.
voice
She knew Stewart wouldn’t back down. The agreement was full of concessions that benefited her–but only if she agreed to his three conditions.
In the end, Briony said nothing more. She took the documents and walked out, leaving Stewart behind.
*Chapter 159
