Chapter 187
“What’s that supposed to mean, Stewart?”
Stella tossed the wedding dress aside in exasperation. “Seriously, is he out of his mind? Don’t tell me he dragged you all the way out here just to throw you a wedding!”
Briony stared at the dress, her brows knitted tight.
“He’s not trying to throw me a wedding.”
“Huh?” Stella planted her hands on her hips. “So if it’s not a wedding, is he giving you a wedding dress as a parting gift? Does he really think he’s some kind of heartthrob? Honestly, who makes such a production out of a divorce? I can’t with this guy.”
Briony stayed silent, her expression growing more somber.
“I just don’t get Stewart. If he really wanted to give you something as a divorce present, why not jewelry, or a car, or even a house? But a wedding dress? Has he forgotten you two never even had a real wedding? He must be doing this to mess with you.”
Stella sat down beside Briony, studying her face with concern.
Seeing Briony’s tense expression and wordless silence, she couldn’t help but worry. “Bryn, are you okay? If you’re angry, just say it! Keeping it bottled up will eat you alive.”
“I’m fine.”
Briony turned to Stella and gave a faint, lopsided smile. “Don’t worry about me. I’m over Stewart, really. Whether he’s sending me a wedding dress or anything else, it’s all just part of the job
now.”
“But… a wedding dress?” Stella still looked uneasy. “Honestly, I can’t figure Stewart out anymore. It’s like you need to be a mind reader to understand what he’s thinking.”
“I think I know what he’s after.”
Stella’s eyes widened. “Tell me!”
“Don’t worry, I’ve got it handled.” Briony patted Stella’s hand reassuringly. “But I need you to pick up a few things for me, and don’t let Stewart or Cedric Clarke find out.”
Stella nodded at once. “You got it.”
That night, the lights in Briony and Stella’s room stayed on until dawn.
When the first rays of morning slipped through the curtains, they finally switched them off.
Right on cue, Stewart’s call came in.
Briony barely blinked, answering calmly.
17:12
Chapter 187
“Put on the dress. Cedric Clarke will pick you up.”
She didn’t bother replying–just hung up and turned to Stella. “Star, I need your help.”
“Of course.”
An hour later, someone knocked at the door.
Briony was already dressed, the ivory gown hugging her slender figure, the off–shoulder neckline and mermaid cut showing off every graceful curve.
Stella went to answer the door.
Cedric Clarke stood outside, looking more than a little uncomfortable. “Um, is everything ready?”
Stella gave him a frosty nod, then turned to help Briony with her train.
Aside from the dress, Briony hadn’t bothered to do her hair or put on a scrap of makeup–her barefaced indifference couldn’t have been clearer.
Still, Cedric figured just getting Briony into the gown was nothing short of a miracle.
He cleared his throat. “Ms. Kensington, I’m sorry you have to go through this.”
Briony stopped and looked at him, her cool eyes unreadable. But at his apology, her pale lips curled with icy irony. “So even Dr. Clarke knows I don’t deserve this.”
1712
