Chapter 189
Irwin rushed over to Briony, arms outstretched, eager for a hug. But Briony smoothly stepped aside, avoiding him without missing a beat.
Stella quickly intercepted, pulling Irwin away. “Hey, quiet down! Bryn’s on the phone,” she chided. Irwin pouted, shooting a disgruntled look at Briony.
Briony ignored him and turned her attention back to her call. “So, what’s the result?” she asked
James.
“Nothing unusual,” James replied. “Just an ordinary crystal. No hidden surprises.”
“All right, got it,” Briony said. She didn’t feel much of anything about the outcome.
“How are things on your end?” James asked.
“I can handle it,” Briony replied simply.
“Do you still want the bracelet?”
She glanced at Irwin, her voice cooling. “You take care of it.”
“Will do!” James sounded noticeably more cheerful.
Briony ended the call without another word.
As soon as she hung up, Irwin shook off Stella’s hand and hurried over, standing in front of Briony.
“Mom, you look so beautiful in your wedding dress! When I first saw it, I just knew you’d look amazing in it!”
Briony regarded him with a calm, almost distant expression. “Irwin, was it you who told your father you wanted to take a ‘family photo‘ with the three of us?”
Irwin nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah! Mom Rosita and I already took one with Dad, but you haven’t taken one with me and Dad yet. I can’t play favorites–Mom Rosita has one, so you need one too!”
Stella, overhearing this, couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head. “You and your dad are really something else–hopeless and completely nuts!” she said, giving Irwin a thumbs–up.
Briony looked at Irwin. Honestly, she felt numb inside.
Angry? She supposed she ought to be, but what was the point anymore? It would all be over soon anyway.
“Mom?” Irwin’s face twisted in confusion when Briony didn’t reply. “Did I say something wrong?” Briony said nothing, simply gathered up her skirt. “Let’s go.”
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Chapter 189
Irwin could sense her foul mood, but he just didn’t understand why. Mom Rosita had told him that if he made an effort and was good to his mom, things would go back to the way they were before. He was trying so hard–so why did Mom only seem colder and more distant with each passing day?
The more he thought about it, the more aggrieved he felt. He lowered his head and trailed after Briony, sullen and quiet.
Briony walked straight toward the church, her gaze fixed on Stewart, who stood tall and
unmoving atop the ten stone steps.
Sunshine, the beach, the church, the dress–these things together should have been a recipe for romance. Yet at that moment, Briony felt nothing but bitter irony.
She started up the steps. One, two…
She paused on the eighth step, just a few feet from Stewart.
Looking at the man before her, Briony’s eyes were calm and clear. “Stewart, by the time we get back, that painting should have arrived at Southcreek Manor.”
Her voice was cool, devoid of emotion.
Stewart’s handsome face was unreadable, his dark eyes narrow and inscrutable; deep within
them, her reflection flickered.
She stood there, framed by a blue sky and endless sea, sunlight bathing her in a soft glow, her skin like porcelain, the diamonds on her gown catching the light in a delicate shimmer.
She was beautiful–beautiful enough to seem unreal, like a figure from a painting.
Looking at her, Stewart couldn’t help but recall an old saying-*a portrait may capture the subject, but the heart within it is lost*.
“Let’s get started,” Briony said, glancing at the staff and photography crew beside Stewart. “I’m flying back home today, so let’s move quickly.”
The crew exchanged uncertain glances, sensing the tension.
Irwin dashed to Briony’s side and grabbed her hand, his excitement undimmed. “I want to take a picture with you on the swing by the beach, Mom!”
Stewart’s gaze softened as it fell on Irwin’s hopeful face. The faintest of smiles played at his lips. “Of course,” he replied.
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