Chapter 191
Stewart stood in the doorway, his expression dark as he faced Briony, who wore a simple black dress that made her look both elegant and distant.
She walked up to him, stopping just a few feet away. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the tension between them was palpable.
Briony’s lips curled into a cold, almost mocking smile. “Surprised to see me?” she asked, her voice edged with frost.
Stewart’s gaze was steady, heavy with accusation. “You never intended to work with me, did you?”
She arched an eyebrow, her voice flat. “I haven’t done enough for you? For five years, I played my part. As your legal wife, as Irwin’s legal guardian–I did everything that was asked of me. I have nothing to be ashamed of.”
“And what good did any of that do?” Stewart pressed, his lips pressed into a thin line.
Briony’s eyes flashed. “The moment I found out Rosita was Irwin’s biological mother, all I wanted was to walk away clean. But you? You wanted the perfect family reunion with Rosita and Irwin, while still binding me to you with your so–called legal responsibilities. For five years, I raised Irwin. I never asked him for anything in return, but somehow I’m the one being painted
as the cold–hearted woman who abandoned her child?”
Stewart’s expression darkened, his tone growing more earnest. “Five years together means something, Briony. Blood isn’t everything. Since you moved out, Irwin’s missed you every single day. This marriage–it’s not as unbearable as you think.”
She gave a sharp, humorless laugh. “As I think? Stewart, do you really believe what we had was
normal?”
His brows knit together, his eyes fixed on her. “Has it really been so hard for you?”
She met his gaze, her voice trembling with anger. “How could it not be? In all these years, did you ever once think about telling me the truth about you and Rosita?”
Stewart stayed silent, the lines of guilt etched clearly on his face.
Briony pressed on, her words cutting. “Yes, we married for our own reasons, but it was still a real marriage, with real vows, real obligations. I held up my end. I was faithful. I was there for you and for Irwin. What about you? From the start, you lied to me, used me. You hid your other life. You couldn’t bear to ask Rosita to give up her career for her own child, but you didn’t hesitate to hand me the burden–letting me play the clown, parading as Irwin’s mother, when all along I was just raising your lover’s child.”
She let out a bitter, half–choked laugh. “When Rosita came back, did I fight? Did I make a scene? I stepped aside for her, played my part so well that people thought I was the mistress. I was the one who made room for your perfect little family.”
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Chapter 191
Stewart’s eyelashes fluttered. He saw the redness in her eyes, heard the ache in her voice. He swallowed hard. “You’re wrong about all that. Those were misunderstandings, I—”
“Misunderstandings?” she cut him off, her voice sharp and incredulous. “Is that all you have to say? You think you can sweep away everything you’ve done to me with a single word? Stewart, you’re the most contemptible man I’ve ever met.”
He froze, her words landing like a slap.
“You’ve never once tried to understand the pain you and Rosita caused me,” Briony continued, her voice raw. “From the very beginning, you only saw me as useful–someone who could be manipulated, someone who could raise Irwin. You never wanted a wife. You wanted a pawn.”
Stewart’s breath caught in his throat. In his eyes, a storm of emotions churned.
She didn’t wait for a reply. She didn’t need one–not anymore. She’d already reached the end of her patience, and the end of her hope.
“I kept my promises. The trip to Cloudcrest, the painting, the photos you wanted–I did it all. I think I’ve done more than enough.”
Stewart’s brow furrowed. He opened his mouth to speak, but Briony stopped him with a raised
hand.
“Don’t bother. I know why you organized this little divorce ceremony tonight. You’re hoping I’ll get sentimental and back down.”
He stiffened, caught off guard.
“You think that because I gave so much to you and Irwin, I must still care–deep down, I must still love you both. Isn’t that what you believe?”
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