Chapter 200
It was just before nine o’clock, and Briony had nearly finished packing up her things when her
phone rang.
It was Stewart,
She set down what she was holding and answered the call.
“I’m coming back to Northborough today.” Stewart’s deep voice carried through the line.
Briony’s tone was calm, almost indifferent. “So, are we meeting this afternoon to finalize the divorce papers, or will it be tomorrow?”
“This afternoon’s a bit rushed.”
“Bryn, do you want to take these books with you?” James called out from the living room.
Briony turned her head and replied, “Yeah, bring them all.”
“Alright, I’ll pack them up for you. Though, I’ve got copies of a few of these at my place already–should I leave those?”
“That’s fine,” Briony answered.
Suddenly, Stewart’s voice cut in, sharp with suspicion. “Are you moving house?”
Briony frowned, a hint of irritation flickering across her face. “That’s not really your concern. Since you’re busy this afternoon, let’s just meet tomorrow morning.”
But Stewart ignored her answer and pressed on, “Are you moving in with James?”
“Stewart, I don’t owe you any explanations about my personal life,” Briony replied, her patience finally snapping, her tone turning cold. “I’ve held up my end of the bargain. I hope you’ll do the same. Tomorrow morning, nine o’clock, city hall. Let’s get this over with.”
Silence from the other end.
It stretched out for half a minute before Stewart finally muttered, “Fine.”
His reply brought a sense of relief. Briony hung up.
The drive from Dolphin Cove to James’s place took about twenty minutes.
His house was a stand–alone villa, tucked away for privacy. James had once told her that his father, a hopeless romantic, had bought the place as a honeymoon retreat years ago and even named it Skybreeze Retreat.
The housekeeper at Skybreeze, Marlene, was about the same age as Gina and, hearing Briony was expecting, had done plenty of research on how to care for pregnant women.
James insisted Briony take the sunniest room, saying it was best for the baby.
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Chapter 200
The moment Briony stepped into Skybreeze Retreat, she felt warmth settle over her–a sense of home she hadn’t realized she’d been missing.
That night, Marlene and Gina teamed up to prepare a hearty dinner, most of it tailored for
Briony.
The creamy, nourishing fish soup was perfectly seasoned; James had a bowl, but wouldn’t touch a second.
Briony urged him, “It’s really good, you should have some more.”
James held up his hand dramatically. “If I have another bowl, I’ll probably start lactating at this
point.”
Briony was speechless.
Meanwhile, parked outside Skybreeze Retreat, Carl snapped a few photos of the warmly lit
house and sent them to Stewart.
Then he called.
Once Stewart picked up, Carl reported in his usual straightforward way, “Mr. Wentworth, Ms. Kensington has definitely moved in with James at Skybreeze Retreat.”
Stewart said nothing. He simply hung up.
Carl stared at his phone, baffled by the abrupt end to the call.
:
Lunar Heights Estate.
In the living room, Stewart sat alone on an armchair, head bowed, his dark eyes fixed on the now–black screen of his phone.
“I like this design, but I’m not sure about the font…” Rosita’s voice trailed off as she noticed Stewart’s absentmindedness. He clearly hadn’t been listening.
She frowned slightly, a flash of frustration in her eyes, though her voice remained sweet as she called his name. “Stewart.”
He snapped out of his thoughts, glancing up to meet Rosita’s expectant gaze. “They all look fine to me. Whatever you like.”
Rosita’s brow furrowed. “But I can’t decide. I’ve been going back and forth for ages.”
Stewart’s eyes drifted over the dozens of wedding invitations sprawled on the table. He
carelessly picked one up and handed it to her. “Let’s go with this.”
Rosita’s face stiffened as she recognized the card–she’d just tossed it aside, saying it was ugly.
Chapter 200
But Stewart was already done with the conversation. He stood up and announced, “I have work at the firm. I’m heading out.”
Without another word, he strode away.
Rosita’s gaze followed him, bitterness creeping into her eyes. She crushed the invitation in her hand, anger simmering just beneath the surface.
