10.40
Chapter 215
Chapter 215
Briony showed no emotion as she walked straight past them, heading directly for the elevator.
Behind her, Irwin’s cries echoed through the hallway.
“Mom! Mom, please don’t go! It hurts, Mom–please, it hurts so much… Don’t ignore me, Mom, please…”
People waiting by the elevator turned to stare at Irwin. Seeing how the boy’s eyes never left Briony, their gazes shifted to her, curiosity mingling with judgment.
But Briony remained utterly unmoved.
“Poor kid’s bawling his eyes out, and his mother doesn’t even flinch,” an older woman muttered under her breath.
Her daughter leaned in, whispering, “Maybe they’re divorced. That boy looks like he’s with his dad.”
“So what if they’re divorced? Since when does that mean a mother stops caring about her child? Who could be so heartless?”
Briony listened to the whispered gossip swirling around her, feeling nothing at all.
Irwin had his own mother. It wasn’t her place to worry about him anymore.
The elevator arrived. Briony stepped in, followed by the others. She moved into a corner, keeping her distance. The doors slid shut, cutting off the sound of Irwin’s cries.
Irwin stared at the closed elevator doors, his sobs slowly dying down.
His mother really didn’t love him anymore.
He was hurt, and she couldn’t even spare him a glance…
He lowered his head. In his mind, Rosita’s voice replayed, cold and matter–of–fact:
[Your Mom Bryn has her own baby now. She won’t love you anymore.]
Irwin’s red–rimmed eyes brimmed with resentment.
Outside the hospital room, Briony knocked on the door.
Marlene answered, beaming when she saw her. “Ms. Kensington! Come on in!”
“Marlene.” Briony offered a gentle smile and stepped inside.
James was sitting up in bed, completely absorbed in a game on his phone.
“Bryn, just make yourself comfortable. I’ll be done in a minute.”
Seeing how lively he looked, Briony finally felt at ease.
“I brought you some nourishing soup and a few light side dishes. Want some?”
“Absolutely!”
James quit the game immediately, tossing his phone aside. His eyes zeroed in on the takeout containers. “Is there any beef? Or fish?”
“Nope,” Briony replied.
James’s face fell in an instant.
Briony couldn’t help but laugh at his crestfallen expression. “Your wound hasn’t healed yet. Once you’re better, I’ll cook anything you like for you.”
19:42
Chapter 215
“Marlene and Gina can both cook. You really don’t need to be making gourmet meals for me when you’re pregnant, you know!” James sighed. “It’s just… I’m seriously craving steak or fish right now, but Marlene won’t make me any!”
“Marlene’s just looking out for you.”
Marlene set up the little table, took the containers from Briony, and placed them neatly on top.
Even though there wasn’t any meat or fish, the fact that Briony had cooked for him herself made James a little excited.
He wasn’t disappointed.
The soup was perfectly cooked–rich, fragrant, and comforting. The sides were simple but flavorful, light yet appetizing.
“Bryn, you’re actually a great cook,” James said, looking at her in surprise. “Did you teach yourself?”
Briony smiled softly. “I did. Irwin had a sensitive stomach when he was little, so I had to be careful with every meal. I bought some books, watched a ton of videos, and learned bit by bit.”
James made a dismissive sound. “Lucky brat. Too bad he doesn’t appreciate it–a real little ingrate.”
Briony pressed her lips together, saying nothing.
She couldn’t help recalling Irwin’s tearful pleas just moments ago. For five years, she had loved him as her own, giving him everything without expecting anything in return. She never thought about repayment–but she also never imagined that, in just a few short months, they would go from inseparable to complete strangers.
She hadn’t realized how fragile human ties could be–so delicate that the slightest strain could break them.
After sitting with James for a while, Briony stood to say goodbye.
She and James had both taken some time off to recover, but work was piling up. Although the faculty at The Antiquarian Society had already explained their absence, Briony didn’t want her personal life to cause any further delays.
When she arrived at the studio, Hannah Lane greeted her with news. “Someone’s sent you something again.”
“What is it this time?” Briony asked.
“Looks like some health supplements. I put them on the coffee table in your office.”
“Okay, thanks.”
As Briony walked toward her office, her golden retriever puppy was curled up in his bed, fast asleep. As soon as he caught her scent, he woke up, barked twice, and bounded over, tail wagging.
Briony knelt to pat him. “Lucky, I’m going to be busy today. Play on your own, alright?”
Lucky seemed to understand. He whimpered softly, circled her once, then obediently returned to his bed.
Briony adored his sweet, clever ways. Smiling, she turned to Hannah. “Give Lucky an extra treat today.”
“Will do!”
Lucky barked twice in reply–his way of saying thank you.
Briony opened her office door and immediately saw the coffee table piled high with boxes of various supplements.
A quick check showed they were all for boosting blood and energy–things people send after surgery.
But there was no card. These clearly hadn’t come from Garry Ferguson.
Briony hesitated, then picked up her phone and called Stewart.
19:42
Chapter 210
He answered immediately.
“Were you the one who sent the supplements?”
His deep voice came through the phone. Briony’s tone was cool and distant. “Don’t send anything else. I’ll have these returned to Southcreek Manor.”
On the other end, Stewart paused, a sigh of resignation audible in his voice. “Briony, there’s no need to be like this. You just had surgery–I bought those after consulting your doctor.”
“No, Stewart. You’re the one who needs to stop,” Briony said, her voice firm and final. “It’s best we remain strangers. I’m calling not just to return your things, but also to reschedule our meeting for the divorce paperwork.”
