“Emma!”
Stella let out a startled cry. Even though she was wearing her seatbelt, the sudden swerve of the bus sent her tumbling right into Cedric Clarke’s side-
Cedric’s reflexes kicked in, and his hand shot out to steady Stella. In that instant, he felt something soft brush against his cheek.
Stella had accidentally kissed Cedric on the face…
“Sorry!”
She jerked back immediately, about to stammer out an explanation–when the bus lurched again.
Thrown backward by the motion, Stella’s eyes widened in alarm!
“Watch out!”
Cedric reached for her just in time, but the bus swayed again-
Stella landed right back in Cedric’s arms!
And then, before either of them could react, their lips met–firmly, unmistakably.
Their eyes locked, both of them staring in disbelief, each more stunned than the other.
Stella: “..
Cedric: “.
”
”
Honk, honk-
The bus’s horn echoed through the winding mountain roads.
Inside, everyone was tossed about, struggling to stay upright.
The road twisted and turned, forcing the driver to slow down.
Stella clung to the seatback in front of her, not daring to glance at Cedric again.
But the bus kept rocking, and more than once she found herself leaning helplessly toward him. This time, though, she was smarter–she turned her head to the window, so even if she toppled over, at least she could avoid another embarrassing mishap.
There were moments when Stella ended up very close to Cedric. Strands of her hair, carrying a faint scent, brushed past his nose and slipped inside his collar.
It lasted only a heartbeat, but Cedric couldn’t ignore the wild thumping in his chest.
If Stella had looked over just then, she would have seen the famously composed Dr. Clarke, cheeks flushed for no apparent reason.
*
The plane landed in Silveridge at eight that evening.
Unlike Northborough, Silveridge was dry and pleasant, the air crisp and cool.
As Briony exited the terminal, she spotted Carney and Gwendolyn White waiting in the distance.
“Professor, Mrs. Winslow!”
Carney and Gwendolyn hurried over.
“You must be starving,” Gwendolyn said, taking Briony’s suitcase and handing it to Carney.
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Carney smiled warmly, accepting the luggage without a word.
“I’m alright,” Briony replied with a smile, then asked, “You’ve both had dinner already, right?”
“We ate before coming to pick you up,” Gwendolyn said cheerfully. “But I had the housekeeper make some chicken broth for you. Come on, let’s head home.”
Briony smiled, linking her arm through Gwendolyn’s as they walked outside.
Carney didn’t follow immediately, his attention caught by Stewart standing nearby.
James had called a few days ago, saying Briony’s divorce from Stewart still wasn’t finalized.
The reason? Stewart was dragging his feet, refusing to cooperate.
Carney understood Briony’s determination to end the marriage. She needed the papers signed so she could move to Silveridge and prepare for the baby in peace..
But if Stewart kept stalling, it would only make things harder for her.
In Northborough, Stewart’s influence was formidable–Briony would have a tough time fighting back on her
own.
Carney doubted he had enough sway to make Stewart budge, but as Briony’s mentor, he had to at least try.
Stewart approached when he saw Carney lingering behind.
“Professor Winslow.”
“Mr. Wentworth.”
They shook hands.
Stewart
glanced at Briony up ahead before turning back to Carney, lips curving into a faint, unreadable smile. “If you have something to say, Professor, please don’t hold back.”
Carney knew Stewart was sharp, his mind always several steps ahead. Since he’d waited here for Stewart, he decided to get straight to the point.
“Mr. Wentworth, since we’re acquainted, I’ll be frank.”
Stewart’s smile didn’t waver. “Please, go ahead.”
“Briony is my most accomplished student, and since my wife and I never had children, we’ve decided to name her our goddaughter.”
Stewart raised an eyebrow. “That’s wonderful news for Briony.”
“So now,” Carney continued, his tone serious, “I suppose that makes me family. As such, I think I’m entitled to ask–why are you still refusing to sign the divorce papers?”
Stewart’s expression was calm, his voice cool. “I appreciate your concern, Professor Winslow, but I don’t believe my marriage is yours to meddle with.”
“As her mentor, and now her godfather, I think it is.” Carney’s tone hardened. “As family, I have every right to look out for Briony’s best interests. So why are you dragging this out?”
“There have been some misunderstandings between Briony and me,” Stewart replied, unfazed. “I understand your concern, but I think it’s best if Briony and I handle this privately.”
Carney’s brows drew together, his voice turning cold. “I know the real reason for your divorce, Mr. Wentworth. I’ve kept quiet out of respect, but let’s not kid ourselves–you were the one who broke your vows. Briony’s done with this marriage. If you have any decency left, sign the papers and let her go.”
“My private life is none of your business, Professor,” Stewart shot back, his black eyes icy and his tone edged with authority.
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“What you’ve heard and seen may not be the whole truth,” Stewart continued. “As far as I’m concerned, there’s no need for divorce. Our marriage was always an arrangement–no one was ever truly wronged.”
“You’re about to marry another woman, Stewart. You let Briony raise your child with that woman for five years! And now-” Carney’s voice trembled with outrage. Stewart’s shameless lack of remorse infuriated him even
more.
“Stewart, I know you’ve got power and connections, but you ought to have a conscience. You can’t keep trampling people–karma will catch up with you.”
Stewart watched Carney, who was visibly shaking with anger, and offered a faint, dismissive smile. “No need to get worked up, Professor. You’re the elder here; let’s not stoop to my level. I’ll reflect on what you’ve said.”
Carney snorted, spinning on his heel and storming off.
Stewart claimed he’d reflect, but his attitude suggested otherwise.
Once outside the airport, Carney headed to the parking lot, found his car, and climbed into the driver’s seat, slamming the door behind him.
