“Is there something you want to say to me?”
“Yes.” Briony reached into her purse and pulled out a card, sliding it across the table toward Cedric Clarke. “There’s a hundred thousand in here.”
Cedric glanced at the bank card, brow furrowing. “What’s this for?”
“Star might not remember me anymore, but I’m still her sister. This is just a little something from me. Please, keep it for her.”
He didn’t take the card, studying her instead. “Are you planning to leave Northborough?”
Briony nodded.
“Have you finalized your divorce from Stewart?”
“No,” she replied evenly. “And since you already know about the pregnancy, I’ll just be honest. I want to have the baby first. When two years are up–or if Stewart changes his mind before then–I’ll come back and settle the divorce.”
Cedric’s frown deepened. “And if Stewart refuses?”
“Then I’ll take legal action,” Briony said, absently brushing her hand over her stomach. “I know suing Stewart won’t be easy, but I have to try.”
“I promised Dr. Joyner I’d keep your pregnancy a secret,” Cedric sighed, pressing his lips together. “Stewart’s my brother, but even I know you’ve been through hell in this marriage. I won’t be the one to betray your trust. Since you’ve made up your mind, I wish you all the best. If you need anything, call me. I’ll help however I can.”
“You’re already doing plenty by keeping this from Stewart.” Briony looked him in the eye. “I trust your character, Dr. Clarke. So if Star chooses you, I hope you’ll never let her down.”
“I won’t,” Cedric replied solemnly.
“Please, keep the card. If you and Star end up together, consider it my wedding gift to her. Just find a reason to give it to her when the time comes.”
“You’re on your own, pregnant–keep the money. Don’t worry about Star. I’ll take care of her.”
“Please,” Briony insisted, her tone gentle but firm. “It would put me at ease.”
Cedric relented, a hint of resignation in his voice. “Alright. I’ll hold onto it for now.”
Briony stood. “I should get going.”
He rose with her. “Are you sure you don’t want to go up and see her? If she hadn’t lost her memory, I know she’d want to see you again.”
Briony pressed her lips together, her nose stinging.
She really did want to see Stella.
Ever since the accident, she hadn’t truly seen her, not even once.
Cedric seemed to sense her hesitation. After a moment’s thought, he suggested, “How about this–I’ll take her for a walk in the little park out back. You can see her then.”
“What about Mrs. Joyner…?”
“Don’t worry,” Cedric assured her. “I’ll handle Mrs. Joyner.”
Briony nodded, relief mixing with nerves.
She really wanted to see Stella one more time.
1/2
19:37
Chapter 247
Who knew if she’d ever get the chance again?
Five minutes later, Briony saw Cedric pushing Stella across the courtyard in a wheelchair.
Stella sat bundled under a small blanket, a pink knitted hat pulled over her head.
They’d shaved all her hair for the surgery.
It probably wouldn’t grow back until next spring.
Cedric wheeled Stella beneath the shade of a tree,
Briony walked over slowly,
Stella saw her, too,
Their eyes met.
Tears streamed down Briony’s face.
Stella frowned in confusion. “Hey there, beautiful–why are you crying?”
Briony wiped her cheeks, forcing a smile. “I’m a friend of Dr. Clarke’s. I heard you were in the hospital, so I came to check on you.”
