“Dr. Clarke’s friend?” Stella instantly frowned. “Wait, do you have feelings for Dr. Clarke?”
As soon as she spoke, she shot a glare at Cedric Clarke.
Cedric looked momentarily speechless.
Briony, watching Stella turn into a little ball of jealousy, couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time. “Dr. Clarke and I are just friends. I’m already married, and expecting a baby, actually. You really don’t need to worry about me trying to steal him from you.”
“Oh.” Stella finally relaxed, and her face broke into a carefree smile as she looked Briony up and down. “You’re so pretty! But are you one of those people who just cry at the drop of a hat? This is the first time we’ve met, and you’re crying so much you’re scaring me…”
Briony gave a helpless little smile, dabbing at her tears. “Maybe I’m just extra emotional because I’m pregnant. And seeing such a sweet, beautiful girl like you–without any hair–made me a little sad.”
“Hey!” Stella clutched her pink wool hat and scowled, half embarrassed, half annoyed. “How can someone as gorgeous as you say something that hits so close to home?”
Briony couldn’t help but laugh at Stella’s adorable reaction.
The more she laughed, though, the more her tears kept flowing.
Watching Briony’s tears keep falling, Stella felt a strange ache in her chest.
“Hey, stop crying, will you?” Stella fished around in the pocket of her hospital gown and pulled out a tissue, handing it over. “Here, dry your eyes,”
“Thank you.” Briony took the tissue gratefully.
“Seriously, if you keep crying like this, I’m going to start thinking my time’s almost up or something.”
“You’re going to live a long, happy life!” Briony said, her tone full of conviction. “You’re so sweet and kind–God’s definitely going to watch over you.”
Stella grinned. “Then maybe He’ll bless me and Cedric with a lifetime of happiness together!”
Briony was momentarily at a loss for words.
She glanced at Cedric, then back at Stella, honestly a little surprised by how head–over–heels Stella seemed for
him.
The change in her was astonishing.
Briony looked at Cedric, then at Stella again. “Can I give you a hug?”
“Of course!” Stella opened her arms wide, completely unabashed. “Come here–if a pretty lady wants to hug me, who am I to say no?”
Briony walked over and wrapped Stella in a gentle embrace.
Stella hugged her back, holding her tightly.
“Star, I have to go now,” Briony whispered.
Stella’s heart clenched.
She didn’t know why, but her eyes suddenly felt hot.
Before she could react, Briony had already let go, turning and walking away without looking back.
Stella watched her retreating figure grow smaller and smaller.
And for some reason, tears started streaming down her own cheeks.
1/2
19.37 M
Chapter 248
Staring at Briony’s slender silhouette, she frowned, confused. “Why do I suddenly feel so sad?”
Cedric looked down at her, his expression somber.
The day Briony left Northborough dawned bright and clear.
She and James left Skybreeze Retreat, headed for the airport, checked in, made it through security, and boarded their flight–everything went off without a hitch.
As the plane soared into the sky, Briony laid a hand on her belly, feeling a deep calm settle in her heart.
At the same time, Stewart received a phone call from Carl.
“Mr. Wentworth, we found something. There are prenatal records for Ms. Kensington at VitaCare Hospital.”
Stewart’s hand tightened around his phone.
He wasn’t exactly surprised by the result.
Carl continued, “I’ve just sent you Ms. Kensington’s medical report.”
After the call, Stewart opened his email.
When his eyes landed on the words “twins” in the report, he froze, momentarily stunned.
19:38
