Chapter 28
On the other end of the line, Stewart paused before asking, “Why are you moving out?”
Briony could guess why he sounded so confused–he was already planning to leave Southcreek Manor to her, so from his perspective, there was no need for her to leave.
“I don’t intend to keep Southcreek Manor,” Briony said, taking a breath before adding, “I’ve already taken what I need. The rest is yours to do with as you please.”
“Are you sure about this?” Stewart’s voice remained cool and detached. “We can still amend the terms. If you have any requests, just say so.”
“No, let’s just stick to the agreement.” Briony felt utterly drained; she had no strength left to drag things out in this hollow marriage.
Even her own mother thought Stewart and Rosita made the perfect couple. In this marriage, Briony truly felt like nothing more than a pitiful clown.
Stewart didn’t reply.
The silence stretched on for more than half a minute.
Finally, Briony asked, “When will you have time to file the divorce papers?”
“In a hurry, are you?”
Briony was caught off guard by his reaction.
Wasn’t he in a rush? He and Rosita had already gone public with their relationship–surely he’d want this marriage finalized as soon as possible? Wasn’t he worried someone might leak the news and tarnish Rosita’s reputation, painting her as the notorious “other woman“?
Or did he have other plans?
But whatever his motives, Briony only wanted to end this warped, one–sided marriage as soon as possible.
“The sooner we’re done, the better–for both of us.” Her tone was icy.
Stewart gave a noncommittal “Alright,” then said, “Tomorrow morning, then.”
“Okay. I have one copy of the marriage certificate. The other’s in the nightstand drawer in the master bedroom–don’t forget to bring it.”
With that, Briony hung up the phone.
She’d barely set her phone down when the bedroom door opened a crack.
Julia poked her head in. “Bryn, are you still awake?”
Briony sat up, steadying herself. “No, Mom, I’m awake.”
“Is your hand hurting again? Can’t sleep?” Julia came into the room and sat beside her, her gaze full of concern as she took in Briony’s bandaged hand.
“It’s all my fault,” Julia sighed, voice thick with guilt. “The Kensingtons despise me, and now that they know I’m out, I doubt they’ll leave us alone…”
Her voice faltered. She reached out, brushing a hand gently over Briony’s pale, exhausted face. “I’m always dragging you into my mess, Bryn. Maybe you should help me find a quiet little town somewhere, so I can retire in peace.”
“Mom, what are you talking about?” Briony protested, alarmed. “How could I possibly leave you alone out
there?”
Julia managed a weak smile. “I just think… without me, maybe you’d have an easier life.”
1/2
15:42
Chapter 28
“Mom!” Briony frowned, her voice firm. “Don’t say that. You’ve done nothing wrong–they have. Don’t let them get to you. I’m not a child anymore. I can protect you now.”
“I know you can. But I hate seeing you suffer like this.”
“I’m not suffering as long as you’re here.” Briony hugged her tightly. “Mom, as long as you’re with me, I’ll always have a home.”
Julia couldn’t bear to leave her daughter either. She hugged Briony back. “Alright. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be right here, looking after you and this little family of ours.”
Briony nestled into her mother’s arms, and finally, some of her weariness began to ebb away.
The next morning, Briony emerged from her room to the smell of something delicious drifting through the air.
Julia came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of golden, freshly cooked pastries. Spotting Briony, she smiled. “You’re up! Come on, try these while they’re still warm–my special breakfast treats.”
Briony smiled, taking a seat at the table. Julia set the pastries down, then returned to the kitchen and came back with a pot of steaming, nourishing soup.
“It’s been five years since I last cooked–guess I’m a little out of practice.” Julia ladled a bowl of soup and set it in front of Briony. “It’ll warm you up on a winter morning.”
“Thank you, Mom.” The familiar breakfast filled Briony with quiet comfort. “Come sit and eat with me.”
“Of course.” Julia untied her apron and sat across from her.
They ate together in peaceful silence–a simple, cozy moment, just the two of them. It was exactly the kind of life Briony longed for.
After breakfast, Briony picked up her purse. “Mom, I have to run a few errands. I’ll be back around noon.” Julia walked her to the door, then paused. “Bryn, what’s going on between you and Attorney Wentworth?” Briony stopped, turning to look at her. “Why do you ask all of a sudden, Mom?”
