Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Briony never imagined that at thirty, she would become the prime target of every gold-digger and social climber in town.

She slipped out alone onto the balcony, craving a breath of fresh air.

Peter followed her out, balancing a plate with a slice of frosted cake.

He wasn't exactly new to show business-three years in, a handful of forgettable lead roles in period dramas, but nothing that ever made waves. By now, his agency had all but pushed him to the sidelines.

He'd pulled every string he could just to get an invite to tonight's party, all for a chance to make an impression on Briony.

"Ms. Kensington, it's matcha cream cake. I remember you said you liked it."

His voice was gentle behind her. Briony turned, glancing indifferently at the cake he offered before meeting Peter's eyes.

He was handsome enough, even by Hollywood standards-tall, soulful eyes, the kind of looks casting directors loved for brooding second leads.

Briony swirled the champagne in her glass. "Sorry, I don't eat sweets."

"But in your last interview, you said matcha cake was your favorite..."

"I was just making conversation." Briony looked him in the eye, her tone cool. "I know what you're after, but I'm afraid I'm not in the market for a boy toy. You'd better look elsewhere."

Peter's smile faltered.

With a polite nod, Briony turned and strolled back into the ballroom.

But as soon as she'd dodged one Peter, another contender appeared.

"Ms. Kensington, you're a hard woman to find!"

The newcomer was none other than Maynard, CEO of Vypera Technologies-and her most persistent suitor of late.

In Northborough, Maynard was considered one of the city's most eligible bachelors. Thirty-five, single, strikingly handsome, eldest son and heir to a business empire.

Vypera Technologies was backing a major film for Starlight Entertainment, so for the sake of the partnership, Briony couldn't afford to be too frosty with him.

Maynard glanced over at Peter,

who'd just come in from the balcony. "Ms. Kensington, you don't seriously go for those pretty boy actors, do you?"

If Peter was a headache, Maynard was a full-blown migraine.

He pursued women with the subtlety of a spotlight, relentless and impossible to ignore.

Over the past few months, Briony had gotten a pretty good read on him: the trick was to never take him too seriously.

"I don't have a type," she replied lightly. "If there's chemistry, that's all that matters."

Maynard grinned. "And what kind of chemistry are you looking for? Whatever it is, I'll do my best to fulfill it."

Briony arched an eyebrow. "You flatter me, Mr. Maynard. I rushed here and haven't eaten yet. Please, enjoy yourself—I'm going to grab a bite."

She headed straight for the buffet, helping herself to whatever looked good, ignoring Maynard shadowing her every move.

Wherever she went, he followed. A few wealthy guests tried to approach her, but Maynard's warning glare sent them scurrying.noveldrama

Briony didn't react. One persistent man was easier to handle than ten.

"Why are you always so aloof with me?" Maynard complained, keeping pace at her side. "I've been single my whole life, never even had a proper crush You're literally the first ste

woman who's ever made mort

skip a beat. I must be the most

inexperienced bachelor in the room-doesn't that count for something?"

Briony just stared at him.

Most people thought Maynard was cold and reserved. In reality, he was a

chatterbox when you got him alone.

She had no intention of bickering with him in public. If the paparazzi caught a whiff

of drama, she'd be the next headline in the tabloids.

She picked up a petite dessert, spotted an empty table in the corner, and made her way over.

She had just sat down when a familiar figure approached.

Tall, lean, in a charcoal suit. It had been over six months since she'd last seen him, and the warmth in his gaze now carried a deeper, more somber edge.

He slid into the seat across from her. "Bryn. Long time no see."