Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

He would give not just ten years, but a lifetime, if that's what it took.

Letting go of Briony Kensington, he gently wiped the tears from her cheek.

"Bryn, this is my choice. If ten years of my life can give our children both their parents, I'd say it's more than worth it."

Briony felt utterly powerless. She'd been dragged into this, forced to accept the consequences without ever being given a say.

"I have to save you. Xenia Cooper needs a husband in name only to support her —this was always how things were going to end." Stewart Wentworth's voice was low, almost a whisper. "Bryn, don't feel guilty, and don't go soft on me. I never wanted you to know, but since you do, let's just accept that this was inevitable. If it were James Delaney or Maynard, they'd make the same choice I did."

Briony stared at him, stunned.

He was comparing himself to Maynard and James...

But how could it possibly be the same?

Stewart, Maynard, James-they weren't interchangeable.

A wave of exhaustion washed over her, the kind that came from fighting too long against a fate she couldn't change.

She was tired.

Maybe it was time to stop struggling.

"Let's go home," Stewart said, his voice gentle. "You're still recovering. Try not to go out at night."

Briony wiped her tears away.

She looked at Stewart, her breathing slowing, her emotions settling.

A dead end, then?

She lowered her gaze and nodded softly. "Well, then... I wish you all the best."

Stewart's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. "Thank you."

...

Night had fallen thick and heavy by the time Stewart brought her back to Pearbrook Mansion.

He stopped the car outside the gates.

Under the porch lights, Stewart stood in his black overcoat, the hem fluttering in

the night breeze. His shadow stretched long and thin across the driveway.

Briony stood on the steps, meeting his eyes, level with him for a moment. She'd had time to think on the way back.

"Stewart, I can't make things up to you emotionally-not anymore. But I can at least do something practical. I'll transfer my shares in a few companies to you. It's the least I can do to repay you for saving me..."

"Bryn, don't say things like that."

She pressed her lips together, eyes red as she looked at him.

"I'm not as hard-done-by as you think. Xenia Cooper only came to you to make you feel guilty. She's forceful and proud, always has been. She wanted you to feel bad-don't let her get in your head like that."

"I don't care what she thinks," Briony said firmly. "But if I can give you something

in return, I'll feel better. That's all."

"Then hold on to it for me," Stewart said quietly. "One day, give it to the twins. As for Xenia, I'll talk to her. I won't let her bother you again."

"You don't have to fall out with her for my sake," Briony replied, her voice soft. "You're married now, after all...”noveldrama

"It's just an arrangement," Stewart cut in quickly. "She needs someone at her side for business. The Cooper family is a mess-her big brother's

been in a coma since a car accident eight years ago, and her uncles have been circling the family business ever since. That's why she insisted on marrying me."

Briony frowned, trying to process all this.

"You're saying Xenia chose you for your skills?"

"In a way, yes." Stewart nodded. "I'm a lawyer. Marrying me gives her an ally- someone who can help her, both in the boardroom and with legal battles."

Briony blinked.

Trust Xenia Cooper to know exactly what she wanted.

Everyone in Northborough knew Stewart's reputation. By marrying him, Xenia was playing her ace.

Stewart hesitated, then finally spoke. "And for the sake of the kids, there's something else I need to tell you."