Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

The knock on the master bedroom door echoed softly through the quiet house.

Briony Kensington had just stepped out of the bathroom, damp hair clinging to her neck, dressed in white cotton pajamas. The long sleeves and pants did little to hide how thin she'd become.

She walked over and opened the door.

Stewart Wentworth stood there, frowning slightly. "It's late. Why are you washing your hair now?" She offered a weary smile. "We had a barbecue tonight. My hair still smells like smoke." "You shouldn't catch a chill," Stewart said, his voice stern. "Letdry your hair for you." Briony blinked, surprised, and shook her head. "It's nothing. I can manage." Stewart ignored her protest and held out a cup. "You need to take your medicine first. Don't worry, I'll leave as soon as I'm done." She hesitated, pressing her lips together, then gave in.

Briony settled in front of her dressing table. Stewart handed her the medicine; it was warm, just the right temperature. She drank it in one go, the bitterness so familiar it barely registered anymore.

A moment later, a wrapped piece of creamy white candy appeared in front of her. Stewart's gentle voice cfrom above. "From Nina's secret stash." Briony's lashes fluttered as she reached out and took it, closing her hand around the sweet.

Stewart switched on the hairdryer, setting it to warm. One of his arms was still bandaged; the doctor had said those knife wounds were deep, with sinfection and inflammation, and would likely leave scars. Stewart didn't seem to care. He was just grateful it was his left arm, so it didn't get in the way of looking after Briony. The only sound in the bedroom was the low hum of the hairdryer.

Briony's hair was long and silky, falling to her waist, but lately, because of her illness, it had started to cout in clumps.

When her hair was finally dry, loose strands littered the floor.

Stewart knelt silently and gathered the fallen hair into his palm, closing his fist around it.

His head lowered, Adam's apple bobbing, pain flickering in his eyes.

Briony watched his reflection in the mirror, saw what he was doing. But she said nothing.

She stood, thanked him softly, and went to the bathroom to brush her teeth.

Stewart listened to the sound of running water, put the hairdryer away, and quietly left the bedroom. Once outside, he leaned against the closed door, gazing at the small bundle of dark hair in his hand.

Each strand was a cruel reminder that Briony's body was fading, her strength burning out.

His breath caught. Alone in the silent hallway, Stewart closed his eyes and swallowed his anxiety, letting it settle in the pit of his stomach.

The following week, the Kensington villa bustled with warmth and laughter.

Briony worked from heach day, while Maynard showed up almost daily, never, empty-handed. One day, he brought local pastries from Northborough; the next, a basket of fruit or a bouquet of fresh flowers. Of course, the twins were always with him.

Briony tried to protest, but Maynard waved her off. "It's nothing. That's what friends do." He insisted on being just a friend, and Briony couldn't argue without seeming ungracious. Besides, she needed to talk to him about Starlight Entertainment.

On the last day of August, Briony and Maynard signed the agreement. Maynard bought five percent of Starlight Entertainment for two billion, becoming the company's third-largest shareholder.

Given Starlight's current valuation, those shares were worth much more, but Briony had discussed it with Mr. Seven and decided on this price.

With her health deteriorating and still no news of a bone marrow match, she had no choice but to start looking for a new CEO.

The two billion was a favor-a way to persuade Maynard to take over Starlight Entertainment.

That day, Briony led Maynard into the executive conference room to introduce him to the senior team in person. Starlight Entertainment owed much of its success to Briony's vision, especially the documentary series she had masterminded. Without its explosive popularity, the company could never have leaped so tically in just six months.

Her announcement that she was stepping back shocked the entire leadership team. More than anything, they were reluctant to see her go.

But it was obvious to anyone who looked at her-no amount of makeup could hide her pallor or the fragile thinness that had set in over just a few months. She looked utterly spent.

After the meeting, Briony returned to her office, Maynard trailing behind.

She took a slow walk around the room, finally stopping at her desk to pick up her nameplate.

"I'd like to keep this office," she said quietly.

Maynard gently took the nameplate from her hand and set it back on her desk.

She looked up at him, their eyes meeting.

He smiled. "I'm just going to pretend you're on vacation, Briony. I'll be here, waiting for you to cback." Briony managed a small smile. "Alright." It was a kind gesture, and she had no wish to dampen his hope.

As she stepped out of her office, a man dressed in Blair Monroe's Blaix m signature style silently fell in step behind her.

Carey hurried after them. "Ms. Kensington!" Briony stopped.

The elevator doors slid open, and Carey ran up, throwing her arms around Briony.

"Ms. Kensington, we'll all be waiting for you to cback."

Briony was startled, then patted Carey's shoulder. "While I'm gone, work hard with Mr. Maynard. Pven m already told him to give you another year or two to grow, and then find a good chance to promote youto vice president."

Carey wiped away her tears. "I don't want to be vice president, Kwant to wait here. for you. I still want to work for you-I like having you as my boss!"