NovelEnglishThe two children had just been taken upstairs by Stewart for their baths. By now, they were probably fast asleep.
Briony didn't disturb them. She went straight back to the master bedroom.
James didn't return until half past midnight.
There was a split on his lower lip and a bright red handprint on his cheek.
After settling the kids in for the night, Stewart went downstairs to prepare smedicine. When he cout of the kitchen, carrying the freshly brewed concoction, he ran right into James.
Stewart raised an eyebrow when he saw James's battered face.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtSometimes, men didn't need words-just a glance and everything was clear.
It was obvious: something had happened between James and Lorna.
Perhaps Stewart's amusement was a little too obvious, because James snapped, "What are you staring at? Never seen a handsguy get roughed up by a woman before?" Just then, footsteps echoed from behind him.
The so-called "ruffian" herself, Lorna, strolled in.
Compared to James, she looked almost untouched-except her lipstick was gone, there wasn't a hair out of place. "James, stop tarnishing my reputation. You con tofirst," she shot back.
"Lorna!" James growled, "You're twisting the truth!" "Can't handle the consequences of your own actions, huh?" Lorna folded her arms, her tall, graceful figure leaning against the entryway cabinet. "Fine, since it was your first kiss, let's just say I made the first move." James was speechless.
Stewart cleared his throat, voice low: "It's late. If you two want to flirt and bicker, keep it down." James glared; Lorna just gave a cheeky whistle as she passed James, heading straight upstairs to the guest room Briony had set aside for her.
Stewart, saying nothing more, started up the stairs with the medicine. James called after him.
Stewart paused and looked back. "Something you need?" James hesitated, not quite meeting his eyes. "I just wanted to ask... has Lorna dated a lot of guys?" Stewart paused, then replied, "Sorry. If you want to know, you should ask her yourself. Lorna's straightforward- she won't deny her past." "Who said I want to ask her?" James huffed. "Forget it. Pretend I never brought it up." Stewart regarded the man's obvious denial but didn't call him out.
Emotions were something a person had to figure out for themselves.
"I won't say a word," Stewart said quietly.
James looked surprised, watching him carefully.
"It's late. Get srest," Stewart added, turning and heading up to the third floor.
James followed, glancing at the mug of medicine in Stewart's hand. After a moment of thought, he lowered his voice. "So, what's going on with you and Bryn? Did you two make up?" "No," Stewart answered, calm and direct.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"If you haven't made up, isn't it a little inappropriate for you to be hanging around here every day?" "I'll leave as soon as Bryn is well," Stewart replied.
"Really?" James sounded skeptical. "You can promise that?" Stewart stopped and turned to look at him.
"Mr. Delaney, you don't have to worry aboutoverstaying my welcome, know I failed Bryn before. I put her through a lot things can never@ndo. All can do now is try my best to make up for it. I realize Bryn may not need my help or my guilt. But I can't just stand by and do nothing. I'm not capable of that." With that, Stewart turned and continued upstairs.
James stood frozen, staring at Stewart's tall, retreating figure.
For a moment, he realized that the Stewart he'd known thecola, m arrogantman had truly changed. James even thought, if Briony made Pet
it through this ordeal, perhaps she and Stewart could go on living as they were now: peacefully, as friends and family, respecting and helping each other, raising their children together. If that could happen, it would be the happiest ending Briony, Stewart, and their kids could hope for.
But right now, Briony's future was still uncertain.
Cedric Clarke had said that if a suitable bone marrow donor wasn't found, Briony might not make it through the winter...
James closed his eyes, his heart heavy and aching.
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
