Chapter 155 Briony's expression turned serious at once. "What's going on?" James sighed, realizing this wasn't something he could explain in a couple of sentences. Instead, he took out his phone, pulled up a news article, and handed it to her.
"See for yourself." Briony took the phone and glanced at the screen. Her face froze.
#Rosita Leaves Showbiz for Love: Wedding with Millionaire Fiancé Set for Late March!# #Oscar Winner Ditches Fans, Marries Into Money! Fans Slam Her for Being Blinded by Love! # "The news broke this morning," James explained. "Rosita posted a statement on Facebook, saying she was quitting the industry. Then stabloids started reporting she was leaving because she's marrying Stewart. Now there are even rumors going around that she's pregnant, and that's why they're rushing the wedding." At that, Briony's brow furrowed. Almost unconsciously, her hand drifted to her stomach.
James watched her, concern in his eyes. "Are you okay?" "I'm fine." Briony handed the phone back, her face giving away little emotion. "I'm just surprised. I thought Stewart would at least wait until our divorce was finalized before making their engagement official." "Exactly!" James snapped, his frustration bubbling over. "He's dragging his feet on signing the papers, yet parading around with Rosita and announcing their wedding like nothing's wrong. Honestly, I've never seen such a brazen jerk in my life!" Briony lowered her head, her eyes clouding as her thoughts drifted back- She and Stewart had been secretly married for five years. Aside from those two marriage certificates, they didn't even have wedding rings.
The only ta wedding was ever mentioned was the night Stewart chdrunk after a business dinner. He'd been so out of it that she had to help him upstairs, step by step. Halfway up, he pressed her against the hallway wall.
"Do you want a wedding?" he slurred.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe'd been so stunned she could barely speak, just staring at him in disbelief.
But he wouldn't let it go, insisting she answer.
It was the only tshe'd ever let herself be honest with Stewart. "I do," she whispered. "I want a wedding that's just ours." He seemed satisfied with her answer.
That night, Stewart was wild and reckless. She'd let herself get swept up in the fantasy, surrendering to his every demand...
That was also the one night they hadn't used protection.
It was the first tshe'd dared hope for something more from their marriage.
But when she woke up the next morning, Stewart had already left for a business trip.
The next tshe saw him was New Year's Eve.
Looking back now, Briony realized just how naïve she'd been.
Maybe, that night, Stewart had only seen Rosita in her.
From beginning to end, she was the only one who'd ever believed in their marriage. She was the only fool swept up in the story she'd written for herself.
Briony closed her eyes, willing the ache in her chest to quiet.
When she opened them again, her gaze was calm-almost icy.
She looked up at James. "If Stewart tries to stall on the divorce any longer, I swear I'll show up to their wedding with our marriage certificate and crash the whole thing." James grinned, instantly fired up. "Deal! I'll clear the way for you-and set up a global livestream while I'm at it!" Briony couldn't help but laugh at that.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmJust then, her phone buzzed.
It was Stewart calling.
Briony had a hunch-he was finally ready to talk about the divorce.
Without hesitation, she answered, right in front of James.
"Seen the news?" Stewart's deep voice cthrough the line.
"Hard to miss, with it plastered everywhere," Briony replied coolly After a brief pause, she added, "I doubt you're calling just for my blessing, Attorney Wentworth."
Stewart sounded tired, weighed down. "Rosita has brain cancer. The wedding is so she doesn't have any regrets." Brain cancer? If it was true, maybe it was karma after all.
But Briony felt no sympathy for Rosita. She didn't care about their wedding, anabout Stewart's explanations. All she wanted was to get this divorce over with.
"So, when are we finalizing things?" she asked, her voice icy and detached.