NovelGoldChapter 430 Briony needed to break free from Stewart, but if the price of freedom was becoming a murderer, that was simply too high a cost.
That's why James silently hoped Stewart would cout of this unscathed.
Briony deserved a life untainted by Stewart's shadow.
Two people who were never meant to stay together-after the divorce, they could each go their separate ways, find their own peace.
That was the best ending anyone could hope for.
Stewart sat beside Briony, watching her, but she never looked up, her attention fixed on her phone.
Nearby, a young couple had just received their marriage certificate. The woman, beaming, linked arms with her new husband, chattering about where they should go for dinner that night.
The man smiled and told her he'd already booked a hotel-two days and one night of a romantic getaway, just for the two of them.
Hearing this, the woman's face lit up with delight. She held his arm tighter, her laughter ringing with pure, sweet happiness.
Stewart couldn't help but be pulled back to nine years ago, to the day he and Briony registered their marriage. That day, after they signed the papers, he had to rush to court, so he gave her the code to his house, told her to move into Southcreek Manor on her own.
By the the finished work and chome, it was already past midnight.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHe hadn't expected to find Briony asleep on the sofa, a modest dinner-four dishes and a soup-laid out on the table.
When Briony woke and saw him, the first thing she asked was, "Have you eaten?" She was only twenty-one then, her face still soft with youth, her wide eyes searching his face with a hint of nervousness.
In that moment, he found her almost painfully sincere. Even though he'd already eaten, he lied and said he hadn't.
The moment she heard he hadn't eaten yet, she sprang into action, reheating all the dishes.
Truthfully, that dinner wasn't particularly good; there was even a bit of eggshell in the scrambled eggs. Looking back now, Stewart realized, far too late, that when he married Briony, she was still just a girl-she didn't even know how to cook.
That night, as he picked at the awkward meal, he caught sight of a Band-Aid on her finger.
His heart had fluttered a little then, but the feeling was quickly shattered by a work call.
By the the finished the call, Briony had already gone upstairs to tend to little Irwin, who wouldn't stop crying...
In the years that followed, Briony's cooking improved with every meal. She turned their house into a warm, inviting hfor the three of them.
But Stewart had never noticed the effort behind it all.
The cozy family life he took for granted was something Briony had built with five years of her youth-day by day, bit by bit-pouring everything she had into their home.
And he was the one who lost it all.
Stewart closed his eyes, Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed hard.
The ache in his chest spread, sharp and unrelenting, creasing his brow with every breath.
For the first time, he truly understood-he was the one who'd failed this marriage.
And with that realization, Stewart knew: their marriage was truly over.
The automated voice called their number.
It was their turn.
Briony rose and walked toward the counter.
Stewart opened his eyes, took a slow, steady breath, and stood. His tall frwavered for a moment, but he caught himself on the back of the chair, holding steady.
Cedric Clarke nearly rushed forward.
But seeing Stewart regain his balance and join Briony at the counter, Cedric let out a silent sigh of relief.
With the divorce agreement, court documents, and both IDs ready, the process moved quickly.
The clerk finished the paperwork, stamped the certificates, and handed one to each of them.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"All set. One copy each." Briony took her certificate, staring at the words "Divorce Certificate." At last, she felt the weight in her chest ease.
She stood and walked straight for the door.
Behind her, Stewart rose as well. "Bryn-" Briony didn't look back.
He couldn't catch up to her now. Struggling to stay upright, Stewart glanced at Carl.
Carl hurried over and handed Briony a folder.
"Ms. Kensington," Carl corrected Sownwardly, "this is from Wothly, "this is from Mr It's about your mother's case from years ago." Consther's Briony frowned. "What do you mean?" MS "There's new evidence. Take a look when you have time."
Since it concerned her mother, Briony didn't hesitate. She accepted the folder with a cool, "Thank you." Without another word, she strode out the door.
James immediately followed.
Stewart watched Briony's retreating figure, his vision blurring atthe m edges. A moment later, his tall frcollapsed to the floor with a heavy thud.
"Stewart!" Cedric Clarke cried out and rushed to his side.
"Stay with me, Stewart! Don't fall asleep-wake up!"
Cedric frantically started emergency measures, his voice urgent and m pleading. "Stewart! Stewart! Don't close your eyes! Think of your son-your son still needs you!"
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
