Even if, by some miracle, she actually met the right person in the future, Briony would need at least two or three years to really get to know him before she''d even consider marrying again.
So Stewart''s use didn''t feel like much of a restriction at all.
Three years-it wasn''t a lifetime.
"This condition doesn''t really affect me," Briony said. "What worries me is whether Stewart''swyer has hidden any legal traps in the agreement."
Mr. Hughes nodded. "I understand your concerns, Ms. Kensington. After all, this was drawn up personally by Attorney Wentworth, so I was extra careful reviewing it. But as far as I can tell, there''s nothing questionable in this version."
"That''s a relief, then, Mr. Hughes. Thank you."
Just then, Briony''s phone rang.
It was Carl.
She answered, "Carl? Did you talk to Stewart? What did he say?"
"I spoke to Mr. Wentworth," Carl replied. "He said the soonest you can both sign
the divorce papers at the courthouse is next Monday."
Next Monday.
Today was Monday-so, another week.
Briony frowned. "Can''t we do it tomorrow?"
"I''m sorry," Carl''s voice was heavy, "There''s a situation on Mr. Wentworth''s end. The earliest he can make it is next Monday."
Briony didn''t dwell on it. She simply repeated, "If he bails on me again, I''ll take this signed agreement straight to court and file for dissolution."
"Ma''am, you have my word." Carl sounded tired. "Mr. Wentworth really is ready to let go this time. He won''t back out again."
"Carl, just so you know I''m recording this call."
Carl paused on the other end.
"If Stewart doesn''t show up next Monday, I''ll take this phone recording and the signed agreement to the courthouse."
With that, Briony hung up.
Her phone had a built-in recording function.
After being yed so many times by Stewart, she''d learned to cover all her bases.
That evening, back home, Briony showed the divorce agreement to James. James sent it over to awyer friend for a second opinion.
The feedback came quickly: the agreement was solid, and aside from the "no remarriage for
years use, the other for
were
all in Briony and little Nina''s favor.
After hearing his friend''s assessment and looking over the agreement again, James was briefly speechless.
"How did Stewart suddenly turn over a new leaf?" James ran a hand through his hair in disbelief.
"I still don''t trust himpletely," Briony admitted, "but at least now we have his signed agreement. The divorce is practically a done deal."
"Exactly! This marriage-consider it over!" James grinned. "Now I can finally go to White City with a clear conscience!"
Briony looked at him in surprise. "You''re going to White City?"
"Yeah, my professor called this afternoon. They need help cataloguing some artifacts. I''ll be gone three or four days." James raised an eyebrow at her. "Don worry-I''ll be back in time for your divorce appointment. I wouldn''t miss it for the world!"
Briony smiled. "If you can''t make it, it''s fine. I''ll have Mr. Hughes with me."
"No way," James protested. "I have
to be there! I''m going to show up
with a huge bouquet and
congratte you on finally escaping that hellhole!"
Briony couldn''t help butugh. "Alright promise you''ll post a picture to your story?"
"Absolutely!"
The next day, Briony drove James to the airport herself.
Inside, she watched as James passed through security, then turned and headed back toward the parking garage.
She pulled out her keys, unlocked the car, and reached for the door handle- when suddenly, footsteps echoed behind her.
Sensing something off, Briony barely had time to turn before a hand mped over her mouth and nose.
A sharp, chemical smell flooded her senses. Her head throbbed violently, her body going limp in an instant.
As she copsed, she glimpsed someone rushing toward her, heard the sounds of
a scuffle in the chaos.
Briony couldn''t fight it-darkness swallowed her whole.