It was clear now-Ferdinand was never meant to be Briony''s soulmate.
The White family home was always full ofughter and warmth, especially during the holidays, but Gwendolyn White''s heart was never quite at ease when it came to Briony.
Though she wasn''t Briony''s biological mother, Gwendolyn cared more about the rest of Briony''s life than Julia ever could.
Julia, for her part, was sweet and affectionate but had a childlike dependence on Briony. With her memories still hazy, Julia''s state of mind had never quite matured; she worried little about her daughter, who was now a mother herself.
As the night grewte, everyone retired to their rooms.
Briony tucked her two children into bed, humming softly as they drifted off.
A gentle knock sounded at the door.
Briony got up and opened it.
Gwendolyn White stood in the hallway, her voice low and tender. "Are the kids asleep?"
"They just nodded off," Briony replied, stepping out and looping her arm through Gwendolyn''s. "Couldn''t sleep either, Godmother?"
With a look brimming with affection, Gwendolyn smiled. "It''s been so long since we''ve really talked. I wanted a little heart-to-heart with you."
Briony''s voice was warm and calm. "Shall we have a drink together then?"
Gwendolyn was no stranger to a ss of good wine, and ever since Briony had taken over Starlight Entertainment, she''d gotten used to the asional business dinner herself.
"How about some wine?" Briony suggested. "A little red does wonders for theplexion and helps you sleep, too."
Gwendolyn agreed with a softugh.
Downstairs in the kitchen, Briony uncorked a bottle and poured the wine into a decanter.
Wine alone felt a bit too bare, so she quickly put together a couple of light snacks -cheese, crackers, and some olives.
Gwendolyn stayed to help, and when everything was ready, they settled at the dining table, clinking their sses with a soft chime.
Briony took a generous sip, draining nearly half her ss in one go.
Watching her, Gwendolyn realized just how practiced Briony had be at this— she must have had her share of lonely nights.
Briony seemed calm and gentle as ever, but there was a new steadiness to her, something cooler and more reserved beneath the surface.
Perhaps that was the price of growing up-after you''ve figured out the world, it''s hard to find real joy again.
Gwendolyn was proud of how much Briony had grown, but as she watched her-still so young at just past thirty, yet already resigned to a life of work and raising two children alone-she couldn''t help but feel a pang of loneliness on her behalf.
"Bryn, the kids are growing up fast. You really should have someone by your side," Gwendolyn said gently.
Briony set her ss down and gave her godmother a rueful smile. “I knew this wasing. Thete-night chat, the wine-ssic setup for a lecture."
Gwendolyn grinned. "I just worry about you. It''s not that I want you to rush into marriage again. Raise your kids, keep your career, but when you have some free time, why not let yourself fall in love? Or, if nothing else, find someone young and fun to keep youpany-ever if it''s just for a little while."
Briony could only stare at her, momentarily speechless.
Gwendolyn leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "And don''t worry, I know you and James are practically siblings-I wouldn''t try to matchmake you two. But you should keep your options open. I''ve heard those Northborough boys have been lining up to ask you out!"
Briony''s expression didn''t change. "Those types aren''t for me. We don''t see eye
to eye—I don''t have the patience for empty talk."
Gwendolyn''s eyes sparkled yfully. "So, you like the artsy type? Should I get your godfather to keep an eye out for you?"
Briony groaned, rubbing her temples. "Godmother, I really don''t have the energy for this right now. If I meet someone right, I''ll give it a chance. But to go out of my way to find someone? That''s just not me."
Seeing how stubborn she was, Gwendolyn frowned in concern. "Bryn, you''re not still hung up on Stewart, are you?"