Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

"What a coincidence." Barrie Lockwood strolled over, prompting the driver to step aside.

Briony Kensington stood there, phone in hand, her expression unreadable as she regarded Barrie. "Mr. Lockwood, let's call the police and let the insurance handle it."

Barrie adjusted his glasses, the gesture almost casual. “It was my fault. If you'd prefer, Ms. Kensington, just name your price and we can settle this privately."

"That won't be necessary." Briony dialed the police, her voice steady. "We'll do this by the book."

Barrie's eyes crinkled into a smile behind his glasses as he watched her.

Once she finished the call, Briony turned to wait by the curb for the officers to arrive.

"Ms. Kensington, I happen to have a little scoop about Stewart Wentworth. Interested?"

"I couldn't care less about my ex-husband," Briony replied coldly, her gaze icy. "And for the record, Mr. Lockwood, I don't think much of you either. So please, keep your distance."

Barrie raised a brow, undeterred. "But I find you rather fascinating, Ms. Kensington."

Briony's frown deepened-she was done entertaining him.

Just then, a familiar figure approached.

"Barrie!"

Lorna Riley breezed over and slipped her arm through Barrie's. "What happened? Fender-bender?"

Barrie glanced sideways at her. "What are you doing here?"

"I was out shopping, heading home when traffic got backed up. I spotted you from

the car-thought it looked like you, and here you are!"

Lorna beamed up at him, every inch the adoring girlfriend.

Briony watched them, face impassive.

Barrie, pleased by Lorna's public display of devotion, flashed a self-satisfied smile.

He turned to Lorna. "Ms. Kensington won't settle. You know, the two of

you actually have something in

common-one Stewart's ex-wife, the

other his ex-fiancée. Maybe y

you

could talk some sense into her for me?"

Only then did Lorna look over at Briony.

Their eyes met; Briony's remained cool and distant.

Lorna smiled, sugary sweet. “Ms. Kensington, must you be so uptight? Our luxury car rear-ended your BMW-it's our loss, really. Why not just take the money and call it a day? Waiting for the police atthis hour is such a hassle."

As soon as she finished, the police arrived.

Briony ignored them, heading over to speak with the officers.

Watching Briony with the police, Lorna turned back to Barrie. "Forget it. If she wants to call the cops, let her. Let the driver handle the cars. Are you riding back with me?"

Barrie finally tore his gaze from

Briony, wrapped his arm around

Lorna's waist, and turned away. "Younoveldrama

always know how to read the room. No wonder Stewart never appreciated a woman like Briony-she's just so... difficult."

"Oh, please!" Lorna rolled her eyes, exasperated. "Don't compare me to her. She's the fool who got dumped by Stewart. I, on the other hand, am the 'bad girl' who dumped him first."

Barrie leaned in, lowering his voice suggestively. "Bad girls are my weakness. I bought something new for tonight-some special lingerie. Will you model it for me?"

Lorna wanted to groan but kept her coquettish smile. "We're in public! Keep your voice down!"

Barrie laughed softly, unbothered. "Why worry? I like a little excitement. Why don't we have some fun right here in the car..."

"If you're looking to make a scene, count me out!" Lorna shot him a playful glare. "Our wedding is next week. I've got something much bigger planned for you—so be patient!"

Barrie, thoroughly charmed, felt a pleasant rush of satisfaction.

This kind of thrill, he thought, was even more addictive than the real thing.