Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Vernon was, after all, just an eight-year-old boy. In this situation, Briony couldn't bring herself to stand by and do nothing.

She could see he was terrified of the dark-so much so, it bordered on a phobia.

And from the way Vernon spoke, it was clear that Xenia Cooper was extremely strict with him.

Briony thought of Stewart.

Cedric Clarke had mentioned before that Stewart's childhood had been just as harsh, thanks to Fiona Clarke.

Briony wrapped her arms around Vernon's trembling body, gently patting his back and speaking in a soft, soothing voice. "It's alright, sweetheart. The elevator's just having some trouble-they'll have it fixed soon, and someone's already on the way..."

Her voice was calm and gentle, echoing through the pitch-black, cramped elevator.

"I'm right here with you... you're not alone."

Gradually, Vernon's sobs quieted under her comfort.

He still clung tightly to Briony, his small body shaking.

Briony kept comforting him, softly humming a lullaby.

Little by little, Vernon's tense, shivering body began to relax in the warmth of her song.

About ten minutes later, there was movement outside.

"Ms. Kensington!"

Briony called out, "I'm in here!"

"Don't worry, Ms. Kensington. The repair crew is on their way. Just hang in there a little longer."

"I'm fine, but this boy-he seems to be suffering from claustrophobia. Please hurry!"

"Understood!"

After half an hour, the elevator finally came back to life.

As the doors slid open, Arnold was about to step in when a tall figure in black rushed past him.

He darted straight to Briony, dropping to a knee and gripping her shoulders, his face tight with worry. "Bryn, are you alright?"

Briony stared, surprised.

Why was Stewart here?

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Stewart frowned when she didn't answer, scanning her up and down. "Are you hurt?"noveldrama

"I'm fine," she replied coolly. "But... he's not."

Only then did Stewart notice Vernon.

The boy was clutching Briony so fiercely his face was buried in her chest.

Stewart's expression darkened. "Vernon, let go."

Vernon didn't respond.

"You're a big boy now, let-"

Stewart reached out and gently pulled at Vernon's arm.

Vernon's limp body slumped toward him.

Briony's face paled. "He's fainted!"

Stewart frowned, scooping Vernon into his arms and hurrying out of the elevator. Briony followed close behind.

This building belonged to her now, and Vernon had only passed out because of the elevator malfunction. Morally and practically, she had to follow them to the hospital.

...

Stewart brought Vernon to Clarke Hospital.

The doctor explained that Vernon had fainted due to psychological stress. Thankfully, they'd gotten him there quickly, and after moving him to a room for observation, the doctor said that as long as Vernon showed no further symptoms after waking, he could go home soon.

Even so, the doctor recommended that Vernon's parents take him to see a child psychologist when possible.

Claustrophobia in children is often triggered by emotional trauma, and early intervention works best.

This was something Stewart would have to discuss with Xenia Cooper himself.

Cedric Clarke arrived soon after to check on things.

He was surprised to find Briony in the hospital room as well.

He glanced from Vernon in the hospital bed to Stewart and Briony. "Well, look at

you three... what are the odds?"

You couldn't blame Cedric for asking.

Given Briony's temperament these days, being in the same room as Stewart-let alone looking at him-wasn't exactly her idea of fun.

"This little guy showed up at my

gallery saying he wanted to sign up for art lessons," Briony explained, turning to Cedric. "I turned him down, and as we were leaving-well, we got stuck in the elevator"

"He went to you all by himself?" Cedric was stunned. "And he wanted to enroll in something? He's only eight! Was he even allowed to make that decision on his own?"

Briony shrugged, exasperated. "That's what he told me."

At this, Stewart spoke up quietly,

"Xenia Cooper keeps Vernon on a very tight leash. Other than Sunday afternoons, which he has to himself, every minute of his week is scheduled by a team of

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professionals she's hired. He follows their timetable every day