Chapter 9
Stewart stood outside the door, his sharply defined features cold and distant. "I'll be away on business for a few days. Rosita can't handle him alone, so I'll have to trouble you to look after him for a bit."
 
Briony wasn't feeling well, and she had no patience for him.
 
"Fine. When you come back to pick him up, remember to bring the divorce papers."
 
With that, she scooped Irwin into her arms and walked straight back to her office.
 
Stewart lingered at the doorway for a moment, watching her go.
 
Then he quietly closed the studio door and left.
 
In the break room, Briony set Irwin down and let out a heavy sigh.
 
"Take your jacket off and get ready for bed."
 
Irwin, for once, was perfectly obedient. He shrugged off his jacket and handed it to her. "Mom, could you hang this up for me? Thank you."
 
He always had such sweet manners.
 
Briony smiled at him, took the jacket, and hung it on the coat rack.
 
They settled side by side on the bed.
 
Irwin wrapped his arms around Briony's, his voice muffled. "Mom, are you mad at me for going to see that woman?"
 
Briony blinked in surprise, then sighed softly. She hugged him close, her voice gentle. "She's the mother who gave birth to you. I know it's a lot to take in, but without her, there wouldn't be you. So don't call her 'that woman,' okay?"
 
Irwin's little knot of anxiety eased at her words.
 
 come home that evening, that she was angry with him for meeting his birth mother
 
 out he'd worried
 
 No matter who gave birth to me, you'll always
 
 felt her heart melt. She stroked his
 
 sweetheart. And I promise you whenever you
 
 Irwin yawned. "No lying, okay? If
 
 but laugh,
 
 leaned down and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "I'll never
 
 was
 
 was winter break, so Irwin didn't need to
 
 day, Briony's studio took on another restoration job-high
 
 studio with Briony. Whenever she was busy, Hannah and the other staff took turns watching
 
 of tagging along, Irwin
 
 third day, two in the afternoon, Briony finally finished her restoration work. She stepped out of the lab
 
 [Are you working this
 
 Why,
 
 down for an
 
 going on? Are
 
 ten days late, and my stomach's been
 
 have you
 
 of the test she'd bought
 
 pressed her lips together with a sigh, typing: [I bought one, but got busy and
 
 another all-nighter? Briony, I swear, if you ever drop dead in the restoration room, I wouldn't be surprised. Go test
 
 okay.
 
 her office, she found Irwin fast asleep on the couch, the little blanket that had
 
 half-finished lunch sat
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