Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Chapter 196

That gentle, loving mom-she was supposed to be his.

"Grown-ups' feelings can get really complicated." Lauren gently ruffled Irwin's hair, her voice full of sympathy. "So, Irwin, do you want to see your mom Bryn?"

"I do! I really do!"

Irwin's eyes grew hot, and he swiped away his tears with his sleeve, choking out, "But Dad told me on the plane that I shouldn't bother Mom anymore. He said if I really, really want to see her, I have to ask him first, and only if he says yes, then I can go."

"How about this-what if we just... run into her by accident?"

"By accident?" Irwin's eyes went wide. "Grandma, do you have a plan?"

Lauren stroked his cheek and gave a mysterious smile. "Of course I do. I've come up with something perfect, just for you."

"Wow!" Irwin's sadness vanished in an instant. He threw his arms around Lauren, hugging her tight.

"Grandma, you're amazing! You're the best, and you're always so good to me. I love you so much!"

Lauren hugged him back, smoothing his soft hair, but behind her gentle eyes lurked a hidden malice.

...

didn't get home from work until six that

noticed the front door to the apartment across the hall was wide open, with

didn't pay much attention, and unlocked her own door

Gina poked her head out,

Briony slipped off her shoes at the entryway and wandered in. "Looks

the place, I think-sometime

the table and leaned against the kitchen

stove. "I made

stepped into

...

breakfast, Briony grabbed her bag and changed her shoes. "Gina,

have a

but as soon as she took a step outside, the strap of her purse snapped with

bag tumbled to

She froze in surprise.

Briony holding her broken bag. She frowned, "Did

behind her, slipped back into her house slippers, and headed to her room.

thought much

as Briony returned with a different bag, a sudden loud crash echoed from the hallway

earth was