Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Chapter 315

Little Mario scrunched his nose and shook his head. "No," he declared, with a look of determination that could have rivaled someone pledging allegiance.

Stewart studied his small face for a moment, then looked away and continued eating.

Garry glanced at Stewart, but seeing his indifference, let it go and turned his attention back to his own plate.

"What does 'physiological aversion' mean?" Little Nina asked, swallowing a bite of potatoes, her eyes wide with curiosity.

James smiled and explained, "Well, it just means that while we think potatoes taste good, when Little Mario eats them, they probably taste completely different to him."

"Huh?" Little Nina blinked at him. "So what do they taste like to Little Mario?"

James considered this. "Maybe sour? Bitter? Or like... a wet mop? Maybe like something from a sewer?"

Stewart, who had been eating with perfect composure, paused mid-chew.

Little Mario pointed at the potatoes and declared, "Gross."

Stewart's movements stilled, his eyes unreadable.

"Potatoes are so tasty! How come you think they're gross?" Little Nina shook her head with genuine sympathy. "Poor Little Mario!"

"It's just how he's wired. But really, Little Mario isn't picky about much else," Carol said, ruffling his hair affectionately.

Briony grabbed a few green beans, snipped them into bite-sized pieces, and placed them in Little Mario's bowl. "If you don't like the potatoes, that's fine. Green veggies are full of vitamins-eat up."

"Th-thank you!" Little Mario's eyes sparkled as he looked up at her.

Briony was quietly pleased to see how much more comfortable he was talking to people now.

convinced he was autistic. It seemed more likely that he'd been born a bit frail, and with only adults around, he'd been so carefully looked after that he

you took Little

said Little Mario's weak constitution is congenital. He suggested we help him with a better diet and some gentle massage therapy suited for

good

an eyebrow. "Is

was awful. She hardly put on any weight and was always sick. She's allergic to a lot

Nina.

days, Little Nina was a ball

I went to see him in the next town

in, smiling. "Just look at her now—she eats

looked at Little Nina

stopped eating, glancing

focused on her meal-one bite of

Carney chuckled, "Our

a chatterbox. The only time she stops

she's eating or

at the table burst into

looked up, blinking innocently. "Why are you all

her daughter's hair, her eyes crinkling with affection. "We just love

and frowned, her face serious. "How does watching me eat

Everyone stifled a laugh.

declared, "Watch all you want. No matter

erupted

whole atmosphere at lunch felt

healthy and cheerful,

the courage to persuade Garry to take Briony's advice and bring Little

was open-minded, so he and Carol set out with Little Mario for the doctor's