Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Chapter 485

Stella snapped, "Cedric Clarke, stop making decisions for me! I never agreed to this!"

The little bundle in her arms, Aster, flinched at her raised voice. His lips began to quiver, on the verge of tears.

Briony quickly reached over and gently patted Aster's chest, soothing him. "You really need to rein in that temper of yours, Stella. Look, you nearly scared Aster to death."

Stella gave her son a gentle pat on the bottom and murmured a few soft, comforting words.

Only then did the furrow in Aster's tiny brow begin to ease.

Stella gazed down at her son and let out a sigh. "Bryn, I just don't think I'm cut out to be a mom."

Briony patted her shoulder reassuringly. "Don't say that. Aster's healthy and adorable—that's all thanks to you. Give yourself time. Every new mom has to go through an adjustment period. Besides, Dr. Clarke is a good husband and a devoted father. Don't get stuck in your own head."

Stella looked up at Briony, her eyes searching. "Bryn, I just find it so hard. How did you manage to get through everything you did?"

"Silly girl." Briony gave her a mock glare. "Everyone's story is different, every choice is different. You and Dr. Clarke are happily married. Your baby just adds to the joy you already have. For me, Little Nina was my salvation, my reason to keep going. There's no comparison."

"And now?" Stella pressed, holding her gaze. "Last night I grilled Cedric about everything that's happened these past years. He told me you're planning to fight Stewart for Mario's custody."

Briony's lips curled in a faint smile. "As a mother, I can't agree with Stewart's way of raising him. So yes, I'm planning to seek custody. But right now, Mario actually wants to stay with his dad."

Stella sighed, resigned. "I guess boys always tend to side with their fathers."

a living, and build myself up. That way, if Mario ever needs me, I'll have the strength to help him. I want

the landing, Cedric Clarke paused, listening to Briony's words. He pressed his lips together, sighing quietly

he thought Stewart was a jerk, he

Cedric had visited her when she was discharged from the hospital, expecting to offer comfort, but to

yesterday's emotional collapse had never

Briony so well, or Briony

it was for the best. Briony had weathered this storm and found new resolve. Stewart had

to raise

head, grabbed his suitcase, and headed for

and Stella sat together

into her lap and tapped his tiny nose. "Look at him frowning- he's got

Cedric Clarke's mini-me. Stella rolled her eyes. "Anytime it's something good, they say it's from Cedric. When he's

stubborn, suddenly he take

after

me."

James chimed in. "Don't tell me it's your

fine," Stella shrugged. "It's my mom and my aunt-

eyebrow. "Your own mom

don't get it. Ever

to control

"Hey,

him