Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Stewart was spitting up blood again when he got out of bed to wash up that morning.

Not wanting to frighten the kids, he asked Lorna and Carol to take them out to the neighborhood playground for a while.

When Cedric Clarke arrived, Stewart was propped up against his pillows, his face ashen and drawn.

"I told you not to rush back here, but you never listen!" Cedric snapped, striding over and letting his emergency kit thud hard onto the nightstand. "Stewart, were you a mule in your last life? You're not going to die from illness, you'll die from sheer stubbornness!"

"Spare me the lecture. Just hook me up to the IV already," Stewart muttered.

Cedric shot him a glare, but opened the kit and got to work. His hands moved with practiced efficiency as he inserted the needle, hung the IV bag, and adjusted the drip.

"I'm setting it slow," Cedric said, watching the fluid trickle down the line. "This stuff works, but too much will put a strain on your heart.”

Stewart closed his eyes, finally allowing himself to relax as the medication flowed into his veins. His labored, ragged breathing gradually eased.

Cedric sat nearby, keeping a close eye on him. In just over a month, Stewart had wasted away before his eyes.

"I heard from Lorna you went to visit the cemetery?" Cedric asked quietly.

his eyes shut,

losing patience. "Stewart, are you really content with this? You're only thirty-two! If you die now,

a son and a

away from your responsibilities. For God's sake, think about

that," Stewart rasped, opening his eyes to meet Cedric's. "I'll

Sure,

paused, gathering

about

seeing Briony raising two kids alone? Don't you

her out of everything you leave behind,

his head. "After everything Bryn's been through, she won't trust another man easily. I'm

disbelief. "You

expression grew distant, guilt flickering across his pale features. "I hurt Bryn. I won't deny it. I don't expect her to forgive

He rubbed the back of his neck, realizing that appealing to Stewart's feelings for Briony wasn't

a moment, then tried a different angle. "What about Little Nina? She's such a bright, beautiful girl. You know, a soft heart can run in the family.

ov

aren't you afraid Nina

same mistakes?