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.

eyes shut,

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

faint, weary smile. "I've got a son and a daughter. That's enough

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

worry about that," Stewart rasped, opening his eyes

back angrily. "Life is long, Stewart. Sure, maybe you'll fix things for now, but what

paused, gathering

about those men

Don't you think there are scumbags who'll try to

of everything

everything Bryn's been through, she won't trust

disbelief. "You

"I hurt Bryn. I won't

out a bitter laugh. "Moved by your own words, huh?" He rubbed the back of his neck, realizing that appealing to Stewart's feelings for Briony

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

ov

you afraid

the same mistakes?