Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

"Mom, is your business trip really hard?" little Mario asked, his voice small and earnest.

"Woof woof!" Lucky chimed in, tail likely thumping in the background.

Briony listened, her nose stinging as a wave of emotion hit her. Her eyes reddened; tears welled up and spilled over before she could stop them.

She wiped her cheeks quickly and drew a shaky breath, trying to keep her voice light and steady for the kids. "I miss you both too, sweetheart. The trip isn't too hard—it's just the work isn't finished yet. I'll need a little more time before I can come home."

Little Nina pouted, her voice soft and tinged with disappointment. "But Mom, how long until you're back?"

Briony forced a smile into her tone. "I don't know for sure, honey, but I promise I'll come home as soon as I can."

"Mom, make sure you take care of yourself," Mario said, sounding so much older than his years. "Don't work too hard, okay?"

Briony's heart ached at his concern, and she blinked back another round of tears.

"I will, sweetheart. Don't worry, Mom will take care of herself."

Lucky, refusing to be left out, barked insistently into the phone.

big brother now. While I'm away, you have to look after your brother and sister for me,

woof!" came the eager

her children, so many reassurances and apologies she wished she could give. But she was afraid they'd hear the strain in her voice, sense that something was wrong. So after a few more minutes of gentle conversation, she told them she needed to get back to

hands to her

be the mother she

children into this world, but hadn't given them a whole family. Now, she might end up as a disabled mother while they were still

felt like a complete

quietly,

will send

we get there, he'll have a doctor take

something, dabbing at her tears as she lifted her head.

Ferdinand saying he once treated

told you

She nodded. "Yes."

Blair said with certainty. "Mr. Seven has his own

why would Ferdinand make something like that

out you're in touch with Mr. Seven now, and wanted to win your trust by pretending to have a

Ferdinand completely. He