Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

"Don't listen to what Mr. Hoffman says. Think about the children, Bryn. Kids can grow up without a father, but they can't lose their mother."

"Stewart, I'm the one who saved Ferdinand."

Stewart froze, startled.

"That night, nine years ago, I met you-and I met Ferdinand. I saved him. If it hadn't been for me, maybe Randolph wouldn't have died. Stewart, for the longest time, I thought you brought disaster into my life. But when Ferdinand told me the truth, I realized it was my own naïve kindness that night that helped create a monster..."

Stewart's eyes were bloodshot as he stared at her. "That's not how it happened. Don't believe Ferdinand, don't believe Mr. Hoffman. Bryn, you are your own person, you're the mother of two children. You have to go back to them. They need you."

"I can't go back." Briony shook her head, a faint smile on her lips. "Stewart, Ferdinand's wedding must go on as planned. Only if Ferdinand dies, only if the plan works, will our children be safe. Do you understand?"

Stewart's breath caught in his throat.

Of course he understood.

But how could he just stand by and watch Briony put herself in danger? How could he possibly let that happen?

"Stewart, do you remember what you asked me the day of the explosion?"

Stewart looked at her, a crushing ache in his chest.

"You asked me if I still blamed you."

Briony met his gaze, her eyes gentle and full of peace. "I don't blame you anymore."

Stewart's breath faltered. Tears slipped down his cheeks.

You

with pleading. "Bryn, please—come with me.

was soft, the

I can't

Stewart stood there, stunned.

of hesitation could undo everything so many have fought for. Mr. Hoffman said I was the wild card in your plan, but maybe just maybe I turned out to be

together, then let out a long sigh, eyes lowered. "If I really don't make it back this time, I hope my children will be proud

clenched at his sides, his

at some point, her eyes had

her and felt a sudden, overwhelming urge to hold

about romance

bet

to hug this who had always

n the shadows.

So she did.

slipped unnoticed to the floor as Briony stepped forward, wrapping her arms

could barely reach around his waist, but she

she hugged

ve

each other. You had so many burdens, and I was always caught up in own feelings. Maybe I finally understand now-sometimes, life just isn't in our control. But

arms, Stewart's tall frame shook

man nearly six-foot-three, undone by

life, a happy

wished for peace, for ordinary

things end