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.

almost time. You

his head, voice thick with pleading. "Bryn, please—come

soft, the same gentle tone she used to soothe

I can't leave. Not

Stewart stood there, stunned.

One moment of hesitation could undo everything so many have fought for. Mr. Hoffman

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

sides, his tightly pressed

some point, her

the silent, weeping man before her and felt a sudden, overwhelming urge to hold

about romance

bet

hug this who had

n the shadows.

So she did.

as Briony stepped

so tall. She could barely reach around his

she hugged little

ve

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 I'm not like you. I don't have

her arms, Stewart's tall

nearly six-foot-three, undone by one

longed for a simple life, a happy home, his wife

he wished for

end