Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Stella jerked her head up, her eyes wide with surprise. "What do you mean by that?"

Briony arched an eyebrow. "I'm giving you a little inside help, sister."

Stella hesitated for a moment. "Are you serious?"

"Would I lie to you?" Briony replied. "You can retake your photography major at Verdantire University. All you have to do is ask-Cedric Clarke will make it happen for you. Honestly, he'd much rather have you stay in Northborough and redo your major than have you fly off to study abroad. Then, when you're not in class, you can intern at the company. I'll find an experienced photography mentor to guide you. How does that sound?"

"That sounds amazing!" Stella flung herself at Briony, hugging her tight. "Bryn, I love you! I swear, you are absolutely, positively the best sister I have in this whole world!"

Briony couldn't help but laugh.

Stella really was a kid at heart-if you explained things to her patiently, she actually listened.

Out in the garden, little Mario and little Nina were playing with Aster, who was about to celebrate her first birthday.

Stewart and Cedric Clarke stood nearby, watching the children.

Now that both of them were fathers, they had one more thing to talk about.

Cedric glanced over at little Nina and let out a wistful sigh. "I wish I had a daughter too."

"Daughters really are a blessing," Stewart said, looking at Nina with a soft gaze. Clearly, he had no intention of consoling his friend.

Cedric turned to look at him, then suddenly let out a laugh.

puzzled. "What's

laughing at you. You've really

paused, caught

but she still chose to keep the twins. We both know she didn't do it for you, but you should be grateful —grateful

not every woman would choose to go through pregnancy and raise her ex-husband's children alone after

hatred, even neglect the babies they carried for nine months. People are complicated, but what Briony did earned Cedric's genuine respect. Especially since, back then, Briony knew nothing of what Stewart was facing.

thinking back, Cedric still felt Stewart had been completely out of

hadn't pressed him for the truth, Stewart

hadn't even been

understood all that,

hope Briony would ever come

else, started dating, or even remarried-he'd give her his

and their twins for the

he was

would rob him even of that last chance to

staring down at the ground. "Cedric,

news," Cedric tried to reassure him, though he knew

compatible donor for such a

a seat. I'll

Carey approached with

name,

Maynard met Stewart's gaze.