Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

They returned home with a trunk packed full of groceries, and as soon as they walked in, Briony pulled Marlene and Carol into the kitchen to get things started.

The kitchen soon glowed with warmth and laughter. The three women bustled around, chatting about who knows what, the air filled with the clatter of pans and bursts of giggles as they cooked.

They kept at it until seven o'clock, and by then, the dining table was a feast-dish after delicious dish laid out in a colorful spread.

Gwendolyn White beamed as she called out, "Dinner's ready! Everyone, come to the table!"

People began making their way over, drawn by the smells and the promise of good company.

Maynard arrived right on cue, arms full of gifts and several boxes of holiday treats. He joked that he'd dropped by to freeload for dinner and, while he was at it, to wish everyone an early happy new year.

Gwendolyn laughed, teasing him for having such a keen nose-he always managed to show up just as the food hit the table.

Maynard had a gift for putting people at ease, a skill honed by growing up in a family where warmth and generosity ran deep. With two elderly relatives at home, he'd learned early on how to charm the older generation, and he and Gwendolyn traded jokes and stories until she was practically glowing with praise for him.

Stewart watched from the sidelines, a hint of envy flickering in his eyes. He'd never been good at handling family gatherings or navigating social niceties. Yet Maynard, with just a few words, had the whole room-especially the elders- laughing along with him.

For the first time, Stewart truly realized how valuable emotional intelligence could be.

He closed his eyes for a moment, then quietly slipped away to a quieter corner, sitting with his two children.

Meanwhile, Gwendolyn drew Briony to sit beside Maynard; Stewart noticed, reading her intentions all too clearly. He lowered his gaze, hiding the loneliness in his eyes.

Around the marble dining table, large enough to seat twenty, everyone took their places. The lazy Susan in the center turned slowly, carrying platters of food past eager hands.

Conversation and laughter flowed easily. The men raised their glasses in hearty toasts, while the women sipped juice in place of wine.

Together, they lifted their glasses and toasted to Briony's recovery, wishing her health and peace for many years to come.

By midnight, the lively dinner drew to a close. Maynard rose to say his goodbyes, and Gwendolyn fussed over him, insisting he come by more often. Maynard promised he would.

Briony, still not fully recovered, was ushered off to bed by Gwendolyn before ten.

Gwendolyn and her husband, along with Kendal and his wife, retired

and Carol stayed behind, tidying up the

bedroom, Briony stepped out of the bathroom after her shower just as there

It was Stewart.

Year's gift," he said,

half amused. "Are you taking notes from Mr. Maynard and bringing early

wandered in, and this caught my eye. I thought you might like it,"

accepted the bag with a smile. "So, does that mean

from her. "That's not necessary. I'm not in need of

fair," Briony insisted. "Is there anything

surprised.

both you and Mr. Maynard. It wouldn't be right to return the favor

Stewart's lips curved in a faint smile. "I'll leave it up to you.

asked, "Was there

meeting her eyes. "You should get some

out."

no longer needed constant care. He had no excuse to stay any

He turned to go.

called

He stopped, turning back.

snowing outside. Why don't

genuinely startled. "You mean... you

Mario's. You

be

help with the kids

during the

hardly believe

they

added, "Of course, it's just a suggestion. If