Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

On New Year's Day, Pearbrook Mansion was decked out in festive decorations, every corner brimming with holiday cheer.

Little Nina and little Mario were dressed in bright red outfits Stewart had picked out for them—cheerful, vibrant, and making them look like the very embodiment of good luck.

Briony's dress was chosen by Stella, also in a warm, festive red.

This year's celebration felt more meaningful than any before.

Stella and Cedric Clarke had brought Aster to the Clarke family estate for their own family gathering, but they'd come by early to drop off gifts for the twins before heading out again.

Briony, too, had prepared a present for Aster.

Just before Stella left, Briony pulled her aside and lowered her voice. "I heard from James last night that you and Cedric Clarke had a fight at city hall last month?"

Stella froze, then stomped her foot. "That blabbermouth James! I told him not to

tell you!"

Briony raised an eyebrow. "You really kept something this big from me? Am I not your sister?"

Stella, caught red-handed, bit her lip and mumbled, "Well, nothing actually happened in the end, so don't worry about it."

"What was it about this time?"

Stella kept her head down and pouted, refusing to say another word.

Briony glanced at Cedric, waiting outside in the car, and sighed. "Alright, just... try not to act on impulse, okay? It's the holidays—peace is precious. The Clarkes have a big family; be careful with your words so there are no misunderstandings, alright?"

"I know, I know!" Stella waved. "I'm going!"

on, then." She looked

"Will do. It's windy

and waved as Stella climbed into the passenger seat and little Aster buckled herself into her car seat in the back. The white SUV pulled

headed

room was alive with

were crouched

have thought, just a few years ago, that Stewart and James

watched the scene,

than help, darting around and

Mario! Come wash your hands.

sparkled. "I

toward her mom, her tiny footprints stamped on the decorations

caught the

pinched the bridge of

nose.

stamp has made

looks like Little

again

tried to wipe away his own prints with his

No luck.

he just made another one, figuring two were better than

blur of small limbs sprinted

there were two more tiny prints, one left

a helpless laugh,

dispenser in hand. "Figureme

SO the footprints have