Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

"Whatever happens, always respect her."

To love her means to respect her.

That's how James understood love.

Stewart gazed at James, his eyes unwavering. For the first time, he found himself feeling genuine respect and even admiration for James.

From the moment James met Briony, he'd stayed by her side-as a friend, as family, in every way that mattered.

He'd done so well, in fact, that Stewart felt a sting of inadequacy by comparison.

The room was empty except for the distant, joyful squeals of the children playing in the dining room and the gentle voice of a woman guiding them.

Lowering his voice, Stewart asked, "Are you leaving soon?"

James dropped his gaze, a bitter smile flickering across his lips. "Yeah. I'm the only son left in the Delaney family, and I'm at the age where people expect me to settle down. My grandfather's health isn't great, and he wants to see me get married, maybe have kids."

Stewart fell silent at that. As someone with a failed marriage behind him, he didn't feel he had much right to comment on the subject.

"Does Bryn know?"

"Haven't told her yet." James tried to sound casual. "I'll wait a few days. I'm heading back after the holidays."

Stewart nodded. "Alright."

Stewart and James headed to the kitchen to help with

Stewart, on the other hand, struggled. When it came time to knead the dough,

stared, puzzled, at her father's unmoving finger. “Daddy, why doesn't

face froze for

their

real," Stewart said lightly, not

be scared. "Isn't that kind

"Why is your finger

offered her a gentle smile. "I got hurt, so they had to make me

father's hand, then explained to his sister, "Daddy hurt his finger

After that, they couldn't save it, so

her gaze full of sympathy as she looked at Stewart. "Does it hurt,

"Not anymore, sweetheart. You

Mario!" Nina declared, her

deepened. "Thank

artificial finger. She pressed her

got a call-he needed

been busy lately, more than

upstairs for their afternoon nap. Her body still hadn't

up, dusk had already fallen. Out in the

was New Year's Eve, and every home was alive with celebration, the sounds of fireworks