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."

and James headed to the

ease, deftly handling every task. Stewart, on the other hand, struggled. When it came time

Nina stared, puzzled, at her father's unmoving finger.

face froze for

expected their daughter

said lightly, not trying to hide the truth but

wouldn't be scared. "Isn't

blinked. "Why is your finger fake,

her a gentle smile. "I got hurt,

at his father's hand, then explained to his sister,

save it, so now it's a fake

gaze full of sympathy as she looked at Stewart.

smiled softly. "Not anymore, sweetheart. You don't have

saved Mario!" Nina declared, her voice bright. "Daddy's

deepened.

him, her eyes lingering on that artificial finger. She pressed her lips

a call-he needed to step out for

lately, more

he left, Briony took the kids upstairs for their afternoon nap. Her

up, dusk had already fallen. Out in the city, the first

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