Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Stewart couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

The kids were so thoughtful. They could tell he was feeling down and were trying

their best to cheer him up.

But deep down, Stewart knew the truth: Briony would never have invited him to

stay at Pearbrook Mansion of her own accord. It was only because the kids had

begged, and she couldn't bear to disappoint them, that she'd agreed.

The reality was, in Briony's eyes, Stewart no longer belonged under this roof.

A dull ache settled in his chest.

He told himself he had no right to ask about Briony's personal life anymore, but

the thought of her and Maynard spending the night together at the Windsor made

jealousy twist inside him anyway.

Maynard's pursuit of Briony was anything but subtle—bold, open, and relentless.

Now, with the two of them working together, they had every excuse to be around

each other all the time.

Stewart couldn't help but wonder: with Maynard coming on so strong, how long

could Briony hold her ground?

He looked at his two children—so perceptive and mature for their age—and

closed his eyes, silent.

The idea that Briony might let another man into her life tore at him, but he knew,

clear as day, he had lost the right to say anything about it.

Maybe this was the ending he and Briony were meant to have.

He'd have to learn to bury his love so deep it would never see daylight again—let

until his heart stopped

Stewart stayed

tucked into bed with the kids,

though his mind kept wandering back to

hated himself for it, but he couldn't resist nudging his little girl. "Why

your mom, Nina? See if

She grabbed Stewart's phone

chat.

No answer.

She tried again.

Still nothing.

you

his

Briony had seen his name on the screen

thought bitterly.

pulling out his own

rang and rang, but no one picked

Mario tried again.

eternity, someone answered—but

came through the

at his watch

Maynard answering

glanced up

tightened as he fixed his gaze

brewing behind his eyes.

air in the room grew

the watch, her tiny voice piping up, "Mr. Maynard,

my mom?"

Maynard replied, sounding

two be

for Daddy to finish our

to add, "and then

paused. "Your dad's there

proud as could be. "Mom

with us!"

let out a

great—having your dad

your mom and