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

wither, quietly, until

night, Stewart stayed

he was tucked into bed with the

his mind kept wandering

it, but he couldn't resist nudging his

Nina? See if she'll

"Okay!" She grabbed Stewart's phone and dialed

chat.

No answer.

She tried again.

Still nothing.

"Do you think Mommy's asleep

his

name on the screen and decided not

thought bitterly.

own kiddie smartwatch. "I'll call

and rang, but

Mario tried again.

after an eternity, someone answered—but it wasn't Briony.

came through

staring at his watch in

Mr. Maynard

glanced up

fixed his gaze on Mario's

brewing behind his eyes.

air in the room

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

my mom?"

the shower," Maynard replied, sounding

you two be

waiting for Daddy to finish our bedtime story,"

add, "and then we'll go

paused. "Your dad's there

proud as could be. "Mom said he

with us!"

out a low

great—having your dad

your mom and I