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

into bed with the kids, watching them play

though his mind kept wandering back to Briony's

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

Nina? See if she'll pick

lit up. "Okay!" She grabbed Stewart's phone and dialed Briony's

chat.

No answer.

She tried again.

Still nothing.

"Do you

his

his name on the screen and decided not to

thought bitterly.

own kiddie smartwatch. "I'll call her,

dialed. The call rang and rang,

Mario tried again.

after an eternity, someone answered—but it

came through the

froze, staring at his watch in

was Mr. Maynard answering his mom's

glanced up at Stewart,

tightened as he fixed his gaze on Mario's smartwatch,

brewing behind his eyes.

air in the room

closer to the watch, her tiny voice piping up,

my mom?"

sounding far

you two

we're about to! We're waiting for

add, "and then we'll go

paused. "Your

grinned, proud as could be. "Mom said he

with us!"

let out

great—having your dad

mom and I don't have