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

quietly, until his heart

night, Stewart

he was tucked into bed

mind kept wandering back to

couldn't resist nudging his

See if she'll pick

grabbed Stewart's phone and dialed Briony's

chat.

No answer.

She tried again.

Still nothing.

you think

his

on the screen and decided

thought bitterly.

pulling out his own

and rang, but no

Mario tried again.

an eternity, someone answered—but it wasn't

through the speaker.

at his watch

was Mr. Maynard answering

up

he fixed his gaze on Mario's smartwatch, a

brewing behind his eyes.

air in the room

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

my mom?"

in the shower," Maynard replied, sounding far too relaxed. "It's

you two be

to! We're waiting for Daddy

to add, "and

"Your dad's there

could be. "Mom said he could

with us!"

out a

your dad

your mom and