Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Briony got off work early today-she was home before five.

The moment she saw the black Mercedes in the driveway, she paused, immediately guessing Stewart had arrived.

Stepping inside, she found Stewart crouched on the floor with his back to the door, both kids clinging to him.

The late summer sun streamed through the open doorway, casting a warm, golden glow over the three of them—a quiet, tender scene.

Stewart's white shirt stretched over his straight back; maybe he was thinner than before, the outline of his shoulder blades faintly visible beneath the fabric.

Briony stopped in her tracks, choosing not to interrupt.

It was Little Nina who spotted her first. She wriggled free from Stewart's embrace and came running. "Mommy!"

Briony knelt down to greet her daughter, pressing a gentle kiss to her soft, round cheek.

Stewart let go of their son, standing up to face her. "You've had a lot on your plate these last few days."

Briony released Nina and rose to meet his gaze. "Looking after them is what any mother would do."

Stewart swallowed, Adam's apple bobbing. At this point, he didn't dare hope for any lingering affection from Briony. That she could speak to him calmly, without resentment, felt like a gift in itself.

A few paces separated them as they stood there, eyes locked, both so composed.

Stewart had no idea she already knew the truth about his failing health-nor that this fragile peace, which moved him so deeply, was Briony's final act of grace.

There was no point raking over old wounds with a man whose days were numbered.

From the staircase, Stella watched the four of them together. The scene was so quietly serene that she suddenly felt it would be wrong to intrude.

Little Nina tugged at Briony's pinky. "Mommy, can I stay at Daddy's house tonight?"

Briony looked down, meeting her daughter's shining eyes, so full of hope. She smiled. "I don't mind, but you should check if Daddy's free." "Daddy told me to ask you first!"

Briony tapped her daughter's nose. "How many nights do you want to stay?"

"Three!" Nina held up three little fingers. "I promise I'll be back after three days!" "Alright," Briony agreed.noveldrama

Stewart was visibly surprised by how readily she said yes-surprised, and grateful.

"Thank you, Bryn." His dark eyes lingered on her, intensity in his gaze.

Briony met his look, her voice even. "I've paused all their activities for

now, which means they'll be home and need someone with

all day and

them. Are you sure you can

manage?"

Stewart's lips curved in a faint smile. "I'm between jobs. I've got all the time in the world."

At that, Briony didn't say anything more. "I'll go upstairs and pack their things."

"Okay," Stewart replied.

Stella followed Briony upstairs.

In the bedroom, Stella stood by the bed holding her son, watching Briony gather clothes into two small suitcases.

"Stewart's lost a lot of weight," Stella said. "He looks pale, too. Honestly, he doesn't seem well at all."

Briony didn't pause in her packing. She just gave a quiet acknowledgment.

Stella eyed her. "Bryn, are you starting to feel sorry for him?"

"He's their father, and the kids love him." Briony zipped up a tiny suitcase.

Stella let out a sigh. "He transferred all his assets to you. With that kind

of money, he could see any doctor

get any treatment he wanted. If he's

still not getting better, it must mean... there's nothing left totry, huh?"

"That's why, for the kids' sake, I want to let him keep his dignity for whatever time he has left."

Stella nodded. "You're being more than generous. If Cedric Clarke ever treated me that way-"

"Don't even say it!" Briony cut her off. "You know what they say about tempting fate? Don't even joke about it."

Stella clamped her mouth shut immediately.

Briony stood up, silent for a ment, then said quietly," Mario's been calling for his

his sleep every night latelet