Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Stewart cut a striking figure in a tailored black suit, his presence commanding and coldly dignified.

His gaze flicked dispassionately over Briony's pale face before settling on Irwin, who was sobbing uncontrollably nearby.

"Irwin, come here." Stewart beckoned to him.

At his words, the maids exchanged nervous glances and quickly let go of Irwin's arms.

Irwin wasted no time; he ran straight to Stewart.

"Dad! Dad, you're finally here!" he cried, his small body shaking with relief and tears.

Stewart knelt down, gently ruffling Irwin's hair. His voice was calm and steady, reassuring. "Tell me, son. What happened?"

Before Irwin could answer, Rosita stepped forward.

She wiped her cheeks, her voice soft but edged with self-blame.

"It's my fault. I didn't think things through-I showed up out of the blue. Irwin couldn't handle it, finding out I'm his mother. It was too much for him all at once."

"You're not my mom!" Irwin shouted, pushing Rosita away with surprising force. "You're a bad woman! You're not my mom!"

Rosita gasped as her heel twisted beneath her, and for a moment it seemed she was about to fall.

In the nick of time, Stewart stepped in, catching her and pulling her safely into his arms.

"Are you alright?" he asked, concern flickering in his usually stoic eyes.

Rosita winced, unable to put weight on her foot. "I think I twisted my ankle, but I'll be fine. Irwin's feelings are what matter."

Stewart's brow furrowed. Without another word, he scooped Rosita up in his arms. "I'm taking you to the hospital."

As he turned, his eyes met Briony's.

were red-rimmed, and she stared at him with a desperate intensity. "Is it true?

gaze head-on, his deep eyes steady

is

was not a trace of deceit on his face. For Briony, the icy ache in her chest only

businesslike. "Irwin listens to you. Take him home and talk to

that, he carried Rosita

the Wentworth

her eyes stinging, her lips pale as she tried to will back

around hers. “Your eyes are so red.

down, brushing her hand gently over his small face and forcing a thin, brittle

sweetheart. I'm fine. Let's get you home." She stood and

her eyes. Still, with Stewart's instructions, she had no choice but to let Irwin

wouldn't be able to use Irwin as an excuse to stay in

tried to explain Rosita's identity

listen. After a few words, he broke down in tears again. Briony could only comfort him, feeling

the nursery just as the sound of a car drifted

downstairs-just as

air

asked, his

"He's asleep upstairs."

brushing past her and heading straight for the

watching his retreating back, her

marriage, countless nights spent together-surely she deserved an

and walked in. He picked up the sleeping Irwin, cradling him

doorway.

needs Irwin right now," Stewart replied curtly, and

the sound of

he pleased, never once giving her the chance to question,

around