It was just past 1 a.m. on the first day of the new year when Irwin was rushed into the emergency room.

The attending physician examined his injuries, his brows furrowing with concern. "The wound's pretty deep," he said gravely. "It might've reached the bone."

Briony stood outside the ER, watching Stewart pace back and forth, his phone pressed tightly to his ear. The fear and anxiety written all over his face were impossible to miss.

She never imagined things would spiral out of control like this.

Though Briony had her share of resentment, she'd never once intended for Irwin to get hurt.

She'd cared for him for five years. Colds and sniffles happened often enough, but tumbles and scrapes were rare. This was by far the worst injury he'd suffered since he was born, and Briony couldn't pretend she didn't care.

After all, she'd raised this boy with her own hands; he'd called her "Mom" for five years. And now, because of a single argument, he was lying in the ER, fighting for his life...

No matter what mistakes Rosita and Stewart had made, Irwin was just a child-an innocent bystander.

Briony pressed a trembling hand to her lower abdomen, her chest tightening with guilt.

She couldn't bring herself to harden her heart toward Irwin-yet when it came to her own children, she'd always been cold and ruthless.

Ever since she had learned of their existence, it seemed as if she'd done nothing but turn her back on them.

was innocent, then what about

just as

she

two children would be

would be left in this world with no

moving slowly, and suddenly felt her wrist caught

somewhere?" Stewart's voice was low and

turning to meet his accusing gaze. Her own

because of you. He's still in there,

very least, she would wait until Irwin was out of danger. She was just exhausted and wanted

didn't bother explaining herself to Stewart.

the intense look in his eyes. Without glancing back, Briony walked over to an empty

how thinly she was dressed and, after a moment's

over her. Before she could react, the heavy black overcoat,

gently pressed her shoulders. "No need to punish yourself just because you're angry," he said

She froze.

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