Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

In a place like this—a high-end restaurant—reputation is everything.

So when Irwin started wailing, it immediately drew uncomfortable glances from other diners. The manager hurried over, trying to salvage the situation. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but we have other distinguished guests in the dining room. Could you please calm your child? We wouldn't want to disturb anyone's meal."

"That's a misunderstanding!" James interjected, gesturing toward Rosita, who was sitting not far away. "He's got the wrong woman-that's the kid's real mother."

The manager turned, following James's gaze to Rosita.

"Ms. Rosita, the actress?" The manager shook his head, incredulous. "Sir, please don't make jokes. The child may have come in with Ms. Rosita, but he always calls her 'Ms. Rosita.' Meanwhile, the minute he saw your friend here, he started shouting 'Mom.' Isn't it obvious who the real mother is?"

James blinked, momentarily thrown. Wait-a kid who won't call Rosita "Mom" in public? Now that was interesting.

He shot Briony a look, one eyebrow raised. "So she's brave enough to have a kid, but not to claim him? What do you think if I made a fake profile online and spilled the truth, would her whole image just collapse overnight?"

Briony glanced over at Rosita.

she had no intention

carefully crafted her image in the film industry as "America's Sweetheart," the pure, untouchable goddess. There was no way she'd let her fans know she'd had a baby out of wedlock

went public, her male fans had a collective meltdown- droves of them unfollowed her instantly, and she lost nearly ten million followers on Facebook. Since then, Rosita had avoided mentioning anything remotely related to romance on social media or in interviews. She couldn't risk another blow to

work meant

and consequences. Rosita wanted her career and her child, but she wasn't willing to take the slightest risk. When had

about it, the more absurd

his business. But why should Briony be the one to pay

"Mom!"

flung himself at her,

away. I missed you. I missed you so much..." he sobbed, burying his face against her stomach, his little hands

In just a

cries tugged at her heart. She'd raised him for five years—she'd never once let him cry like

mind reminded her not to give in. She kept her voice cool and even.