Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

"Irwin, your father and I are divorced," Briony said quietly.

"No we're not!" Irwin's little brow furrowed in protest. "Dad said you two never signed the divorce papers. Without those, you're still married! We're still a family!"

Briony's own brow tightened; she hated how Stewart put these ideas in their son's head. Twisting words, making a mess of everything-like some back-alley bully.

Looking at Irwin's stubborn but innocent face, Briony realized it was pointless to argue further.

Just then, James pulled the SUV to the curb. Briony opened the back door. "Get in," she said.

Irwin scrambled happily into the back seat. For safety's sake, Briony climbed in beside him.

As the doors shut and the Range Rover rolled forward, James glanced back at Briony in the mirror. "So what are we doing with this little guy?" he asked.

Briony was about to reply when her phone buzzed. Stewart's name flashed on the

screen.

She guessed he was calling about Irwin.

Without hesitation, she answered, switched to speakerphone, and handed the phone to Irwin. "It's your dad."

Irwin's face lit up. "Hi, Dad!"

"Irwin, where are you right now?" Stewart's voice came through.

up front. "Dad, I'm staying with Mom tonight, so you don't need

spoke up, her voice sharp. "Stewart, I don't want to interfere in whatever's going on between you and Rosita, but please tell

replied, his voice low. "What happened tonight wasn't intentional. Some paparazzi were following

didn't bother responding. She

to Irwin. "Did you

He nodded.

face, but he always listened to his

really thought he'd get

looked up at Briony. "Mom, when can I come

gentle but firm. “Irwin, you're five. I know you understand what I'm saying. From now on, you, your dad, and Rosita—that's your family.

in confusion. "How can

his small hands, trying to make sense of

five years! We all

her forehead, suddenly

moms and dads live together. You

finally unable to listen any longer. He switched on some soft classical music, letting it fill

watched Irwin's earnest little face and felt frustration

is: I've moved out of Southcreek Manor. Your father and I have separated.