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.

Mom, in the car." Irwin shot a glance at James up front. "Dad, I'm staying with Mom tonight, so you don't need

sharp. "Stewart, I don't want to interfere in whatever's going on between you and Rosita, but please tell her-if she's so worried about Irwin's identity getting out, maybe she should stop dragging him everywhere. And if she does, she needs to take

me," Stewart replied, his voice low. "What happened tonight wasn't intentional. Some paparazzi were following her, and she panicked and left Irwin behind. Anyway, Carl's already downstairs at your

bother responding.

to Irwin. "Did you

He nodded.

clouded his face, but he always

get

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

Briony's voice was gentle but firm. “Irwin, you're five. I know you understand what I'm

wrinkled in confusion. "How

small hands, trying to make

for five years! We all

fingers to her forehead, suddenly exhausted

kids in my class, their moms and dads live together. You and Dad used to, too! That means we're a family. The three of

unable to listen any longer. He switched on some soft classical music, letting it fill the tense silence of the

Irwin's earnest little face and

The only thing you need to remember is: I've moved out of Southcreek Manor. Your father and I