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.

Irwin shot a glance at James up front. "Dad, I'm staying with

please tell her-if she's so

"What happened tonight wasn't intentional. Some paparazzi were following her, and she panicked and left

didn't bother responding.

turned to Irwin. "Did you hear what

He nodded.

but he always listened

thought he'd get

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

gentle but firm. “Irwin, you're five. I know you understand what I'm saying.

brow wrinkled in confusion. "How can you be

trying to

and Dad for five years! We all lived

her fingers to her forehead, suddenly

the kids in my class, their moms and dads live together. You

longer. He switched on some soft classical music, letting it fill the

watched Irwin's earnest little face and felt frustration

need to remember is: I've moved out of Southcreek Manor. Your father and I have separated. We won't be living together