Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Most of his teeth were long gone, and when he smiled, deep wrinkles fanned out across his face. The staff at the home took good care of him, but there are things no amount of care can stave off age and decline come for everyone.

Irwin shrank back, dodging the old man's reaching hand. He slipped behind Stewart, frowning. "Dad, I don't know him. Who is he?"

Stewart ruffled Irwin's hair, his gaze lingering on the old man who just kept grinning blankly at Irwin. Stewart's eyes darkened, but he said nothing.

By the time they left the nursing home, it was already half past two in the afternoon.

Irwin could hardly contain his excitement-he wanted to see Briony as soon as possible.

"Dad, are we going straight to see Mom?"

Leaning back against the seat, Stewart pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yeah."

"Yay!" Irwin cheered. "It's Valentine's Day and I haven't bought any lanterns yet! Dad, can we go pick some out first? I want to choose the prettiest one for Mom!" Stewart smiled and ruffled his hair again. "Alright."

...

There was a big street fair set up along the edge of Pearbrook in Northborough, with stalls selling all sorts of lanterns-heart-shaped, animal-shaped, even

wishing lanterns to float into the night sky.

was bound to

out lanterns, Irwin

the lantern meant for Rosita to Stewart. "Dad, this one's for Mom Rosita. But we need to hide it in the car first, okay? Don't let Mom see it, or she'll get mad if she finds out I got one for

aback. "Why do

said maybe Mom doesn't like her much, so I shouldn't

Stewart said, taking the

jealous, they get angry! But being

head, looking up at Stewart with big, curious eyes. "If Mom gets jealous and mad because I'm close with Mom Rosita, does she get like that with

paused, surprised. "Why

things were good between you and Mom. I

Stewart: ".

a five-year-old felt

coughed, frowning. "I'm married to your

clapped a hand over

bet you didn't know this-every time you went away on business, Mom would stare at your photos when she thought no one was watching. I'd ask

blushed in front of