Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Irwin was the kind of child who tugged at your heartstrings.

Briony turned her gaze away. "Finish your dinner, then I'll call your father to come pick you up.

Irwin's eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly. "Okay! I'll do whatever you say, Mom!"

Briony's expression hardened. "And one more thing." She looked directly at Irwin, her voice stern. "Stop calling me Mom."

Irwin froze.

"No more 'Mom'..." His face fell, and as he saw how serious Briony looked, his head drooped. He answered in a small, muffled voice, "Okay."

Briony looked away. "Let's go."

James nodded. "You go on ahead. I'll keep an eye on this kid."

Irwin tried to catch up to Briony, but James grabbed his arm. Irwin looked up and glared at him, his eyes rimmed red.

James couldn't help but sigh at the pitiful sight. "Hey, kid, be good and don't cause trouble, or I'll toss you out on the street and let you fend for yourself!"

Irwin nodded, sulking.

James remained cautious.

As they walked, he kept a firm hold on Irwin's hand, never letting him get too close to Briony.

In the car, he made sure Briony sat up front, while Hannah and Irwin took the back seat.

he sat himself

He knew James was deliberately

tried so hard to be a good boy-why did James

couldn't figure it

on his spoon, tilting his

and stop gawking," James said, placing a piece of honey-glazed pork

the meat with a gloomy

eat what you're given!" James huffed. "If you don't like it, ask your Mom Rosita to make you

up, ready to protest, but then he remembered what Mom Rosita had told him. He could only glare at

it! If putting up with this grumpy uncle would help Mom calm down,

to put up with James anymore.

a tantrum, just quietly focused on

ago, Irwin would have been in tears by

suddenly

James glanced at Briony.

Irwin the whole time, chatting

lips together, took a sip of tea, then looked back at Irwin. Irwin was just glancing up at

want some shrimp, but I don't know how

James: "..."

remind himself—the kid was only five. It's not like he could really lose

of disposable gloves and peeled three big

you're full, your dad can come take you

a sweet smile. "But you don't have to worry—my dad will call me when he's

James: "..."