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.

sat himself

he wasn't clueless. He knew James was deliberately keeping him away

he'd tried so hard to be a good boy-why did James still seem

couldn't

spoon, tilting his

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

meat with a gloomy expression.

it, ask your Mom Rosita

had told him.

putting up with this grumpy uncle

with James anymore. James watched Irwin

quietly focused on his food.

Irwin would have been in tears

suddenly grown up

James glanced at Briony.

whole time, chatting earnestly with Hannah and the

took a sip of tea, then looked back at Irwin. Irwin

"Mr. Delaney, I want some shrimp, but I don't

James: "..."

only five. It's

James pulled on a pair of disposable gloves and peeled

you're full, your dad can come take

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

James: "..."