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.

dinner, he sat himself right between Briony and

young, but he wasn't clueless. He knew James was deliberately keeping

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

couldn't

his spoon, tilting his

a piece of honey-glazed pork in Irwin's bowl. "Eyes

at the meat with a gloomy

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

what Mom Rosita had told him. He could

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

wouldn't have to put up with James anymore. James watched

just quietly

would have

he suddenly grown

James glanced at Briony.

chatting earnestly with Hannah and the

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

eyes met. Irwin blinked. "Mr. Delaney, I want some shrimp, but

James: "..."

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

James pulled on a pair of disposable gloves and

full,

Irwin flashed him a sweet smile. "But you don't have to worry—my dad will call

James: "..."