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

have been young, but he wasn't clueless. He knew

a good boy-why

just couldn't figure

on his spoon, tilting his head to steal glances at

James said, placing a piece

meat with a gloomy expression. "I

James huffed. "If you don't like it, ask your Mom Rosita to make you something else when you get

him. He could only glare at James, then lower his head and stuff the

grumpy uncle

up with

quietly focused on his

ago, Irwin would have

he suddenly grown

James glanced at Briony.

Irwin the whole time, chatting earnestly with Hannah and the

took a sip of tea, then looked back at

some shrimp, but

James: "..."

kid was only five. It's not like he could

on a pair of disposable gloves and peeled three big shrimp for Irwin in

Eat up, and when you're full, your dad

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

James: "..."