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

been young, but he wasn't clueless. He knew James was deliberately keeping him away from

be a good boy-why did James still seem to dislike him

couldn't figure

chewed on his spoon, tilting his head to steal glances

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

with a gloomy expression. "I don't

James huffed. "If you don't like it, ask your Mom

had told him. He could only glare at James, then lower

it! If putting up with this grumpy uncle would

again, he wouldn't have to put up with James anymore. James watched Irwin out of the

tantrum, just quietly focused on his food. That was

few days ago, Irwin would have

had he suddenly

James glanced at Briony.

time, chatting

sip of tea, then looked back at Irwin.

"Mr. Delaney, I want some

James: "..."

was only five. It's not like he could really lose his

pulled on a pair of disposable gloves and peeled

when you're full, your dad can come take you

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

James: "..."