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

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

couldn't

on his spoon, tilting his head

your dinner and stop gawking," James said, placing a piece of honey-glazed pork in Irwin's bowl. "Eyes

a gloomy expression.

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

remembered what Mom Rosita had told him. He could only glare at James,

this grumpy uncle would help Mom calm

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

throw a tantrum, just quietly

would have

had he suddenly grown up so

James glanced at Briony.

time, chatting earnestly

a sip of tea, then

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

James: "..."

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

of disposable gloves and peeled three big shrimp

you're full,

have to worry—my dad

James: "..."