Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

That gentle, loving mom-she was supposed to be his.

"Grown-ups' feelings can get really complicated." Lauren gently ruffled Irwin's hair, her voice full of sympathy. "So, Irwin, do you want to see your mom Bryn?"

"I do! I really do!"

Irwin's eyes grew hot, and he swiped away his tears with his sleeve, choking out, "But Dad told me on the plane that I shouldn't bother Mom anymore. He said if I really, really want to see her, I have to ask him first, and only if he says yes, then I can go."

"How about this-what if we just... run into her by accident?"

"By accident?" Irwin's eyes went wide. "Grandma, do you have a plan?"

Lauren stroked his cheek and gave a mysterious smile. "Of course I do. I've come up with something perfect, just for you."

"Wow!" Irwin's sadness vanished in an instant. He threw his arms around Lauren, hugging her tight.

"Grandma, you're amazing! You're the best, and you're always so good to me. I love you so much!"

Lauren hugged him back, smoothing his soft hair, but behind her gentle eyes lurked a hidden malice.

...

Briony didn't get home from work until six that evening.

the front door to the apartment across the hall was wide open,

attention, and unlocked her own door to head

head out,

off her shoes at the entryway and wandered

the place,

leaned against the kitchen doorway. "Have you met

was busy stir-frying something and couldn't leave the stove. "I made you some chicken soup-it's in the

Briony stepped into the

...

next morning, after breakfast, Briony grabbed her bag and changed

have a

as she took a step outside, the strap of her purse snapped

bag tumbled

She froze in surprise.

check and saw Briony holding her

house slippers, and headed to her room. "I'll

of them thought much

with a different bag, a sudden loud crash echoed from the