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.

door to the apartment

pay much attention, and unlocked her

head out, spatula in

at the entryway and wandered in. "Looks like

the place, I

the table and leaned against

"I made you some chicken soup-it's in the slow

Briony stepped into the

...

bag and changed her

a

but as soon as she took a step outside, the strap of her

bag tumbled to the

She froze in surprise.

Briony holding her broken

Briony closed the door behind her, slipped back into her house slippers, and headed

thought

sudden loud crash echoed from the hallway outside-followed