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 across the hall was wide open,

much attention, and unlocked her own door to

the kitchen, Gina poked her head out, spatula in hand. "You're

her shoes at the entryway and wandered in. "Looks like

the place, I think-sometime in

leaned against the kitchen doorway. "Have you met

the stove. "I made

stepped

...

breakfast, Briony grabbed her bag and changed her shoes. "Gina,

a good

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

bag tumbled to the

She froze in surprise.

out to check and saw Briony holding her broken bag. She frowned,

into her house

them thought much

loud crash echoed