Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

When little Nina woke up, Briony was already on the phone.

She stood by the window, her back to the bed.

Nina watched her mother quietly. She knew Mom was busy, but her mouth felt dry and she wanted a drink.

"Mom..."

At the sound of her voice, Briony turned, but just then the hospital room door swung open and a figure dressed in black hurried in, reaching Nina's bedside before Briony could.

"What does little Nina need?"

Briony paused in her tracks.

With Blair shrouded head to toe in black—a dark hat pulled low and a mask covering all but his eyes-any child would normally shrink away in fear.

But for some reason, little Nina always felt safe around Blair.

"Mr. Monroe, I'm thirsty, could I have some water?"

Blair's voice softened. "Of course. Just stay still, I'll get you some."

"Thank you, Mr. Monroe," Nina replied, her voice as gentle as a whisper. Curled

up in bed, she looked so fragile it made your heart ache.

Blair reached out to touch her cheek, then turned to fetch water, only to find himself meeting Briony's gaze unexpectedly.

stopped, a flicker of nervousness flashing in his dark

busy. Since your little one woke up,

he explained, his voice deep and rough, sounding nothing like the

didn't change; she gave

surprised for a moment. Was he just being paranoid?

again,

"Water, please?"

the pink children's thermos from the table, unscrewed the lid, and lowered the bed rail. With gentle hands, he propped Nina up so she was half-reclining, then held the

slowly, don't rush or you'll

warm water, feeling much better. She looked up at Blair, her bright eyes curving into a crescent-moon smile. "Mr. Monroe, I feel a lot better

at her, unable to hide the fondness in

gently settled Nina back, tucking the

to listen to the doctor, little Nina. That's the only way

promise." After a moment, she looked up at him. "Mr. Monroe, will you stay with me

was caught

could answer, Briony spoke up, "I have another call to make. Blair, could you

turned to look at

his

that alright?" she

bobbing with the effort to answer.

brushing her hand

had gone