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.

of nervousness flashing

your little one woke up, I was worried

voice deep and rough, sounding nothing like the man

she gave a faint smile.

for a moment. Was he just being

Nina called again, her

"Water, please?"

replied. He grabbed the pink children's thermos from the table, unscrewed the lid, and lowered the bed rail. With gentle hands, he propped Nina up so

don't rush

sipped most of the warm water, feeling much better. She looked up at Blair, her bright eyes curving into a crescent-moon smile. "Mr.

at her, unable to hide the fondness

gently settled Nina back, tucking

little Nina. That's

up at

caught off

to make. Blair, could you keep an eye

turned to look at

met his

that alright?"

fluttered, his Adam's apple bobbing

stepped to the bed, brushing

fever had gone