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

Since your little one woke up, I was worried she might

he explained, his voice deep and

change; she gave a faint smile. "I

a moment. Was he just being paranoid?

called again, her eyes

"Water, please?"

the lid, and lowered the bed rail. With gentle hands, he propped Nina up

rush or

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

at her, unable to hide the fondness

Nina back, tucking the

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

nodded solemnly. "I will, I promise." After a moment, she looked up at him.

caught

"I have another call to make. Blair, could you keep

to look at

his gaze,

that alright?"

Adam's apple bobbing with the effort

to the bed, brushing her hand over

had gone