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.

nervousness flashing in his

little one woke up, I was worried she might

deep and rough, sounding nothing

didn't change; she gave a faint smile. "I

was surprised for a moment. Was he just being paranoid? He'd half

Nina called again,

"Water, please?"

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

don't rush

Blair, her bright eyes curving into a crescent-moon smile. "Mr. Monroe, I feel a lot better now.

gazed at her, unable to hide

Nina back, tucking the covers

doctor, little Nina. That's the only

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

was caught off

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

turned to look

met his gaze,

alright?"

his Adam's apple bobbing with the effort to answer. "Of

bed, brushing

had