Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Stewart's gravesite had been chosen by a renowned spiritualist, whose services Cedric Clarke had secured at great expense.

Stewart, in life, had made it clear he didn't want a funeral. His only wish was for his ashes to be scattered along the banks of Pearbrook.

That, however, proved impossible. In the end, Cedric honored Stewart's wishes as best he could.

Briony quietly took on the responsibility for all the expenses-from the burial plot to the simple ceremony itself.

Cedric had called her, insisting he wanted to contribute, a gesture of brotherhood and remembrance. After some thought, Briony allowed him to cover a small portion.

As Stella once said, people are complicated. Stewart wasn't just a father to his two children; he was also a friend, a mentor, a colleague. The lives he touched were proof he'd truly been here.

Briony couldn't refuse others the chance to express their respect for Stewart. On the day of the funeral, a fine mist drizzled from a gray sky.

The ceremony was intimate and unadorned.

Those present were few: Cedric Clarke, Briony, James, Carl, Lorna, Carol, and the directors of two orphanages.

one to

these orphanages for years. When he learned of his illness, he entrusted both his law firm

care.

children in tow,

hour-chosen by the spiritualist-Briony approached the grave, wearing a simple black dress, two white flowers pinned

important moments

spiritualist's gentle guidance, she laid the

set, it

children's white paper flowers soon blanketed the grave in

"Stewart may have been cut from the family tree by Fred, but he was always

added, "Word got out somehow. The family elders have been calling me nonstop, hinting they want

with the Wentworth Group

here, in peace. He

Briony listened in silence.

photograph on the gravestone a copy of his ID photo brows furrowed, lips unsmiling. She