Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

She said, "This is cold-too much isn't good for you."

At her words, both kids' faces fell in disappointment.

Briony laughed and added, "But you can order one and share it."

"Really?" Little Nina's eyes widened in surprise. "Mom, Mario and I can really have a sundae?"

"Yes." Briony reached out to smooth her daughter's hair. "It's fine to have a little treat every now and then."

"You're the best, Mom!" Little Nina clapped her hands and cheered.

Mario lit up too, grinning shyly, his eyes shining as he looked at Briony. "Thanks, Mom."

Briony ruffled his hair as well. "Take another look-see if there's anything else you want."

"Okay!"

Mario and Nina eagerly resumed scouring the menu for more snacks.

Across the table, Stewart watched Briony, a slight furrow between his brows, lost in thought.

Their meal at KFC stretched on for nearly two hours.

Once they'd finished eating, Nina and Mario darted off to the play area, shrieking with delight.

the kids were still

sat quietly, his eyes never

getting late; she really needed to be

that moment, Stewart looked up

and said quietly,

searching her calm face, his Adam's apple bobbing as he spoke. "I'm leaving the country next week. Would it be alright if the kids stayed with me

Briony had expected this.

for work this week anyway." She

that.

five days.

that,

silent for a moment before saying, "Be

you're away."

lightly. "I

"Alright."

area to gather Nina and Mario, gave

and then left without another

she disappeared from

Carl