Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Little Nina pouted, casting Briony a look of exaggerated exasperation. "Do you really need to ask?"

Briony was caught off guard.

"Of course I'd vote for Dad!" Little Nina replied, utterly convinced. "Mr. Ellsworth might be handsome, but he's just an uncle. If I wanted, I could have lots of handsome uncles in the future, but I only have one dad!"

Briony was momentarily speechless.

Little Nina looked up at her, eyes sparkling with mischief, her little voice clear and earnest.

"Mama, I know you and Dad argued and decided to live apart. But don't worry-if it came down to a vote between you and Dad, I'd pick you without a second thought! But if it's Dad versus anyone else, even Godfather versus Dad, I'd always choose Dad."

James: "..."

Well, turns out the real clown here is me.

The video ended there. James put away his phone, shut his eyes, and let out a long, theatrical sigh. "Sweetheart, that hurts. I think you owe me some comfort."

"Huh?" Little Nina glanced at James, blinking innocently. "Don't be sad, Godfather. You're still a step above Mr. Ellsworth. If it were between you and Mr. Ellsworth, I'd absolutely vote for you!"

James brightened instantly, feeling vindicated. He thought to himself, I knew all that pampering would pay off!

"Well then, Godfather feels much better now." He beamed at her, giving her a big thumbs-up. "You're absolutely right, Little Nina. I'm proud of you!"

too clever for questions like

her hair affectionately. "Just remember, this was your own choice. So if you grow up and change

hadn't given me those shares, I wouldn't even have the chance

definitely Stewart's daughter," James said, glancing at Briony. "What

at her daughter,

conversation left her with the sense that her little girl

say daughters inherit their intelligence and temperament more from their fathers. Looking at Little Nina now, Briony had to admit-when it

see what she's interested in.

was half-past nine-time for

said goodnight and headed

Briony climbed into bed beside her daughter. "No storybook tonight-how about you just talk with me for a while, Little

comforting scent. “Mom, did you sleep well

my cuddly Little Nina

it was to cheer her

I won't go

She'd never want her daughter to deny herself time with

slept just fine. But I did miss you—that

missed you