Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Cedric Clarke fell silent, at a loss for words.

Stewart cast a cool glance at Stella, then turned to Cedric. "Let's go."

Cedric pressed his lips together, shooting Stewart a look that said, "Hey, man, I tried." He watched as Stewart strode away.

The Maybach had barely pulled out of the Skybreeze Retreat's driveway when, just seconds later, a Bentley rolled in.

Briony was about to take her daughter upstairs for a bath when she caught sight of Ferdinand Ellsworth through the car window. Her brow furrowed slightly.

Ferdinand stepped out of the car.

Under the evening sky, the man's crisp white shirt and tailored black slacks, combined with his refined demeanor, made him look every bit like he had stepped out of a painting-sharp features, gentle eyes, and an effortless elegance.

Stella's eyes lit up. She immediately raised her camera, snapping away in rapid succession.

"Wow, he's gorgeous!" she gushed, hugging her camera. "Who is that? Absolutely first-rate. Mr. Delaney, is he a friend of yours?"

James cleared his throat, flashing an awkward smile. "That's Ferdinand-he's a renowned doctor in the old town."

"Oh, so you're Ferdinand!" Stella stepped forward, eyes sparkling. "No wonder you're top pick for Little Nina's stepdad-what a waste if you don't end up in Hollywood. I mean, just look at you—"

Cedric Clarke couldn't take it anymore. Face darkening, he marched over to the cradle and pulled his son's tiny hand out of his mouth.

"Waaah-!"

into a piercing

him. "Oh, don't cry, little guy... Honey, the baby's hungry-see how hard

be right," Stella said, torn between her love for eye candy and her motherly

over, put the camera down, and took Aster from Cedric's arms. "You little rascal-Mommy was trying to admire a handsome man and you

teary eyes locked on his mom. But after a few seconds, he started bawling again-louder

alright! Mommy was joking. Hungry, huh? Let's get

glare, then turned and carried

and he was feeling pretty pleased

at Ferdinand and waved him over.

gave Cedric

his

and

to have

in private."

spoke, Ferdinand walked

him approach, her expression