Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

"Alright then." Irwin turned to Rosita, his little face solemn. "Since you didn't mean it, Mom, I'll forgive you this time!"

At his words, Rosita was so overwhelmed with joy that tears sprang to her eyes. She hugged Irwin tightly. "Thank you, sweetheart. I promise I'll try even harder to be a good mom from now on."

Held in Rosita's arms, Irwin no longer felt afraid, but the scent of her perfume tugged at something inside him. He found himself missing Briony all over again.

He'd never liked the strong perfume Rosita wore. What he loved was the gentle, clean scent that always lingered on his real mom. Whenever he nestled in her arms, breathing in that familiar fragrance, he felt truly happy and safe.

But Dad had said that Mom was expecting a new baby and needed her rest, so he had to be a good boy and not disturb her. He needed to let Mom focus on bringing the baby into the world. Once the baby was born, Dad promised to take him to bring Mom and the new baby home together.

Thinking about that, Irwin's mood lifted. Clutching his toy, he went to sit on the playmat nearby and played quietly on his own.

Rosita watched him, feeling proud of herself for soothing Irwin so easily.

he was absorbed in his toys, she turned to Stewart.

a noncommittal hum and walked straight up without

clenched her fists. Was it because he'd learned Briony was pregnant? Was that

Upstairs, on the balcony.

and the soft glow of the balcony

cigarette and leaned against the railing, exhaling a slow stream

him, standing at his side. She tilted her chin slightly,

fingers holding the cigarette, eyes narrowed

loved for ten long years. Yet, she realized, she'd never truly understood what

to go back

at