Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Briony emerged from the kitchen, carrying a steaming dish of freshly made meatballs in rich tomato sauce.

"Hold on, Nina, don't come too close-watch out, it's hot."

At her warning, little Nina promptly grabbed her friend Mario's hand and pulled him aside.

Only when Briony had set the food on the table did Nina tug Mario over to her side and present him with pride.

"Mom, look! This is Mario!"

Nina gently nudged Mario forward until he stood right in front of Briony.

Briony smiled. Her daughter was a little social butterfly, always inviting friends over, so she was more than used to it by now.

She crouched down as usual, ready to greet her daughter's new friend. But the moment she met Mario's pitch-black eyes, she froze.

A strange, indescribable feeling swept over her.

Mario stared back at Briony. His big, dark eyes reflected her face, and his expression stayed blank and unreadable.

Nina leaned in close and whispered in Briony's ear, "Mom, Mario isn't like most kids. Carol says he doesn't really like to talk."

Briony frowned slightly at that.

Not like most kids?

Just then, James and Carney walked in from outside, with Carol following behind.

smile. "I hope it's not too much trouble for us to drop by like

and returned the smile, nodding. "Not at all. Are you Mario's

his nanny," Carol explained gently. "Mario's parents are busy with work. He's a little on

So that was it.

to Mario's face, and she sighed softly. "He's such a beautiful, sweet child. Life must

lot just to bring him into this world, so seeing him like this now-it's honestly a

drifting to her own son for a brief moment. "He really is

She knew children

gentle touch from a

"He's a really good kid, just very quiet. New people and places make him nervous, but he's very

at Carol. "Why don't you and Mario relax in the living room for a bit? I just need to finish a few more dishes and

so much trouble!" Carol said, a bit flustered. "Let me help

guests," Briony said with a warm laugh. "Besides, the kids are getting along so well-it's fate, isn't it? Make yourself at home. My family's easygoing, so please,

Mario? Briony is so kind. Shall we say

gaze

braced herself, expecting Mario to remain silent as

shuffled forward and, under all their watchful eyes, gently reached out and wrapped his tiny hand around Briony's

split second, the

a

looked down, her gaze locked with

instant his small hand gripped her finger,

same, unexplainable feeling washed over her

you," Mario said, his voice barely above

simple words-but for Mario, it was

with tears. She pressed a hand to her mouth, overcome