Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

After four years away, Briony's studio was still running smoothly.

Back when she first left, they lost a handful of regular clients, but over the past couple of years, business had slowly picked up again.

Briony's return, with Little Nina in tow, sent a ripple of excitement through the staff.

Everyone crowded around to coo at Little Nina, immediately charmed by her sweetness and how much she resembled her mother.

Little Nina was a natural social butterfly; the unfamiliar faces didn't faze her in the slightest.

James scooped her up to introduce her to everyone, then led her off to meet the golden retriever.

Four years ago, he'd been just a fluffy puppy. Now, he'd grown into a full-sized, dignified dog.

His old little dog bed had long since been outgrown.

Hannah Lane had cleared out a storage room, turning it into his own private space.

Sensing something special, Lucky's tail wagged furiously the moment he saw Little Nina.

James kept a gentle hand on Nina's shoulder, not letting her pet the dog-she might be allergic to his fur.

like a real

Woof!" Lucky barked

home, he

didn't Mom take him with her when she left?" Nina asked, peering up at

ruffled her hair. "Because she was pregnant with you, sweetheart. She had to take care of herself and you, so

poor Lucky!" Nina pouted

at her, as if he understood every word.

love, settling in

lot to say, and Lucky seemed to answer every sentence with a

family genes are. Both mother

around at the familiar space, her voice soft with nostalgia. "After four years, nothing here has changed at

to tidy up and keep things in order. I always had a feeling you'd

at Briony. "Honestly, Briony,

at her, a touch helpless as she noticed Hannah's mascara running down her cheeks. "I had my reasons. For these past four years,

about you, and he said you were fine, but he couldn't tell us more because he was worried

a smile. "That's all behind us

up. "Now I get to see you