Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Her daughter's tiny fists rained down on him, light as falling raindrops-nothing that could possibly hurt.

Yet to Stewart, every little punch landed squarely on his heart.

He stared at his daughter in stunned silence, his grip on Briony's hand loosening bit by bit.

The forceful air he'd carried just moments ago had vanished completely.

Briony gently pulled her hand free and bent to scoop Little Nina into her arms.

Holding her daughter close, her voice gentle and soothing, Briony whispered, "Don't worry, Little Nina. Mommy's okay."

Little Nina threw her arms tightly around Briony's neck, glaring fiercely at Stewart with all the indignation a four-year-old could muster. "A real gentleman never bullies a lady. Shame on you!"

Stewart watched his daughter, Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed hard.

He wanted to say something, to comfort her somehow, but Little Nina had already buried her angry face into the crook of Briony's neck.

"Mommy, I don't like him!" she declared, her voice trembling with both outrage and the threat of tears.

Briony's heart ached.

Little Nina was usually so cheerful, so optimistic, but she was only four. Watching her parents argue-seeing things escalate-must have been terrifying for her.

Briony couldn't help but feel a stab of guilt for letting her temper get the better of her and scaring her child.

She stroked her daughter's back tenderly, fixing Stewart with a cold stare. "You should leave. Don't come to Skybreeze Retreat again."

Stewart pressed his lips together, his dark eyes locked on Briony.

After a moment, he gave a low, defeated reply. "Alright."

Briony turned away, carrying her daughter inside.

Little Mario stood frozen at the doorway.

As Briony passed, she spoke softly to him, "Little Mario, it's getting late. Let's go upstairs and get ready for bed."

back at Stewart

retreat,

Little Mario slept with Briony and Little Nina

last time, Briony lay in the middle, an arm wrapped gently around each

read them a bedtime

two little ones

she finished, Briony turned off the lamp. "Alright now, close your eyes and go to

tonight!" Little Nina piped up, all traces of the earlier scene forgotten. Children, after all,

she was determined to fulfill her big-sisterly duties by

smiled. "Alright, tonight you can sing the lullaby for your

his

He'd become much more outgoing lately- especially after their

sweet, childish voice

through a few lines

was par for the

Mario, however, was

took over, singing a gentle lullaby until Little Mario finally closed

it felt as

held him, humming softly, and he called out

small voice murmured

he

peaceful face

was deeply asleep, a faint smile curving his lips-he must have been having a

Briony's heart melted.

he'd never known a mother's embrace from the moment he

to her own son so fragile, so tiny, who'd never even felt his mother's arms

to kiss Little Mario's forehead and whispered, "Sleep well, little

from Gwendolyn

declaring Rosita hopelessly unmusical-learning a song in a week was out

asked Rosita to master the basic posture

to explaining the instrument's history and the basics

told Rosita to stay home and focus on