Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Irwin's school drop-offs and pick-ups were usually Jeannie's job.

But Jeannie had come down with the flu, running a low fever for days and barely able to get out of bed. Stewart decided to have their driver, Bob, handle Irwin's transportation for the week.

Rosita arrived early and waited outside the school gates.

The moment she saw Irwin step out of the sleek black sedan, Rosita quickly put on her sunglasses and a medical mask, then hurried across the sidewalk toward him.

"Irwin!"

Irwin hesitated mid-step, thinking he must've imagined it. Shaking his head, he continued walking.

"Irwin, it's me!"

Rosita caught up and reached out, grabbing his arm. "It's Mom!"

Irwin was forced to turn around, staring in shock at the woman bundled up from head to toe.

It really was his mother.

But the excitement that flared inside him quickly gave way to resentment as memories of her sudden disappearance four years ago rushed back.

Jerking his arm free, Irwin glared at her. "I don't know you."

"Irwin!" Rosita pleaded, grabbing his arm again. "I know I was wrong. But I had my reasons for leaving. I know you need to get to class, but I'll be here after school. Let me take you out for dinner, and I'll explain everything-why I left without saying goodbye..."

"I don't care!" Irwin snapped, yanking his arm away.

"Ah!"

cried out, clutching

He glanced down and noticed a bandage wrapped around her wrist, stained

stammered,

pulled her sleeve over her wrist, trying to sound calm. "It's nothing. I'm

remembered someone once mentioning

closely. "You... you're still sick,

together, looking too ashamed to

a pang of guilt.

backpack higher. "Whatever.

I'll be here after school to pick you

time, Irwin

him walk away, a small smile tugging at her

gone through to have Irwin-she'd made the

was grateful for the decision

sudden return left Irwin distracted all through his classes. He barely

slung his

already waiting at

but there was no

His face fell.

Liar.

he stalked toward

a voice