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 her wrist

and noticed a bandage wrapped around her

stammered,

trying to sound calm. "It's

remembered someone once mentioning

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

pressed her lips together, looking too

felt a pang of guilt. He

his backpack higher. "Whatever. I have to get

I'll be here

Irwin didn't

away, a small smile tugging

she'd gone through to have

was grateful for the decision

return left Irwin distracted all through his classes. He barely

the final bell rang, Irwin slung his backpack over his shoulder and hurried

was already waiting at

for Rosita, but there was no

His face fell.

Liar.

he stalked toward the

then, a voice called