Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

At eight-thirty that evening, Stewart returned to Sunset Ridge Villas.

Irwin had just finished his homework. Hearing the familiar sound of the car in the driveway, he looked up at Jeannie and asked, "I think Dad's home, isn't he?"

"That's right." Jeannie smiled, ruffling his hair. "Let's go down and say hi to your father."

"Okay!"

As Irwin and Jeannie made their way downstairs, Stewart was already settled on the sofa.

"Dad!" Irwin dashed over to him.

Stewart paused in the middle of rubbing his temples, then looked up at Irwin and offered a faint smile. "Done with your homework?"

"Yep!" Irwin frowned with concern. "Dad, is something wrong? Did work tire you out again?"

"I'm fine." Stewart patted the seat next to him. "Come sit with me for a while."

Irwin nodded and took a seat beside his father.

Jeannie walked over, her voice warm with cheer. "Mr. Wentworth, I made some nourishing soup in the kitchen. I'll bring some out for you and Irwin to have before bed."

Stewart pinched the bridge of his nose again and gave a soft hum of acknowledgment.

Jeannie turned and headed to the kitchen, humming contentedly to herself.

"Dad, when are Mom Bryn and my little sister coming home?" Irwin asked.

him, reached out to gently stroke his hair, but didn't answer the question. Instead,

alright. Isn't that just how it goes for

gazed at him, his eyes

voice at Irwin for the first time. The next day, after he'd calmed down, he'd felt deeply

home, he'd brought Irwin a small gift, planning to make

Irwin had come to him first, apologized, and promised that he

thoughtfulness only made Stewart feel

courage to apologize largely thanks to

also painfully aware of Irwin's lack of security; his

Briony had left.

Vel

was there, a teacher could never take the place of a mother. Deep down, Irwin still longed for the wholeness of a family-both parents there, caring

of completeness... could

his eyes,

a moment, he thought he could

That

girl, I'll buy her

If it's a boy, I'll

learns to be

so he can do

know there's no way back for me... Please, take care of Rosita

open. His lips pressed into a tight

etched on his small face. "Dad, are you

turned to

with himself for

speaking. "If