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.

looked at him, reached out to gently stroke his hair, but didn't answer the question. Instead, he asked, "Did you get tired

was alright. Isn't that just how it

gazed at him, his eyes clouded

raised his voice at Irwin for the first

he came home, he'd brought Irwin a small

to him first, apologized,

thoughtfulness only made Stewart

that Irwin had found the courage to apologize

painfully aware of Irwin's lack of security;

Briony had

Vel

Deep down, Irwin still longed for the wholeness of a family-both parents

completeness... could it ever

eyes, wrestling with the

thought he could almost hear

Look, here's the ultrasound. That little shape is mine and

I'll buy her all

dresses. If it's a boy, I'll

he learns to

he can do something great with his

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

into a tight line; his breaths came

him, worry etched on his small face. "Dad,

to look at

himself for a

before speaking. "If I