Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Ever since Jeannie and Irwin returned from the hospital, the question of Irwin's origins had weighed heavily on both their minds.

To be honest, Jeannie's feelings had grown complicated since discovering Irwin's true identity.

On the one hand, she was relieved to learn Irwin wasn't Stewart's biological son. That meant if she married Stewart one day, any child she bore would be the rightful heir to the Wentworth family. Irwin, with his questionable parentage, would inevitably be cast aside.

Yet she couldn't help but worry-what if Stewart learned the truth and abandoned Irwin immediately? Then her own worth in the household would vanish entirely.

After weighing her options, Jeannie decided the secret had to be kept—at least until she became Stewart's wife. For now, Irwin's parentage had to remain hidden.

The next afternoon after school, Jeannie took Irwin out to dinner. She'd gone out of her way to book a private dining room at a quiet little bistro. After the food was served, the waiter closed the door softly behind him, leaving them alone.

Jeannie watched Irwin dig into his meal, her amber eyes crinkling with a gentle smile.

"Irwin, do you want to know what your teacher and your mom talked about yesterday?" she asked, her tone light and coaxing.

Irwin paused, his fork halfway to his mouth, and shook his head.

"Are you sure you don't want to know?" Jeannie pressed, her voice sweet as honey. "It's something important. About you."

glanced up

sure whether to tell you, honestly. This might

to fray. "Ms. Radcliffe, you're

out a soft sigh. "Poor Irwin. Your mom...

wide. "Lied? My mom lied to my dad about

to a conspiratorial whisper. "You're not really your

went pale with

too," she added, twisting

Irwin's small hands trembled. "Ms. Radcliffe, I don't

son of a close friend of his, but even that isn't true. Your mom

mom never

son..." Irwin shook his head, tears welling up in

loves me. How

She smiled sweetly, but each word was calculated, sharp

he ever finds out that's a lie, he

voice low and urgent. "Irwin, this is a secret.