Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Once inside, she realized Stewart wasn't downstairs.

"Irwin, go up to your room and start your homework."

"Okay." Irwin trudged up the stairs, backpack slung over his shoulder, clearly in a foul mood.

Jeannie, on the other hand, was practically buzzing with excitement. She hurried back to her room to touch up her makeup and spritzed herself with perfume before stepping out again.

As she left her room, Stewart emerged from his study at the same moment.

"Mr. Wentworth," Jeannie called, walking over with a bright smile. "Just finished working?"

The moment she approached, a wave of overpowering floral fragrance hit him.

Stewart's eyebrows knit together, and his voice stayed cool. "Where's Irwin?" Jeannie answered sweetly, "He's in his room, working on his homework!" Without another word, Stewart headed straight for Irwin's room.

Jeannie, unwilling to give up so easily, trailed behind.

Stewart paused outside Irwin's door, glancing back at her. "I haven't had dinner yet. Could you go downstairs and make me some pasta? Something light."

"Of course!" Jeannie replied, her heart fluttering as she turned and hurried down the stairs.

Stewart watched her go, his gaze growing distant and troubled.

Then he opened the door and stepped inside.

He

"Irwin?"

crossed the room and gently patted his head. "Why

scrambled to his feet.

eyes narrowing slightly. "Did something happen? Is someone

gaze darted away. "No...

you

Stewart, voice barely above a whisper. "Dad, will you always treat me like this?

said, ruffling Irwin's hair with his big hand. "Why

a smile. "Just wondered, that's

Stewart sat

sniffled and pointed vaguely

began

getting distracted, clearly not himself. Stewart noticed, but chose

later, Jeannie came up to call

stay with Irwin, then went downstairs to

all she could do

dining table sat a beautifully plated bowl of pasta, the carrots

at it for a moment, lost

phone and dialed Carl. "I need you