Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

In the hospital stairwell, Cedric Clarke's voice was heavy. "You're using Mario to force her, Stewart. That's just cruel. Can't you try another way? Stop using Mario as leverage, will you? I get that you want to prepare him for the future-I support that. But this is too much. And for God's sake, do you really have to keep making Lorna play the wicked stepmother in front of her? Are you trying to kill her?"

Stewart was silent on the other end of the line.

Cedric waited for what felt like forever, but Stewart didn't say a word.

He ran a hand over his face and sighed. "Stewart, is this really it? There's nothing

I can say to change your mind?"

"It's gone too far. I can't turn back now."

"I don't feel sorry for you!" Cedric snapped, his frustration and concern bleeding through. "You deserve this! If you were headed down this road, Stewart, you should never have dragged Briony into it in the first place!"

"I'm trying to make up for it."

"Make up for it, my ass!" Cedric's anger barely masked his pain. "James and the others were right. Briony's life wouldn't be this miserable if she'd never met you."

"I'll take care of everything," Stewart replied, voice barely above a whisper. "I know it'll be hard for her. But she has the kid—and I know she'll push through for his sake."

"Get out of here!" Cedric couldn't take it anymore, even as a man himself. "What, you think you can just be heartless because your time's almost up? Let me tell you, she's still young. When you're gone, she'll take your money and your kid and marry someone younger and healthier. Then that man will spend your fortune, and your son will call him dad."

Stewart gave in response was a muffled,

line

through his hair in frustration, turned, and walked out of the stairwell-only to almost run straight into

James.

to?" James eyed Cedric, studying

stairwell door, guilt flickering

caught something about finding someone to

sighed. "No, it wasn't Stewart. It was another friend-he's going through a messy divorce. I was trying

stared at him,

you looking at me

your friends have questionable character, Dr. Clarke. Divorce after divorce-should I be

"Very funny. My wife and I are

"So, what brings you

paused. "I wanted to ask-what's Stewart's deal,

"Honestly? I don't get him either. His way of thinking has

don't know?" James