Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Little Nina didn't have school that day.

Briony took her out for a little shopping spree at the mall. They picked out some toys boys would love, along with a few shirts and pants.

As they walked through the toy aisle, Little Nina looked up at her and asked, "Mom, can't we bring little Mario home to stay with us for a few days?"

Briony gently smoothed her daughter's hair and answered softly, "Mario has daily tasks he needs to finish, sweetheart. He probably can't come and stay at Skybreeze Retreat for now."

Little Nina blinked, thinking it over. "So does that mean he doesn't even get to sleep in on weekends?"

Briony smiled. "Well, when we see him, you can ask him yourself."

Little Nina beamed and nodded. "Okay!"

Briony hadn't told anyone-not even Carol-that she was bringing Little Nina along to visit Mario.

At the security gate of Southcreek Manor, the guard wouldn't let them through. Sitting in the car, Briony pulled out her phone and called Carol.

Carol picked up and rushed outside, flustered. "This is Master Mario's biological mother. Who told you to keep her out?"

"I'm sorry, Ms. Carol," the guard replied helplessly. "Ms. Riley specifically instructed us not to let strangers in."

The word "strangers" made Carol's expression falter. She glanced anxiously at Briony.

Briony sat behind the wheel, hands on the steering wheel, her face expressionless.

were divorced now. Technically, she was an

no desire to set foot

came to a stop. Briony switched off the engine, stepped out, and opened

the trunk and took out

loaded with shopping bags. "Ms. Kensington, please, let me carry

daughter's hand and

the staircase, followed

"Ms. Kensington, you're here!"

and

last few steps

you were coming?" Lorna asked. "I could have told Mario's tutor

the watch on her wrist. "It's only ten. Mario's boxing lesson won't be over until

gaze, cool and composed. "I took my daughter shopping

a few things for Mario.

eyes flickered over Briony's

all gifts

inspect the bags, her

suitable-Mario doesn't play with things

exasperated. "Ms. Kensington, Mario isn't a toddler anymore. These are too childish for him, and they're a distraction from his studies.

least bit surprised

prepared herself for this