Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

"Can I see your room, Mario?" Nina asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.

Mario nodded. "Sure."

Carol smiled at the two of them. "Come on, I'll take you upstairs."

Hand in hand, Mario and Nina followed Carol up the staircase, giggling softly as they went.

Briony picked up the clothes she'd brought and was about to head after them when Lorna's voice stopped her.

"Ms. Kensington, could we have a word?"

Briony paused, turning to look at Lorna.

"Ms. Kensington, Mario is a bright, thoughtful child. I hope you won't let your own possessiveness hold him back from growing up the way he should."

A cool, measured smile flickered on Briony's lips. "If we're talking about possessiveness, Ms. Riley, you seem far more invested than I am."

Lorna's brow furrowed.

"I've already made everything clear to Stewart," Briony continued, her tone even. "If you think I'm out of line, take it up with him. From now on, Ms. Riley, you don't need to pretend we're getting along for appearances. I have no interest in your man, and you don't need to try and take my son."

With that, Briony turned away and started up the stairs, ignoring Lorna's tight- lipped silence.

Upstairs, laughter and playful shrieks drifted from the children's bedroom next to the master suite.

his two children with a gentle gaze. Nina bounced on Mario's little bed. "Do you sleep here all by yourself at night?" Mario sat cross-legged,

reads you bedtime

"Dad does."

him. "But your dad's so serious all the time. Are his stories any good? Isn't his

blinked, his expression earnest. "Dad

trying to imagine Stewart reading a story, but she just couldn't

never had a dad. Not even when I

at her, sensing her sadness. “I didn't have a mom when I was born,

it a little worse. Grown-ups always say kids without a mom don't get to drink real

did have milk!" Mario insisted,

Nina argued. "I had my mom's milk! So really,

Mario was left speechless.

stifling a laugh mixed with exasperation. Where did

corner of his

spoke calmly. "I'd like to take Mario with me today. I'll bring him back

Their eyes met.

the shopping bags

added, "I'll leave the toys here. If you throw them out, I'll just buy

together, almost sighing. "He hardly

much point in continuing this conversation. Their perspectives

Mario to know, in my own way, that wherever he is, his mom