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.

watching 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

reads you bedtime

"Dad does."

him. "But your dad's so serious all the time.

his expression earnest. "Dad has a nice

Stewart reading a story, but she

face fell, and her lips pouted. "I never had a dad. Not even when I

sensing her sadness. “I didn't have a mom

it and sighed. "I guess you've got it a little worse. Grown-ups always say kids without a mom don't get to

milk!"

had my mom's milk! So really,

Mario was left speechless.

her daughter's words, stifling a laugh mixed with exasperation.

her out of the corner of his eye and stepped aside to let

"I'd like to take Mario with me today.

Their eyes met.

bags in her hands. "Those for

added, "I'll leave the toys

pressed his lips together, almost sighing. "He hardly has time to play

this conversation. Their perspectives

in my own way, that