Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Downstairs, Briony and Cedric Clarke settled into their seats, each lost in their own thoughts.

James quietly prepared the tea, the gentle clinking of china filling the silence.

"We're all friends here, so I'll get straight to the point. You don't mind, Dr. Clarke?" Cedric managed a weary smile. "Honestly, I'm more anxious than anyone right now. I was hoping you both might have some advice for me."

Briony didn't hesitate. "Star seems to be struggling with a bit of postpartum depression."

Cedric's expression froze, as if the words had caught him off guard.

"Sure, memory loss and hormonal changes play a part," Briony continued, "but I think the way you both have been interacting with her might have something to do with it too."

Cedric was a doctor-he knew all too well that postpartum depression was a challenge many new mothers faced. But he'd never considered that Stella might be one of them. He'd done his research, after all. From the day she got pregnant to the moment she gave birth, he'd tried to do everything right, to be as prepared as any husband could be.

Now, though, he felt completely lost.

"Star never wanted to get married in the first place," Briony said gently, "let alone have a child. Dr. Clarke, right now, she feels trapped."

A pang of sadness crossed Cedric's face, and his voice wavered. "So, she's depressed because she thinks I—and the baby—have tied her down, is that it?"

Briony didn't deny it, though she worried the thought would only hit Cedric harder. She could see Stella cared for him, truly. But right now, Stella needed patience and understanding more than anything else.

"Dr. Clarke, I know it's not fair for Star to feel this way, but the truth is, she's just regained her memories. It's like the old Stella is wrestling with the new one. She needs time to process everything, and she needs to know she's not alone."

to be a rough stretch for you, I won't lie. But I hope you'll be patient with Star. She does care about you, I can see that. It's just

letting out a heavy sigh. "Thank you for being honest with me. I'll try to

glanced toward the stairs.

Briony nodded in encouragement.

voice low. "Do

Briony said, sounding

can you be

instinct to care about her child, Briony

with herself, not

She'd never

Suth

him."

his eyes. "I don't know. Not every mother is

Rosita and Lauren Lynn-those women treat their kids like

her brows knitting in gentle reproach. "You can't compare Star

hands up. "All right, all

he could say more, footsteps sounded