Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

The atmosphere in the living room was split right down the middle.

Stewart sat alone in an armchair, while Cedric Clarke and James shared the adjacent sofa. James couldn't even be bothered to make tea, tossing the job to Cedric instead. Cedric dutifully prepared the tea, not daring to utter a word.

Across from Stewart, Stella cradled baby Aster in her arms, glaring at Stewart with a look that could kill. Stewart, for his part, maintained an air of unruffled calm, seemingly impervious to Stella's icy stares.

Little Nina and little Mario flanked Stella on either side, perched at the edge of their seats.

"Star, is the baby your brother or your sister?" Little Nina asked, her curiosity shining through.

Stella glanced down at her. The little girl was so adorable-Stella had lost count of how many times today she'd envied Briony. She flashed a sweet smile. "He's your baby brother."

"Oh!" Little Nina's eyes lit up. "So with little Mario, that means I have two baby brothers now?"

Stella was charmed by her innocent delight. "That's right! You're the big sister here. From now on, Aster and little Mario are under your watch."

Little Nina's face lit up with excitement. "Yay! I can't wait to tell Daisy on Monday -I won't be jealous of her for having two brothers anymore, because now I have two too!"

Little Mario, meanwhile, was staring at Aster. "Why is he sucking on his fingers?"

Aster was indeed busy with his own chubby hand, his big, bright eyes fixed on little Mario, blinking curiously.

"He's probably hungry," Little Nina said, looking up at Stella. "Auntie, does he need a bottle?"

Stella let out a helpless laugh. "He's just sleepy. I'll take him upstairs for a nap. You two play nicely, okay?"

Mario nodded obediently and scurried off to dig through the

Stella headed for the stairs, she shot Cedric

Stewart. "Look, either talk like a normal person or keep quiet. I'm the one who gets in trouble for your nonsense, and trust

Stewart said nothing.

With his track record for saying all

Cedric groaned.

moment, Briony walked

fixed on her, voice low. "I'm here to pick

nodded calmly, then turned

ran over and hugged Briony's leg.

head, then knelt to look her in the eye. "Do you remember what

Little Nina replied, her little voice ringing out clear and sweet. "Don't worry, Mommy.

Make sure your phone watch is charged. If you miss me, you

"Don't worry, Mommy! I'm only going for two days. I'll be back before you know

to Stewart. "I'll go upstairs and pack

her, his voice

up the stairs,

pulled out her cartoon-themed mini suitcase and

methodically packing her clothes

and stepped inside.

looked back, noticing something off