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?"

and scurried

stairs, she shot Cedric Clarke a

normal person or keep quiet. I'm the one who gets in trouble for your nonsense,

Stewart said nothing.

Cedric. With his track record for saying all the wrong things, you

Cedric groaned.

moment, Briony walked

on her, voice low. "I'm here

then turned to

Nina ran over and

stroked her head, then knelt to look her in the

replied, her little voice ringing out clear and sweet. "Don't worry, Mommy. I'll be

Carol, right? If you need anything, just ask her. Make sure your phone watch is charged. If you miss me, you can always call

"Don't worry, Mommy! I'm only going for two

stood and turned to Stewart. "I'll go upstairs and pack Little Nina's

her, his voice rough. "Take

headed up the stairs, with James

Briony pulled out her cartoon-themed mini suitcase

duck backpack, methodically packing her

knocked and stepped inside.

back, noticing something off in