Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Stewart was spitting up blood again when he got out of bed to wash up that morning.

Not wanting to frighten the kids, he asked Lorna and Carol to take them out to the neighborhood playground for a while.

When Cedric Clarke arrived, Stewart was propped up against his pillows, his face ashen and drawn.

"I told you not to rush back here, but you never listen!" Cedric snapped, striding over and letting his emergency kit thud hard onto the nightstand. "Stewart, were you a mule in your last life? You're not going to die from illness, you'll die from sheer stubbornness!"

"Spare me the lecture. Just hook me up to the IV already," Stewart muttered.

Cedric shot him a glare, but opened the kit and got to work. His hands moved with practiced efficiency as he inserted the needle, hung the IV bag, and adjusted the drip.

"I'm setting it slow," Cedric said, watching the fluid trickle down the line. "This stuff works, but too much will put a strain on your heart.”

Stewart closed his eyes, finally allowing himself to relax as the medication flowed into his veins. His labored, ragged breathing gradually eased.

Cedric sat nearby, keeping a close eye on him. In just over a month, Stewart had wasted away before his eyes.

"I heard from Lorna you went to visit the cemetery?" Cedric asked quietly.

Stewart kept his eyes shut, as if he'd fallen asleep.

on me!" Cedric snapped, losing patience. "Stewart, are you really content with this? You're only thirty-two! If you die now,

smile. "I've got a son and

just you running away from your responsibilities. For God's sake, think about

don't need to worry about that," Stewart rasped, opening his eyes to meet Cedric's. "I'll make sure everything's in

angrily. "Life is long, Stewart. Sure, maybe you'll fix

paused, gathering steam.

about those men

seeing Briony raising two kids alone? Don't you think

her-swindle her out of everything

his head. "After everything Bryn's been through, she

disbelief.

flickering across his pale features. "I hurt Bryn. I won't deny

words, huh?" He rubbed the back of his neck, realizing that appealing to Stewart's feelings for Briony

Little Nina? She's such a bright, beautiful girl. You know, a

ov

aren't you afraid