Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

"Don't listen to what Mr. Hoffman says. Think about the children, Bryn. Kids can grow up without a father, but they can't lose their mother."

"Stewart, I'm the one who saved Ferdinand."

Stewart froze, startled.

"That night, nine years ago, I met you-and I met Ferdinand. I saved him. If it hadn't been for me, maybe Randolph wouldn't have died. Stewart, for the longest time, I thought you brought disaster into my life. But when Ferdinand told me the truth, I realized it was my own naïve kindness that night that helped create a monster..."

Stewart's eyes were bloodshot as he stared at her. "That's not how it happened. Don't believe Ferdinand, don't believe Mr. Hoffman. Bryn, you are your own person, you're the mother of two children. You have to go back to them. They need you."

"I can't go back." Briony shook her head, a faint smile on her lips. "Stewart, Ferdinand's wedding must go on as planned. Only if Ferdinand dies, only if the plan works, will our children be safe. Do you understand?"

Stewart's breath caught in his throat.

Of course he understood.

But how could he just stand by and watch Briony put herself in danger? How could he possibly let that happen?

"Stewart, do you remember what you asked me the day of the explosion?"

Stewart looked at her, a crushing ache in his chest.

"You asked me if I still blamed you."

her eyes gentle and full of peace. "I don't

faltered. Tears

time. You

with pleading. "Bryn, please—come with

her head. Her voice was soft, the

know I can't

Stewart stood there, stunned.

through. One moment of hesitation could undo everything so many have fought

eyes lowered. "If I really don't make it back this time, I hope my children will be proud of

his sides, his tightly pressed

her eyes had filled

gazed at the silent, weeping man before her and felt a sudden, overwhelming

she just wanted to hug this who

So she did.

floor as Briony stepped forward, wrapping her arms around

his waist, but she managed,

she hugged little Mario-gently,

Maybe I finally understand now-sometimes, life just isn't in our control. But I'm not like you. I don't have that kind of courage or selflessness. I'm doing this