Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

"Whatever happens, always respect her."

To love her means to respect her.

That's how James understood love.

Stewart gazed at James, his eyes unwavering. For the first time, he found himself feeling genuine respect and even admiration for James.

From the moment James met Briony, he'd stayed by her side-as a friend, as family, in every way that mattered.

He'd done so well, in fact, that Stewart felt a sting of inadequacy by comparison.

The room was empty except for the distant, joyful squeals of the children playing in the dining room and the gentle voice of a woman guiding them.

Lowering his voice, Stewart asked, "Are you leaving soon?"

James dropped his gaze, a bitter smile flickering across his lips. "Yeah. I'm the only son left in the Delaney family, and I'm at the age where people expect me to settle down. My grandfather's health isn't great, and he wants to see me get married, maybe have kids."

Stewart fell silent at that. As someone with a failed marriage behind him, he didn't feel he had much right to comment on the subject.

"Does Bryn know?"

her yet." James tried to sound casual. "I'll wait a

Stewart nodded. "Alright."

James headed to the kitchen to help

moved with practiced ease, deftly handling every task. Stewart, on the other hand, struggled. When it came time to knead the dough, the stiffness in his

at her father's unmoving finger.

face froze for a

hadn't expected their daughter to

truth but softening it so

"Why is your

offered her a gentle smile. "I got hurt, so they had to make me a new

his finger when he was saving me. After

of sympathy as she looked

sweetheart. You don't have

Nina declared, her voice bright.

deepened. "Thank

lingering on that artificial finger.

Stewart got a call-he needed to step out for

lately, more than