Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Briony was caught off guard.

She'd thought that on their first New Year's together as a family, Stewart would make it a priority.

He'd said he was busy... but on New Year's Eve, there was no way he was caught up with work.

It had to be something personal.

Briony felt a pang of suspicion, but decided not to press him further.

"All right, let's eat," she said, taking the hands of her two children and leading them to the dining table.

Carol watched the kids and couldn't shake her unease.

She was certain she'd heard a child calling "Daddy" during the phone call earlier.

Carol's thoughts immediately turned to Irwin Wentworth.

On a night meant for family, why would Mr. Wentworth not be here with his children? Was he spending time with Irwin again?

If that was the case, he was making a terrible mistake.

But it was only Carol's suspicion.

She didn't dare bring it up to Briony, afraid she might have misheard, and worried that stirring the pot would undo the fragile peace that had finally settled between the couple.

Carol sighed inwardly.

She could only hope she'd gotten it wrong.

dinner, Little Nina was still thinking

where's Daddy?" she

gently in her daughter's bowl. "Daddy has something to take care

Year's off, and every family should be together," Little Nina protested, lips pursed in indignation. "Daddy can't be busy with work. Did he

Briony paused, taken aback.

no fool; she was innocent but

New Year's meant more to her than

her nap, she'd been giddy, saying how happy she

now, with Stewart missing from the table, the disappointment

"Daddy isn't with anyone else, sweetheart. He just had something come

even finish the sentence before the sound of a car pulling up outside interrupted

eyes shone. "That must

Briony could react, Little Nina and little Mario had already scrambled off their chairs, two tiny figures racing each

to the entryway when they saw

the path, his black coat billowing with

kids' voices rang out

dining room, pausing at the hallway to watch Stewart crouch down and sweep both kids

you? You're so late!" Little Nina threw her arms around his neck, delighted but still pouting. "I thought you ran

smiled helplessly. "I'm

Mario asked.

one child in each arm

the foyer, he set them down and ruffled their hair. "Go get settled; Daddy just needs

scampered off to

the shoe cabinet and changed out

nearby, watching

done, he straightened

for New Year's dinner," Briony