Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

"I'm heading out, too." Cedric Clarke left the office with Lawyer Hughes.

Ferdinand turned to his own attorney. "Wait for me downstairs."

The lawyer nodded, then slipped out, leaving the door to click softly behind him.

Briony crossed to her desk, settled into her chair, and opened her laptop. Without looking up, she said evenly, "If there's nothing else, Mr. Ellsworth, you should go. I have work to finish."

Ferdinand lingered, his gaze flickering with emotions she couldn't quite name. "Bryn, will we ever see each other again?"

Briony met his eyes, calm and unflinching.

"Ferdinand, I don't think there's any reason for us to stay in touch."

Something in Ferdinand's expression tightened. "You're still upset with me, aren't you?"

"I'm not angry," Briony replied, her tone steady. "I just don't want any more involvement with the Wentworth Group. We all make our choices, Ferdinand. Becoming CEO was yours. Cutting ties-that's mine."

For a moment, Ferdinand couldn't breathe. He stared at her, lips pressed tight, fists clenched at his sides. But he didn't argue.

...

After that day, life seemed to drift quietly back to normal.

Ferdinand took the contract with him and left behind a hundred million.

Neither Fred nor Ferdinand showed up in Briony's life again.

Her days filled up easily: inspecting renovations, restoring artifacts, making trips to Starlight every other day.

The kids, meanwhile, stayed at Skybreeze Retreat. With Stella and Aster around to keep them company, their days were carefree and happy.

Cedric Clarke still left early and came home late, but Briony noticed that the lines of worry on his brow had started to smooth out. She figured things must be looking up for Stewart.noveldrama

Sure enough, on Mario's eighth day at Skybreeze Retreat, Stewart's Maybach rolled up the drive once again.

Mario instantly recognized the sound of his father's car. His big, dark eyes went wide. Forgetting all about his half-built Lego tower, he bolted for the door.

"Hey, Mario! Where are you going?" Little Nina called after him, standing up. Then she caught sight of the figure outside and her mouth formed a perfect O.

A moment later, she abandoned her Barbie, flung her arms wide, and dashed forward. "Daddy!"

Stewart knelt and swept both of his children into a hug.

Mario tucked himself shyly against his father's shoulder, eyes glistening. In a tiny

voice, he asked, "Daddy, does it still hurt?"

Stewart froze, then bent his head to look at his son's earnest face.

In that instant, it felt like a blade twisted in his chest, stealing his breath.

So his son had known he was sick all along.

With a gentle hand, Stewart ruffled Mario's hair, then pressed a soft kiss to the top

of his head. "I'm fine now, buddy. Don't worry."

Mario's bottom lip trembled. He clung tight to his father's shirt, suddenly quiet.

Little Nina watched the scene

unfold, and jealousy flared. She planted her hands on her hips and stomped her foot. "Daddy, that's not fairlyYou're whispering secrets to Mario, and you kissed him! Hmph!"

Stewart blinked, then hurried to reassure his princess.

"Sorry, sweetheart. I love you both just the same, you and Mario. I promise."

His voice gentled, warm and soft-the kind that could melt anyone's heart.

Little Nina pouted. "I don't care! You have to kiss me twice-one extra to make up for it!"

Stewart couldn't help but laugh. He

leaned down and kissed the top of her head three times. "There, an

extra kiss to say sorry. Is that enough for Little Nina?"

"Okay!" Nina tried to hide her smile, covering her mouth with her hand, but her

eyes sparkled. "Then I'm not mad anymore!"

Stewart smiled, tousling her round little head. She really was easy to please.

Upstairs, Stella had heard the car pull in and thought Briony was

home Carrying her son, she can

Just in time to see Stewart playing with the kids.

She stopped, stunned.

If she hadn't seen it for herself, she'd never have believed this was possible.

Stewart, of all people? Well, the world really is full of surprises.

Just then, another car pulled up outside.

Briony was home.