Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Stella froze, her cheeks flushing pink—whether from anger or embarrassment, it was hard to tell.

She loosened her grip around Cedric Clarke's neck and tried to push him away, but he wouldn't budge.

"Cedric Clarke, let go of me!"

"No way. You're my wife, and last I checked, that's still protected by law. You can't just abandon me." Cedric looked down at her rosy face, thinking she'd never looked cuter.

"I only married you because you tricked me!" Stella sounded like she was about to lose it. "Stop playing dumb, Cedric Clarke! You're Stewart's best friend-if I'd had any sense at all, I'd have stayed single for life before marrying you!"

Cedric frowned. "That's not fair. Since when am I responsible for Stewart's mistakes? Besides, I'm the one living with you, not him. Whether I'm a good husband or not, I'm pretty sure that's up to you to decide, my Lady Stella."

"Spare me the flattery!" Stella glared at him, her face as stern as a judge's. "I'm furious right now, and I don't want to talk to you. Tomorrow, I'm taking our son and going to Bryn's place."

"Sounds good!" Cedric grinned. "A few days at Skybreeze Retreat will do you good. Otherwise, I bet my mom's going to show up again tomorrow to lecture you. She's your own mother, and if I try too hard to defend you, she'll probably start docking points from her son-in-law."

Stella couldn't even muster a comeback.

"Come on, don't be mad. I made your favorite teriyaki chicken and rice. Let's eat. You didn't even have lunch, did you? Look at your stomach, it's practically caved in. Not as nice to hold anymore..."

"Oh, shut up!" Stella snapped, bristling. "Who wants a round belly, anyway?" Watching her fume, Cedric secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

If she was still willing to yell at him, it meant he still had a chance to make things right.

"I do!" Cedric teased, grinning wider. "I love your cute, squishy tummy-it's perfect for cuddling."

"Cedric Clarke, get lost-mmph!"

He leaned in and brushed her lips with a quick kiss. "Don't be angry Getting upset is bad for you, and it'll just make you tired. Come on, let's eat first. You can yell at me all you want after you're full."

Stella snorted. "I'm not hungry."

As if on cue, her stomach let out a loud, gurgling protest.

The two of them locked eyes, staring each other down-the world's most stubborn showdown.

Cedric couldn't hold back a laugh and promptly earned a glare sharp enough to cut.

"Go ahead, laugh it up!" Stella punched his arm. "How did I never notice you were this shameless?"

Cedric just pulled her into a hug, showering her with soothing words and kisses until she finally ran out of steam.

...noveldrama

The next morning at ten, Cedric personally drove Stella and their son to Skybreeze Retreat.

James opened the door to find

Cedric hauling two massive

suitcases and did a double takel.

ning to stay till Christmas, or what?"

Cedric

of stuff. "My son needs a lot

of stuff this whole suitcase is just for him. This smaller one's for me and

my wife." Content beset

"You?" James raised an eyebrow. "You're staying here too?"

"Of course!" Cedric said cheerfully, lugging the suitcase toward the stairs. "Wherever my wife goes, I go."

James just stared, momentarily lost for words.