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."

Briony met his gaze, her eyes gentle and full of peace. "I don't blame you anymore."

Stewart's breath faltered. Tears slipped down his cheeks.

"It's almost time. You need to go."

Stewart shook his head, voice thick with pleading. "Bryn, please—come with me. I'm begging you."

Briony shook her head. Her voice was soft, the same gentle tone she used to soothe little Mario.

"Stewart, you know I can't leave. Not now."noveldrama

Stewart stood there, stunned.

"Listen to me, Stewart. You made your choice the moment you started down this path. Even if you end up crawling, you have to see it through. One moment of hesitation could undo everything so many have fought for. Mr. Hoffman said I was the wild card in your plan, but maybe just maybe I turned out to be a lucky one."

Briony pressed her lips together, then let out a long sigh, eyes lowered. "If I really don't make it back this time, I hope my children will be proud of me."

Stewart's fists clenched at his sides, his tightly pressed lips trembling.

Briony looked up; at some point, her eyes had filled with tears, too.

She gazed at the silent, weeping man before her and felt a sudden, overwhelming urge to hold him.

It wasn't about romance or

bet

longing she just wanted to hug this who had always walked alone

n the shadows.

So she did.

Lingerie slipped unnoticed to the floor as Briony stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him.

He was so tall. She could barely reach around his waist, but she managed, enclosing him with her arms.

Just like she hugged little Mario-gently, tenderly.

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"Stewart, there was always too much we didn't know about each other. You had so many burdens, and I was always caught up in own feelings. 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 for my children. That's all."

Held in her arms, Stewart's tall frame shook with emotion.

A man nearly six-foot-three, undone by one warm embrace.

How he longed for a simple life, a happy home, his wife and children together.

How he wished for peace, for ordinary days.

How did things end up like this?

He was unwilling to accept it, and yet he couldn't bear it either.

Unwilling, because he'd met Briony on this road and couldn't offer her the safety

and stability she deserved.

Unable to bear it, because he'd

brought so much hardship into bet

life,

even now she was willing to

forgive and comfort him.

He couldn't bear that his own children had never known what a whole, happy

family felt like.

Too much regret, too much pain, all of it impossible to resolve.

"Briony, are you ready?"

Mary's voice called softly from outside.

Briony opened her eyes and let go.