Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

On the rooftop of Pearbrook Mansion, everyone had gathered to watch the

fireworks show.

The moment midnight struck, a cascade of thunderous explosions split the night

sky.

Dazzling fireworks bloomed above Pearbrook, breathtaking in their spectacle.

They weren't just any fireworks—these were custom-designed, costing over half a

million dollars, each burst unique and extravagant.

The display lasted more than ten minutes. As it drew to a close, the night sky lit up

with enormous glowing words: "May Nina be with Bryn always—healthy, safe, and

full of joy!"

Nina referred to both Little Nina and little Mario.

To be healthy, safe, and happy—wasn't that all anyone could hope for in a

lifetime?

Briony stared at the words lingering above, brief as fireworks themselves, yet

leaving an indelible mark on her heart.

She turned to the man beside her.

He was holding their two children in his arms. Sensing her gaze, he glanced down

at her.

Snowflakes drifted through the sky above them.

Their eyes met.

There was more peace in that moment than at any other time in their lives.

The night was deep; whatever emotions he felt were hidden behind his eyes. In a

soft voice, he murmured, "Happy New Year, Bryn."

Briony's lips curved into a smile. "Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year, Daddy!" Little Nina clung to Stewart's neck, planting a noisy

kiss on his cheek. "Promise you'll spend every New Year with us from now on,

okay?"

A wave of warmth swept through Stewart's heart. He looked at his daughter, tears

glimmering in his eyes.

In a low, solemn voice, he gave his youngest a promise for the very first day of the

year: "I promise, sweetheart."

Little Mario reached up to touch his mother's cheek. "Happy New Year, Mommy."

Briony caught his tiny hand, pressed a kiss to it, and whispered, "Happy New

Year, darling."

"Hey, Mommy, you've got another little darling right here!" Little Nina, not to be leftnoveldrama

out, thrust her hand toward her mom. "Happy New Year! Little Nina will always

love you the most!"

If anyone could charm, it was Little Nina with her sweet, clever mouth.

Briony couldn't help but laugh. She took her daughter's hand in her other one,

kissed it, and replied softly, "Happy New Year, my precious Little Nina!"

It was the first time the four of them had celebrated the New Year together—a

cozy, perfect moment as a family.

At least right then, their hearts were completely content.

...

By one in the morning, the world outside had quieted down.

Back inside, everyone drifted off to their own rooms for the night.

The kids insisted on sleeping with Mom and Dad.

But that was out of the question.

It took quite a bit of gentle explaining from Briony and Stewart before the kids

were finally convinced: one could sleep with Mom, the other with Dad.

Little Nina latched onto her dad.

Little Mario followed his mom.

After saying goodnight, each parent led a child off to bed.

...

Over the next few days, Stewart still came by every day, but never for very long.

He'd already talked things through with the kids, so this time, they didn't complain

when he had to leave.

After the holidays, Gwendolyn White and Carney had to head back to Silveridge.

They didn't have children of their own, but they still needed to visit family on both

sides, as was tradition.

James was leaving with them, too.

Briony assumed he was just going

home to see his parents, but James

told her that this time, he probably

wouldn't be coming back.

Briony was surprised, but she understood.

James didn't say why, but Briony knew.

James's grandfather's health had been failing.

Briony personally drove them to the airport.

At the security checkpoint, James turned to her. "Bryn, can I have a hug?"

Briony didn't answer—she simply stepped forward and wrapped her arms around

him.

It was the kind of hug an older sister

gives her little brother, her hand

gently patting his back. "Come visit

when you can. If I get the chance, I'll

bring the kids to see you."

James was reluctant to leave, his eyes brimming with tears.

He wiped them away quickly, putting

on a brave face. "Honestly, Bryn, I'll

miss the kids more than I'll miss

you..."

Briony laughed. "Then, when summer vacation comes around, I'll pack them up

and send them to you."

"Pack them up? No way!" James let her go, his eyes still red. "I'll come pick them

up myself."

Briony could only shake her head, amused.

That was James—always the doting uncle.

...

After seeing Gwendolyn, Carney, and James off, Briony turned to leave.

But out of the corner of her eye, she caught a familiar figure.

She paused and looked over.

Stewart stood there in a black suit, elegant and imposing.

He looked like he was waiting for someone.

Probably a business partner, Briony thought.

If he was working, she figured it was best not to disturb him.

She turned away, just as a crowd of reporters surged through the airport entrance.

Briony quickly stepped aside, narrowly avoiding being swept up in the chaos.

Flashes from cameras burst all around her.

"Ms. Cooper, there are rumors that you're getting married at the end of the month.

Is it true?"

"Ms. Cooper, can you tell us who your fiancé is?"