Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

On the drive home, Briony's phone rang. It was Cedric Clarke.

"Stewart's leaving for Switzerland tomorrow. Before he goes, he'd like to see the kids one more time."noveldrama

"Of course," Briony replied, her tone calm. "Just let me know who'll be picking them up."

Cedric hesitated. "Stewart said little Mario called him this morning, asking if he and Nina could go to the amusement park together and ride the Ferris wheel. He saw on TV that you can make a wish at the top."

Briony was quiet for a moment before answering, "I don't mind where they go. You can come by Skybreeze Retreat for the kids tomorrow."

There was another pause on Cedric's end.

As she reached the intersection, the light turned red. Briony pressed her foot gently on the brake, the silence inside the car growing heavier. She let out a long, tired sigh. "What is Stewart really trying to do?"

"Stewart told me the kids want both their mom and dad to go with them."

Briony's brow furrowed. She said nothing.

Cedric knew she wouldn't like the idea. He let out a heavy sigh of his own. "I know things are complicated between you two, but Stewart's illness... Well, there's not much hope, even with treatment. This might be his last chance to spend time with them. Whatever's between you and Stewart, maybe just set it aside for a day. Let the kids have at least one perfect memory of all four of you together."

Briony was silent. Then, as the light turned green, she spoke quietly, "I'll take the kids to the amusement park myself tomorrow."

Cedric's relief was audible. "Thank you."

Briony hung up without another word.

The next morning at nine, Briony loaded Crystal and the twins into her new electric SUV and headed for the amusement park.

They arrived at half past nine. Stewart and Carl were already waiting at the entrance.

Stewart stood out, dressed in a crisp white shirt and black slacks, a fisherman's hat pulled low over his head and a black mask covering his face. His health was fragile now, crowded places were risky. Even a minor infection could be

dévastating, so Stewart had booked out the entire park for the morning, ensuring their safety.

Once they met up, the group went straight to the Ferris wheel-the biggest in Northborough, taking nearly twenty minutes for a full revolution.

Stewart and Briony climbed into one car with the twins, while Carl rode with Crystal.

As the cabin door slid shut and the Ferris wheel began to turn, soft music drifted through the compartment.

Briony sat with little Nina curled in her lap on one side; across from her, Stewart held Mario close. It was the first time the four of them had ever ridden the Ferris wheel together. The twins chattered excitedly, but the adults sat in silence.

"Let's take a family photo!" Nina chirped, bouncing a little.

Mario nodded eagerly. "Yeah, let's get a picture!"

Stewart looked at Briony, silently deferring to her. With a resigned smile, she took out her phone.

"Okay, both of you go sit with Daddy. I'll take the picture."

"But, Mom, won't you be in it?" Nina pouted.

Briony smiled gently. "I'll take one for you with Dad first."

nes just Dad and not you.

"But then That's

fair-you'll be all

Nina protested, her lips et

a dramatic little pout. Conte

in

"Mom should be in it, too," Mario said, his big dark eyes fixed on Briony, full of

hope.