Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Some transplant patients experience darker skin for a while, but it's only

temporary.

"Oh!" Little Nina didn't understand the medical talk, but she said earnestly, "As long as Mom is healthy and doesn't get sick, it doesn't matter if she has a few dark spots! In my heart, Mom will always be the most beautiful."

Briony was moved. She reached out to gently touch her daughter's round, cherubic cheek. "You're such a sweet girl, Nina."

"Mom." Little Mario tugged on Briony's finger.

Briony looked down at her son, ruffling his hair. "Mario, Mommy's home."

Mario's brows knitted in worry. "Mom, does it hurt?"

Briony smiled, her eyes growing misty. "It doesn't hurt, sweetheart. When I think of you and Nina, nothing hurts at all."

Little Mario stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her. "I love you, Mom."

He wasn't one for words; just those three simple little words were enough to bring tears to Briony's eyes.

Stewart set Mario down.

Nina rushed over too, throwing her arms around Briony.

Briony gathered both children into her embrace, pressing kisses to the tops of their heads.

She could still be here for her children, could watch them grow up with her own eyes, could witness every important moment in their lives.

Tears streamed down Briony's face, but her heart brimmed with joy.

She was alive. That was enough.

Stewart watched the family reunion from the doorway, feeling both relieved and quietly left out.

When Briony was finally well enough to leave the hospital, he knew it would be time for him to quietly step out of her life.

December 20th. Ten days since Briony left the isolation ward.

Dr. Ellsworth came to the cottage to check Briony's pulse, his expression bright with good news.

"You're recovering very well. At this rate, you'll be able to leave the hospital before New Year's."

Briony's heart soared at the news.

"But even after you're discharged," Dr. Ellsworth cautioned, "you'll still need to rest at home for a few more months."

This life had been snatched back from the jaws of death; Briony took every word seriously.

She listened carefully to his advice.

Dr. Ellsworth glanced around. "Where's Stewart today?"noveldrama

Over the past weeks, everyone had seen how much Stewart had done for Briony

and the kids. It felt natural now to think of him as part of the family.

After all, he was the children's father. He'd never left Briony's side through her illness. Whatever had happened ween them in the past, it was time to let go.

Yet, as Briony's health improved, Stewart seemed to grow busier and busier.

Dr. Ellsworth hadn't seen much of him lately.

"He's started a new business, I think," Briony replied.

She wasn't sure. A few days ago, she'd overheard Stewart on the phone, talking

about bids and contracts.

She hadn't asked. That was Stewart's business.

She wasn't surprised, either. Stewart's abilities were well known. Even though he'd given everything to the children, he was still the same man; if he wanted, he could rebuild his fortune from scratch.

"Stewart's an ambitious man," Dr. Ellsworth said. "Now that you're getting better, he can relax a little. It's good for him to have his own work. The way things are now, you each have your own lives, and two wonderful children. Briony, if your mother could see you now, she'd be so proud."

Briony was touched. "Dr. Ellsworth, thank you for everything you've done. You've

cared for me and looked after my mom, too."

"We're family. Don't mention it."

Briony smiled. “Dr. Ellsworth, will you and my mom come spend New Year's at Pearbrook Mansion this year?"

Dr. Ellsworth nodded warmly. "We'd love to."

...

Stewart didn't come home until late that night.

He went straight to his room for a shower, changed into comfortable clothes, and

then quietly made his way to Briony's room.

Usually, by this hour, Briony would be fast asleep.

But tonight, when Stewart pushed open the door, he found her propped against

the headboard, a book open in her lap.

At the sound, she turned to look at him.

Their eyes met. Stewart was surprised. "You're still up?"