Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

On New Year's Day, Pearbrook Mansion was decked out in festive decorations, every corner brimming with holiday cheer.

Little Nina and little Mario were dressed in bright red outfits Stewart had picked out for them—cheerful, vibrant, and making them look like the very embodiment of good luck.

Briony's dress was chosen by Stella, also in a warm, festive red.

This year's celebration felt more meaningful than any before.

Stella and Cedric Clarke had brought Aster to the Clarke family estate for their own family gathering, but they'd come by early to drop off gifts for the twins before heading out again.

Briony, too, had prepared a present for Aster.

Just before Stella left, Briony pulled her aside and lowered her voice. "I heard from James last night that you and Cedric Clarke had a fight at city hall last month?"

Stella froze, then stomped her foot. "That blabbermouth James! I told him not to

tell you!"

Briony raised an eyebrow. "You really kept something this big from me? Am I not your sister?"

Stella, caught red-handed, bit her lip and mumbled, "Well, nothing actually happened in the end, so don't worry about it."

"What was it about this time?"

Stella kept her head down and pouted, refusing to say another word.

Briony glanced at Cedric, waiting outside in the car, and sighed. "Alright, just... try not to act on impulse, okay? It's the holidays—peace is precious. The Clarkes have a big family; be careful with your words so there are no misunderstandings, alright?"noveldrama

"I know, I know!" Stella waved. "I'm going!"

Briony smiled. "Go on, then." She looked at Cedric. "Drive safe, Dr. Clarke."

Cedric nodded, rolling down the window. "Will do. It's windy out here-better get inside."

Briony nodded and waved as Stella climbed into the passenger seat and little Aster buckled herself into her car seat in the back. The white SUV pulled away slowly.

Briony turned and headed back into the house.

The living room was alive with laughter and noise.

Two grown men and two little ones were crouched on the floor, fussing over a pile of ornaments.

Who would have thought, just a few years ago, that Stewart and James could decorate a house together without arguing?

Briony watched the scene, warmth softening her gaze.

The twins, however, were more trouble than help, darting around and leaving chaos in their wake.

"Little Nina, little Mario! Come wash your hands. Let's get dinner started together!"

"Yay!" Little Nina's eyes sparkled. "I love cooking with everyone!"

She dashed toward her mom, her tiny footprints stamped on the decorations she ran across.

Stewart caught the sight and chuckled.

James pinched the bridge of his

nose.

signature stamp has made it. year."

RS. Well, looks like Little Nina' et

again

Little Mario tried to wipe away his own prints with his little hands.

No luck.

So he just made another one, figuring two were better than one!

A blur of small limbs sprinted by, heading straight for the kitchen.

James blinked-now there were two more tiny prints, one left and one right.

He gave a helpless laugh, tape

dispenser in hand. "Figureme

SO the footprints have

in pairs."

Stewart's smile deepened.

James glanced at him, lips pursed in thought before asking, “Are you staying tonight?"

Stewart paused briefly, then replied, "I'll stay until the kids have rung in the new year."

James hadn't meant to chase him away.

He wanted to ask if Stewart still had feelings for Briony.

But with Stewart's answer, James let it go.

There was time-some things couldn't be rushed.

Still, with his own return to Silveridge looming after the holidays, James felt a

lingering attachment to Briony.

His feelings for her were

Crmplied-perhaps a youthond

but over the years, their become more like family.

James still cared deeply about Briony. But that love had long since transcended

romance.

"No matter what happens between you and Bryn in the future, can you promise me one thing?"

Stewart's hand, halfway through peeling a strip of tape, stilled. He looked up at James. "What is it?"