Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

That tiny tiara had been custom-made for her by Stewart himself. Though small, every single gemstone was real—an exquisite little crown worth six figures.

The little princess perched on her father's lap, pointing at her juice cup with a chubby finger. "Daddy, I want some juice~!"

Stewart brought the glass to her lips and reminded her gently, "Just a sip, sweetheart. Mom says you need to eat your dinner first. After you finish, you can have a whole glass."

"I knowww~!"

Little Nina dutifully took a tiny sip, then turned her bright eyes on him again. "Daddy, I want some of that meat."

Stewart obliged without hesitation, serving his daughter with practiced ease.

The others watched as Nina laid on the charm, one round after another, but none of them called her out. Nearly five years old and a champion eater, she usually plowed through her meals solo in her booster seat. When did she ever need this kind of pampering?

And that babyish voice-so sweet it could melt the iciest heart-made James, the ultimate girl dad, sigh with helpless longing.

"Stewart, have you never suspected she's just putting on an act?" James eyed Stewart, sounding as sour as if he'd just bitten into a lemon.

"I know," Stewart replied, ruffling Nina's hair. "But as long as she's happy, that's all that matters."

James could only roll his eyes.

Lorna swirled the wine in her glass and glanced over at James. "Stepdads just can't compete with real dads, huh?"

James shot her a withering look. "No one asked for your commentary."

Lorna just grinned. "Oh, but I love giving it!" She took a sip of wine and winked at him. "Mr. Delaney, if you want a daughter so badly, why not have one of your own? If you're struggling to find someone to have a baby with, you could always consider me. I'm in great shape-our kid would be a breeze to raise!"

"Shameless!" James stood up abruptly. "There's no reasoning with a woman like you."

He grabbed his plate and relocated to an empty seat as far from Lorna as possible.

Lorna just watched him go, lips curving in amusement, and in the next second, she picked up her own plate and followed.

Seeing this, James put down his knife and fork and made a quick escape.

"Where are you off to?" Lorna set her plate down and trotted after him.

Mary, seated nearby, blinked at their antics.

...

Night fell, and the breeze had a chill to it.

Worried that Briony might catch cold, Stella suggested they head inside. The kids were being well looked after, so there was nothing to worry about.

Briony, Stella, and Mary went indoors and settled into the media room, picking out a movie to watch.

They happened upon "Because She's Mom," a short film that was still considered a phenomenon in its genre.

By the end, both Stella and Mary were in tears.

"That man was a monster..." Stella sniffled, grabbing a handful of tissues. "Bryn, if it hadn't been for you, none of those women's organizations would've paid any attention at all."noveldrama

Briony watched the film with a calm detachment this time. As Stella said, she felt grateful to have been able to help.

bit parts-

"Briony, after I have my baby, I still want to go back to acting," Mary said, dabbing her eyes. "Even if people criticize me, even if I have to start again I'm not giving up."

"Watch one short film and suddenly you're inspired to audition?" Stella teased without mercy. "Bryn was always so good to you, and you stabbed her in the back If you want a comeback find someone else to sign you. Bryn's done!"

Mary lowered her head. "I know I let Briony down. Don't worry, I'll look for another agency."

Briony sighed softly. "Star, it was all just a misunderstanding. Mary's got real talent, and that's why I signed her in the first place."

Stella shrugged. "You're just too nice to her, that's all."

Briony gave a faint smile and turned to Mary. "If you're really serious about coming back, I'll let Carey and Bill handle things with you. I won't interfere this time-it'll all be up to you."

"Thank you, Briony!" Mary beamed, then shot Stella a look and lifted her chin. "Hear that? I've got talent! That's why Briony likes me—she knows a good actress when she sees one!"

"Don't get cocky!" Stella rolled her

eyes, cradling her cocktail and

letting out a long sigh. "Honestly, l

envy you. Even as a single mom you still getto choose your own path and chase your dreams. Me wasn't supported before I had kids, and I'm even less supported now."

Mary, not knowing the whole story, couldn't follow the subtext. But Briony understood exactly what Stella meant.

She reached over and patted Stella's

head. "Star, you can follow your dreams too: And you don't have to

go abroad to study photography

go abroad to

you'really want to be a

photographer, you can always go

back to school right here."