Chapter 30
Chapter 30
The bathroom door slammed shut, and moments later, the unmistakable sound of Briony retching echoed from
within.
Whatever breakfast she’d managed that morning ended up in the toilet. Only after emptying her stomach did she finally start to feel a little better.
Even with the door closed, the intensity of her nausea was apparent. The sound carried into the hallway.
Irwin frowned and looked up at Stewart. “Dad, why is Mom throwing up so much? Is she sick?”
Stewart’s eyes darkened. He reached out and gently ruffled Irwin’s hair. “She’s probably just been a little too busy and overtired these past few days.”
Irwin’s face scrunched in concern. “Does that mean Mom won’t be able to visit me as much?”
“That’s something you can ask her yourself,” Stewart replied.
Irwin sighed, clearly dissatisfied. He muttered, “She never used to be this busy. It’s like, ever since my mom came back, she’s always got so much to do…”
Just then, the bathroom door opened.
Briony emerged, looking a little pale but composed.
Both Stewart and Irwin turned to her.
“Mom,” Irwin called, his small face etched with worry. “Are you okay?”
Briony felt much better now that the nausea had passed, though she was left a bit drained.
Stewart watched her closely, his dark eyes narrowed. “Upset stomach?”
Her eyelashes fluttered, betraying a brief flicker of guilt before she steadied herself.
She pressed her lips together and answered, trying her best to sound calm.
Stewart rarely showed concern for her, so Briony didn’t believe for a second that he was genuinely worried. She just hoped he wouldn’t catch on to anything.
“Did you see a doctor?” he asked.
If only he hadn’t brought it up. The more Stewart questioned her, the more anxious Briony became.
He’d been a father before, after all. Considering how much he doted on Rosita during her pregnancy, he must’ve learned plenty about these things.
Briony couldn’t guess what Stewart was thinking, but she decided not to risk saying something wrong. Instead, she ignored him altogether.
She avoided his gaze and walked over to the bed, brushing her hand gently over Irwin’s cheek. “I’m alright, sweetheart. I just ate something bad the last couple of days. I’ll take some medicine and be fine soon.”
Stewart merely raised an eyebrow, but didn’t press the issue any further.
“Then you need to take your medicine and get plenty of rest, okay?” Irwin squeezed her hand. “Even though I wish you could come see me every day, you need to rest if you’re sick. I’ll behave, I promise.”
Briony’s heart swelled with emotion. Maybe she’d been worrying over nothing.
Her precious Irwin, whom she’d cherished for five years, was still the same thoughtful, caring boy as ever.
“Thank you, Irwin. I’ll make sure to rest up.” Briony was already feeling guilty, knowing she wouldn’t be able to
visit him for a while.
“Mom has to go on a business trip tomorrow,” she explained softly. “But I’ll bring you back a present for the
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Chapter 30
holidays. So you have to remember to eat on time and listen to the doctor, okay? That’s how you’ll get better faster.”
Irwin’s brow furrowed. He gazed up at her with wide, anxious eyes. “A business trip? How long will you be gone?”
“About ten days, give or take.”
“Ten days?!” Irwin’s face fell. “You never used to go away for work like this. What am I supposed to do if I miss you that much?”
“It’s just part of my job,” Briony said, pausing for a moment before adding, “If you miss me, you can call me, or we can video chat.”
Irwin pouted, clearly unconvinced.
Phone calls and video chats were all well and good, but Briony couldn’t cook for him through a screen!
The thought of going ten days without her homemade meals made Irwin’s mood plummet.
His disappointment was written all over his face.
Seeing this, Briony’s heart ached. Irwin had never been apart from her for so long. She assumed he just couldn’t bear to be away from her, and the guilt weighed on her even more.
She pulled Irwin into a gentle hug. “Irwin, this is for work. I have to go.”
Irwin nestled against her, breathing in her familiar scent. The comfort of her presence helped ease his frustration.
He’d always loved the gentle fragrance she wore, but more than anything, Irwin found solace in the natural scent that was uniquely hers–it always made him feel safe.
Finally, he softened, hugging Briony tightly. “Okay, Mom. Do a great job while you’re away. I’ll be good. But when you come back, you have to bring me a present and cook me lots of delicious food!”
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