Chapter 56
Irwin’s little body went stiff with fear, then his lower lip began to tremble and, in an instant, tears spilled down. his cheeks.
“Dad, why are you being mean to me? It was Mom who lied to me… sob, sob… Mom has changed, and now you have too…”
Stewart’s brow was furrowed tight, his face growing even darker.
Watching this father and son, Briony felt a headache coming on.
Irwin was sobbing so hard it was almost painful to hear. If he kept this up, his asthma was bound to flare up.
Briony’s heart softened. With a sigh, she stepped forward and scooped Irwin up from the bed, holding him gently in her arms.
The moment she picked him up, Irwin clung tightly to her.
“I’m sorry, Mom, I didn’t mean to yell at you… sob… I was just so scared you didn’t want me anymore…”
Holding Irwin close, Briony felt a complicated mix of emotions.
She spoke to him softly, soothing him with gentle words.
Gradually, Irwin calmed down in her embrace.
Stewart stood silently by, his gaze unreadable and distant.
Once Irwin had settled, Briony handed him a small gift.
“This is for you, sweetheart. It’s both an apology and your New Year’s present for this year.”
“Thank you, Mom!” Irwin’s face lit up as soon as he took the present.
“But Mom, didn’t you always give me my New Year’s gift on New Year’s Eve? Why are you giving it to me early this year?”
Briony ruffled his hair and, instead of explaining, just said, “I figured I’d give it to you now, since I already bought it.”
“Oh, okay.” Irwin was already too focused on the gift to wonder further.
He tore into the wrapping paper with giddy excitement, but still remembered to remind Briony, “Mom, you promised you’d make me lots of yummy food when you got back–don’t forget!”
“Of course,” Briony replied, standing up and glancing at Stewart. “I’m going to the grocery store to pick up a few things. Mind if I borrow your car?”
“I’ll come with you,” Stewart said. “I’ve got nothing else going on.”
“No, it’s fine,” Briony replied quickly, not wanting to spend any extra time with Stewart. “I can manage-”
“Irwin,” Stewart interrupted, gently patting Irwin’s head, “why don’t we all go with Mom to the store?”
“Yeah!” Irwin immediately abandoned his new toy, hopped off the bed, put on his shoes, and ran over to grab Briony’s hand. “Let’s go, Mom!”
Briony: “…”
She shot Stewart a look of irritation, her displeasure clear in her eyes.
Ignoring her, Stewart turned and walked out of the room.
Briony watched his retreating back, pressing her lips together in annoyance.
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Chapter 56
Irwin tugged her hand. “Come on, Mom, Dad’s already downstairs. Let’s hurry!”
Briony looked down at Irwin and nodded. “Alright, let’s go.”
The grocery store in their neighborhood was huge, stocked with everything you could imagine, and the quality was top–notch.
Irwin sat happily in the shopping cart while Stewart pushed it with one hand.
Up ahead, Briony was carefully picking out ingredients.
When they reached the fresh foods section, a lively middle–aged woman behind the counter started her sales pitch: “Ma’am, how about some steak today? It’s already marinated–just toss it in the pan when you get home. Want to take a couple? Kids love it!”
Briony smiled politely and shook her head.
But the woman was determined. Sizing up Stewart and Irwin, she quickly switched tactics.
“You’re one lucky lady, ma’am! Handsome husband, adorable son, and you’re so pretty–you could pass for a college girl! I can’t believe your son is already this big. And your husband, he looks like the kind who really spoils his family! I’m honestly a little jealous!”
As her words hung in the air, Briony and Stewart’s eyes met unexpectedly.
Suddenly, the air between them felt very still.
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