Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Stella jerked her head up, her eyes wide with surprise. "What do you mean by that?"

Briony arched an eyebrow. "I'm giving you a little inside help, sister."

Stella hesitated for a moment. "Are you serious?"

"Would I lie to you?" Briony replied. "You can retake your photography major at Verdantire University. All you have to do is ask-Cedric Clarke will make it happen for you. Honestly, he'd much rather have you stay in Northborough and redo your major than have you fly off to study abroad. Then, when you're not in class, you can intern at the company. I'll find an experienced photography mentor to guide you. How does that sound?"

"That sounds amazing!" Stella flung herself at Briony, hugging her tight. "Bryn, I love you! I swear, you are absolutely, positively the best sister I have in this whole world!"

Briony couldn't help but laugh.

Stella really was a kid at heart-if you explained things to her patiently, she actually listened.

Out in the garden, little Mario and little Nina were playing with Aster, who was about to celebrate her first birthday.

Stewart and Cedric Clarke stood nearby, watching the children.

Now that both of them were fathers, they had one more thing to talk about.

Cedric glanced over at little Nina and let out a wistful sigh. "I wish I had a daughter too."

"Daughters really are a blessing," Stewart said, looking at Nina with a soft gaze. Clearly, he had no intention of consoling his friend.

Cedric turned to look at him, then suddenly let out a laugh.

Stewart glanced over, puzzled. "What's so funny?"

"I'm just laughing at you. You've really changed, Stewart."

Stewart paused, caught off guard.

"Things are good now," Cedric said, patting his friend's shoulder. "You really ought to thank Briony. Back then, you put her through so much, but she still chose to keep the twins. We both know she didn't do it for you, but you should be grateful —grateful she didn't let her anger at you keep her from having those kids."

So many couples fall apart, but not every woman would choose to go through pregnancy and raise her ex-husband's children alone after a divorce.

Some, out of hatred, even neglect the babies they carried for nine months. People are complicated, but what Briony did earned Cedric's genuine respect. Especially since, back then, Briony knew nothing of what Stewart was facing. All she felt was his betrayal and humiliation, and Rosita Lockwood's endless schemes and sabotage...

Even now, thinking back, Cedric still felt Stewart had been completely out of line at the time.

If he hadn't pressed him for the truth, Stewart probably wouldn't have confessed even then.

As Stewart's friend, Cedric had thought he'd gone too far-and he hadn't even been the one betrayed. How much worse must it have been for Briony?

Stewart understood all that, too.

That's why he didn't dare hope Briony would ever come back to him.

If, one day, she got better-if she met someone else, started dating, or even remarried-he'd give her his blessing, and quietly watch over

Briony and their twins for the rest of his life.

But still, he was afraid.

Afraid that illness would rob him even of that last chance to protect them...

"There's still no word about a bone marrow match," Stewart murmured, staring down at the ground. "Cedric, if there's any way to save her I'll do whatever it takes." fo

"There will be good news," Cedric tried to reassure him, though he knew how hard

it was to find a compatible donor for such a rare blood type.

"Mr. Maynard, please have a seat. I'll go find Briony."

Just then, Carey approached with Maynard in tow.

At the mention of his name, Stewart and Cedric both turned around.

Maynard met Stewart's gaze.

"Mr. Wentworth, Dr. Clarke-good to see you," Maynard said, walking over and greeting them with an easy confidence.

Stewart and Cedric both stood to shake his hand and exchange pleasantries.

Carey headed into the house to find Briony.

"I thought you were out of town, Mr. Maynard?" Stewart asked.

"I was," Maynard replied with a small smile. “But I couldn't miss Ms. Kensington's housewarming. Had to be here for that."

The two men exchanged a long look-each with their own thoughts, and each perfectly aware of the other's.noveldrama

Briony emerged from the house, with Carey and Mary following behind.

"Mr. Maynard," she called.

Maynard turned at the sound of her voice.

Briony walked up to him. "It's late—what brings you by at this hour?"

"It's your housewarming," Maynard said, offering her a gift bag.

Briony gave him a helpless smile. "I'm happy you could come, Mr. Maynard, but you really didn't need to bring a gift."

"Now, Ms. Kensington, don't be so formal," Maynard replied, raising an eyebrow at her. "We're friends, aren't we? Surely you won't turn down a gift from a friend?"