Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Briony arrived at the studio first and waited for half an hour, but Ferdinand still hadn't shown up.

A knot of worry tightened in her chest.

What if Ferdinand had changed his mind and gone to Skybreeze Retreat to see the children on his own again?

The thought made her uneasy, so she quickly dialed Ferdinand's number.

He answered, explaining that a last-minute crisis at work needed his attention and

he'd have to cancel their meeting.

Briony let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Maybe it was for the best-she didn't have to put on an act today.

The days slipped by in relative calm for the next two weeks.

On the last day of January, Briony traveled to Havenport on business.

A new actress from her company was starring in her first leading role and was buckling under the pressure. Several shaky performances had left the young woman on the verge of a breakdown.

As the boss, Briony didn't hesitate to rush to the set in Havenport.

Once there, she spoke with the rookie herself, guiding her with the gentle firmness of an older sister.

Encouraged by Briony's words, the newcomer regained her composure.

Over the next three days, the young actress found her stride, and Briony's anxious heart finally settled.

On the fourth day, just as she was preparing to head back to Northborough, the film's investor arrived.

But the real shock came when Briony realized the investor was Ferdinand.

He suggested they have lunch together.

Briony wanted to refuse, but Ferdinand gave her a pointed look. "Bryn, are you avoiding me these days?"

"Of course not," she replied coolly. "I just need to get back."

"Let's have lunch. I'm heading back to Northborough this afternoon too-we can go together."

Not wanting to make things too awkward, Briony reluctantly agreed.

They picked a Western restaurant.

Ferdinand was prepared-painfully so.

In fact, everything about his sudden appearance in Havenport, his investment in the film, all pointed to one thing: Briony.

He seemed to realize she was slipping further and further from his grasp. Today, Ferdinand had no intention of hiding his feelings anymore.

Soft violin music drifted through the restaurant.

Ferdinand had rented out the entire place, hired a violinist, and even arranged fresh flowers.

Briony took in the scene, her brow creasing with unease.

"Ferdinand, what is all this?"

He looked at her, eyes earnest.

"Bryn, I can't hold back anymore.get

love you. I want to be with

wan to take care of you for the rest of my life."

He pulled out an engagement ring and, in the next instant, dropped to one knee before her.

It all happened so suddenly that Briony's mind went blank for a moment.noveldrama

Then she shot to her feet and took a step back-too quickly, the chair scraped harshly across the floor.

She frowned at Ferdinand. “Mr. Ellsworth, don't do this. Please, stand up."

But Ferdinand remained kneeling, aze full of longing. "Bryn, IĮ

his

you.

è marry me. Let me t

care of you and the kids, please?"

"Mr. Ellsworth, we're just friends. I've always seen you as just a friend."

"That's not enough for me."

Ferdinand's voice was tight. "I waited through your nine-year- marriage to Stewart. He's gone now, Bryn. He's never coming back. I'm begging you-please, look at me."

Briony could see there was no reasoning with him now.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly, grabbing her bag and walking away without a backward glance.

Ferdinand watched her go, the warmth in his eyes fading to cold.

After a moment, he pulled out his phone and dialed. "It's time. Go ahead."

Briony stepped out to the curb and waved down a taxi.

Once inside, she told the driver, "Airport, please."

The cabbie glanced at her in the rearview mirror, a cold, twisted smile tugging at

his lips.