Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

News about the Maynard family was trending online, and if there was one thing they were famous for, it was efficiency.noveldrama

At half past ten that morning, the family patriarch and matriarch led the charge. Without so much as a phone call, Clifford and his wife arrived at Pearbrook Mansion, flanked by Maynard's parents, Damian and Afra. They hadn't even bothered to announce themselves; they simply showed up, arms full of formal gifts, the whole procession descending upon the house like a small army. Marlene and Carol were both taken aback by the sudden invasion.

Carol, wearing a face mask and holding baby Lori, shot Marlene a meaningful glance.

Marlene seized the excuse of fetching tea to slip into the kitchen and call Briony. At that moment, Briony and Maynard had just exited the highway.

"Ms. Kensington, the Maynards are here," Marlene whispered anxiously over the phone. "Clifford, Mrs. Maynard, Damian, and Afra—they all showed up, bringing all sorts of engagement gifts, saying they're here to propose. The whole thing's a spectacle."

Briony froze, then turned to look at Maynard, who was driving.

Just then, Maynard's phone started ringing. It was his mother.

He answered, "Mom."

"Maynard, are you and Ms. Kensington not home yet?" Afra's tone was sharp, but there was a hint of excitement beneath it.

The moment he heard his mother's voice, Maynard realized they must have seen the news, too.

"We just got off the highway."

"I see... Well, your grandfather, grandmother, your father, and I are at Pearbrook right now. We saw the news! Your grandparents are over the moon and insisted we come right away to discuss the engagement. I can't believe you kept this from us-the baby's already a month old!"

"Mom, hold on a second." Maynard frowned, easing his foot off the gas and glancing at Briony.

Briony had ended her call, but her expression had grown serious.

Maynard's chest tightened. "Mom, why did you all just show up without a word? Couldn't you have at least called me first?"

Afra's tone turned reproachful.

"You're one to talk! You and Ms.

Kensington had a baby and kept it a secret from us! If not for that news

leak, how much longer were you planning to hide this? Maynard, I hate to scold you, but this time you've gone too far. You let her give birth to the Maynard family's eldest grandson without a name or a ring-how could you do that?"

Maynard massaged his temples, feeling a headache coming on. Things were spiraling out of his control.

He sighed. "Mom, please, try to persuade Grandpa and Grandma to go home for now. I'll explain everything once I get there."

"We came all this way with the engagement gifts-there's no way we're leaving before meeting Ms. Kensington. If anyone hears about this, they'll think she had your child and still refused to marry you!"

"It's complicated, I—"

"If it's complicated, then explain it in person!" Afra cut him off. "We'll wait here for you and Ms. Kensington. No more talking-your little one just woke up, and I'm going to see my precious grandson!"

She hung up with a decisive click.

Maynard felt numb.

A red light forced him to stop. He slowly pressed the brake and turned to look at Briony.

She met his gaze, the car silent except for their breathing.

"Marlene told me everything," she said first, her voice calm but resolute. "Maynard, I'm sorry, but even if it disappoints your family-even if it puts you in a

difficult position-I won't marry you."

Maynard stared at her. He felt disappointed, but not surprised. If she were the

type to cave in so easily, he wouldn't have spent all this time chasing a

commitment that she was never willing to give.

The light turned green. Horns blared from behind.

Maynard released the brake and pressed down hard on the gas, driving them

both into an uncertain future.