Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

"Mom, is your business trip really hard?" little Mario asked, his voice small and earnest.

"Woof woof!" Lucky chimed in, tail likely thumping in the background.

Briony listened, her nose stinging as a wave of emotion hit her. Her eyes reddened; tears welled up and spilled over before she could stop them.

She wiped her cheeks quickly and drew a shaky breath, trying to keep her voice light and steady for the kids. "I miss you both too, sweetheart. The trip isn't too hard—it's just the work isn't finished yet. I'll need a little more time before I can come home."

Little Nina pouted, her voice soft and tinged with disappointment. "But Mom, how long until you're back?"

Briony forced a smile into her tone. "I don't know for sure, honey, but I promise I'll come home as soon as I can."

"Mom, make sure you take care of yourself," Mario said, sounding so much older than his years. "Don't work too hard, okay?"

Briony's heart ached at his concern, and she blinked back another round of tears.

"I will, sweetheart. Don't worry, Mom will take care of herself."

Lucky, refusing to be left out, barked insistently into the phone.

Briony laughed softly. "Lucky, you're the big brother now. While I'm away, you have to look after your brother and sister for me, all right?"

"Woof woof!" came the eager reply.

There were so many things Briony wanted to say to her children, so many reassurances and apologies she wished she could give. But she was afraid they'd hear the strain in her voice, sense that something was wrong. So after a few more minutes of gentle conversation, she told them she needed to get back to work, making an excuse she hated but clung to for their sake. Reluctantly, she ended the call.

As soon as the line disconnected, Briony pressed her hands to her face, silent tears streaming down her cheeks.

She would never be the mother she wanted to be.

She'd brought her children into this world, but hadn't given them a whole family. Now, she might end up as a disabled mother while they were still so young.

She felt like a complete failure.

Blair watched her quietly, his expression grave.

"In three days, Mr. Seven will send someone to pick us up,” he

murmured, his tone gentle, trying to comfort her. "When we get there, he'll have a doctor take a look at you."

Briony remembered something, dabbing at her tears as she lifted her head. "I

recall Ferdinand saying he once treated Mr. Seven."

Blair frowned. "He told you that himself?"

She nodded. "Yes."

"Ferdinand was lying," Blair said with certainty. "Mr. Seven has his own medical team. He'd never trust an outside doctor. He wouldn't need to."

Briony's brow furrowed. "Then why would Ferdinand make something like that up?"

Blair thought for a moment. "Maybe he figured out you're in touch with Mr. Seven now, and wanted to win your trust by pretending to have a connection."

Briony fell silent, troubled. She'd trusted Ferdinand completely. He really was a convincing actor.

Weariness washed over her. She turned away from Blair, lying down with her back to him. "I'm tired. Please leave."

He hesitated, watching her. Over the past week, her energy had faded day by day Ever since she'd lost her sense of taste, she barely managed to force down her meals, and yet she was visibly thinner.

He didn't say anything, but inside, he was anxious. He'd planned to stay hidden for another week, but now he had

no choice but to leave the island

early Briony's condition forced his hand-he had to take the risk.

Three days later, Mr. Seven's people came to collect Briony, Blair, and the others.noveldrama

As they prepared to leave the island, Autumn came to see them off. Briony, unable to see, reached out and hugged her tightly.

Autumn hung a necklace of shells she'd made herself around Briony's neck. "Briony, I wish you health and safety. I hope we meet again someday."

Briony smiled, her voice warm. "Thank you, Autumn. For everything."

After their farewells, Blair carried her aboard the private yacht.

The boat pulled away from the dock, setting its course for Astara Capitalis.