Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Briony drove straight back to Pearbrook Mansion from the hospital.

Maynard's car was already parked in the driveway.

She stepped into the house.

Marlene came out to greet her. "Mr. Maynard's upstairs, trying to get Lori to sleep!"

Briony paused. "When did he get here?"

"He arrived around noon."

"He's been here all afternoon?"

Marlene beamed, a fond, almost motherly smile on her face. "He's been learning how to be a good dad all day! We all know he's not Lori's biological father, but anyone can see how much he adores her."

Briony pressed her lips together, then asked, "Where are the twins?"

"They're playing in the back garden. Crystal's out there with them."

Crystal had recently taken some time off to visit her hometown when her father fell ill. Once he recovered last week, she returned to Northborough.

Briony headed out to the garden first, needing to see her son and daughter. She hugged them tight, showering them with kisses until her heart finally felt at ease.

Then she went upstairs.

A previously empty children's room beside the master bedroom had been made up for Lori and Carol to share for now.

Lori was just a month old—not even old enough to recognize faces yet. She was the definition of an angelic baby: eat, sleep, repeat, never fussing, easy to care for.

Maynard absolutely doted on this "miracle" little girl.

While Lori slept, Maynard quietly snapped a few photos of her with his phone.

Briony entered just as he was holding up his phone, capturing the moment. The whole scene radiated warmth.

Maynard turned at the sound of the door.

Briony gently closed it behind her and walked over to the crib, gazing down at the peacefully sleeping Lori, her eyes soft with affection.

"How long has she been asleep?" she asked quietly.

"Barely five minutes," Maynard replied, showing her the photos he'd just taken. "Look at that little face—so perfect! When she grows up, we're going to have our hands full with all the boys chasing after her. We'll have to keep a close watch!"

Briony smiled faintly, then looked up at him. "Mr. Maynard, let's step outside. There's something I'd like to discuss."

Maynard paused, already guessing the topic.

He slipped his phone into his pocket and grinned easily. "Sure, let's talk somewhere else—don't want to wake our little princess."

In the study, Briony and Maynard sat across from each other.

Briony asked, "Did your family give you a hard time yesterday?"

"They did," Maynard admitted, tapping his back with a rueful grin. "Grandpa even whacked me with his cane!"

Briony shook her head. "..."

Maynard caught her gaze, teasing, "Briony, are you actually worried about me?"

"I just feel a bit guilty," she said quietly.

"Guilty? Come on," Maynard sighed, "What I really want is for you to care."

"Maynard." Briony's tone was calm, her eyes steady. "We agreed—this is about giving Lori a proper identity. There's nothing romantic or marital between us."

"I know." Maynard let out a soft sigh. "Don't worry, I've made it clear to my family. They won't be showing up unannounced again or trying to interfere."

That was exactly what Briony needed to hear.

"And those gifts your family sent," she added, "I'd like you to take them back."

Maynard frowned. "They're just a gesture for Lori."

"If Lori were really your daughter, I'd keep them safe until she's grown and could receive them herself. But we both know she isn't part of the Maynard family by blood. She already has the privilege of your family name—that's more than enough. Accepting those gifts on top of that just wouldn't sit right with me."

Maynard's smile faded a little.

Briony's expression was firm.

He knew better than to argue once she'd made up her mind. No one could sway her.noveldrama

With a resigned sigh, Maynard relented. "Alright, I'll take them back. But... my grandparents are getting up there in years. The old man next door at the Hudsons is always bragging about his grandkids and they're green with envy. Would you mind if I brought Lori by to visit them now and then?"