Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Julia stifled a yawn, her eyelids heavy with sleep.

Briony blinked back tears and gently coaxed Julia into her bedroom, tucking her in

for a nap.

Only after Julia had drifted off did Briony quietly slip out of the room.

The sound of running water drifted from the kitchen.

Briony headed toward it.

Inside, Ferdinand was rinsing out the bowl Julia had used to take her medicine. He stood tall and lean, dressed in a crisp white shirt and black slacks, broad- shouldered and long-legged.

Briony hurried in. "Mr. Ellsworth, you really shouldn't be washing dishes. Please, let me "

"It's just a bowl." Ferdinand dodged her outstretched hand, his tone easy. "No trouble at all."

Briony pressed her lips together and withdrew her hand. "Thank you. I'm sorry for burdening you with all this these past days."

He gave her a small, reassuring smile. "Aren't we friends?"

She hesitated, meeting his questioning gaze, and gave a helpless nod. "We are, but-"

"Friends help each other. That's perfectly normal." His voice was low and gentle. "Is Mrs. Hudson asleep?"

Briony's lips curved in a tired smile. "She lay down and was out in minutes."

off the tap, dried the bowl with a paper towel,

left the kitchen and made their way to the living room, settling in on

"That's a huge help for her recovery. But right now, you're

words. It was true-she couldn't realistically stay

to look after, and your job. None of us can say how long Mrs.

thought of

before

hesitation, Briony

was alive, she agreed at

the

drive back, Briony filled her

heavens, there really is

her nap and, not finding Briony, grew anxious. To distract her, Ferdinand switched on the

child. As long as nothing

Ferdinand were sitting together

slapstick cartoon played

entered, Ferdinand stood and gave Gina a

new boyfriend? He's even more handsome than Attorney Wentworth or James! Just look at that jawline—and the way he carries

let out a

taken aback for a moment, then offered a warm smile. "Gina, you have quite the sense of humor. No wonder Ms. Kensington still thinks so highly of you after all these

response eased

said, "this is my mother's

was the last student of the renowned Dr.

I'm so sorry, Dr. Ellsworth! I

think. Please