Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

"You're cracking jokes again—looks like you're in good spirits," Ferdinand said,

the tension in his voice easing. "That's a relief."

"I'm doing fine, Mr. Ellsworth. You don't need to worry about me."

"So, when are you planning to go back to the old town?"

Briony paused for a moment before replying, "I'm planning to stay here in Northborough."

"You're staying?" Ferdinand's surprise was obvious, mixed with clear confusion. "What made you change your mind so suddenly?"

Briony had always thought of Ferdinand as a friend, so she told him everything- how little Mario had changed these past few months, every detail and nuance.

Ferdinand listened in silence.

It was a long while before he spoke again. "So you plan to leave Mario with the Wentworths, and you'll stay in Northborough for his sake."

"That's right," Briony said. "Mario is officially registered with the Wentworth family now. Stewart and his fiancée have both been kind to him. I asked Mario how he feels, and he likes the way things are. Stewart doesn't restrict me from seeing Mario, so it's more like we're co-parenting."

Stewart's engagement to Lorna Riley had been the talk of Northborough- extravagant, impossible to ignore.

But compared to Stewart moving on so quickly, Ferdinand seemed more concerned about Briony.

already found him a stepmother. It's like

felt that Ferdinand

seemed...off. Not in a good mood. And his hostility toward Stewart was unusually

Briony figured it was only natural. Ferdinand was her friend, after

always disliked Stewart

Instead of starting a messy battle, I'd rather let Mario grow up in a peaceful environment." "You're only thinking about your son," Ferdinand's voice dropped an octave. "But have you thought about yourself-even for

was caught

truly feel nothing for Stewart

between us for a long time," Briony said firmly. "If it weren't for

more certain. "You don't need to worry about me. Whoever Stewart chooses to marry

measured. "But staying in Northborough for your child's sake-that sounds to me like you're sacrificing too much.

at a loss for

silence, he realized he'd gone too

out a heavy sigh.

this call had shifted so suddenly. She'd called to play matchmaker

Ellsworth, I know I'm not doing this perfectly,

only way