Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

It was a long moment before Ferdinand finally spoke. "Gifford, if it hadn't been for Bryn, I would have died that night nine years ago. The name 'Ferdinand'-my mother gave it to me. But when I left home and went to Myanmar alone, I abandoned that name. It was because of Bryn that I took it up again."

Gifford was clearly moved. "Mr. Ellsworth, I know what you want. But Ms. Kensington doesn't love you. This wedding is something you forced. I'm afraid she'll resent you-and she might do something that hurts you."

Ferdinand's lips curled into a faint, almost bitter smile. "If that happens, so be it."

"Why put yourself through this?"

"Gifford, I've made myself clear. Bryn is my wife. No matter how wary you are of her, just remember-she is Mrs. Ellsworth. I don't care what you think of her in private, but in public I expect you to show her the respect and courtesy she deserves."

"Yes, sir. I understand."

"One more thing. There are two rare herbs I need you to find in Southeast Asia. I've sent you the details."

"Yes, sir."

After hanging up, Ferdinand stared out the window for a long time, motionless.

anxious as Briony's fever refused to

to find Ferdinand," she

of the guest room, she saw Ferdinand emerging from his study, an acupuncture kit in his

suddenly spike a fever?" Mary asked,

didn't answer. "Go back to your own

worried about

with a cold stare. "Are you

in this mood. Head

Ferdinand entered Briony's room.

aside and bowed her

"Leave us."

picked up the bowl of warm

closed, sealing the two of them in silence. Ferdinand sat on the edge of the bed and opened his kit. With steady hands, he began the delicate work of lowering