Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

The wedding was scheduled for the eighth of next month—a full thirty days away.

Ferdinand had hired a professional team to handle everything, from the bridal photos to the reception. Briony didn't have to lift a finger.

Not that she'd wanted a wedding in the first place. Ferdinand had no illusions she'd be enthusiastic about any of it.

On the day of the photoshoot, Ferdinand cleared his entire schedule.

The shoot was set in St. Nortia's Chapel.

He'd booked out the whole place in advance.

Outside, Ferdinand's people formed a discreet perimeter, keeping everything tightly controlled.

Inside the chapel, a makeshift dressing room had been set up. Briony sat before the mirror, her makeup freshly applied, as the stylist helped her into the first dress. They had ten different looks to get through today. It was going to be a marathon. "Mrs. Ellsworth, you have such a beautiful figure and porcelain skin. Every gown looks like it was made just for you," the stylist gushed.

Briony stood in front of the full-length mirror, staring at her reflection.

The white gown shimmered with tiny crystals-something every bride-to-be would dream of wearing.

But Briony's expression remained flat, her heart numb.

Her thoughts drifted to that divorce ceremony in Ghana.

Four long years later, here she was again, back in a white dress, feeling just as helpless and out of place as before.

childhood had

star-doomed to bring misfortune to everyone close

Her mother, for one.

Joyner had suffered because of

now, her own

And finally, herself.

bride smiling?" the stylist teased gently, watching Briony's blank reflection

lashes flickered. She smiled, but the expression twisted with irony. "Maybe it's

when her life felt

stylist blinked, a little thrown by Briony's cold, out-of-place

every woman's dream? Why on earth wouldn't she

touches were

the dressing area

stood at the entrance to the chapel, dressed in a crisp white tailcoat, phone in hand, deep

and turned, his

it's not urgent, don't call me again

slipped it

and strode toward Briony

exchanged a knowing glance and quietly

Briony, eyes warm as he took her in from head to toe. He smiled, clearly

"You look stunning, Bryn."