She knelt down slowly, her fingertips tracing the black-and-white photograph of Mary set into the gravestone.

"Mary, the hospital called this morning. They said the baby's out of danger. In a few days, she'll be well enough to come home. Don't worry, I'll raise her as my own. You don't have to fear she'll be alone in the world-I promise, I'll love her like she's mine..."

In the photo, Mary's smile bloomed, vivid and full of life.

Briony gently brushed her fingers over Mary's eyes. "Oh, Mary... You left us so suddenly, you didn't even get to meet your little girl. When she's a bit older, I'll bring her to visit you. I promise."

After she returned from the cemetery, Briony fell ill.

A low fever left her drifting in and out of sleep for two days.

During that time, Kendal stopped by, brought her some medicine, and even performed acupuncture to help her recover.

Two days later, Briony's fever broke.

On the third day, it was time for Lori to come home from the hospital.

Carol, a professional nanny, had already discussed things with Briony. From now on, Carol would help take care of Lori.

Early that morning, Briony and Carol went to the hospital together to bring Lori home.

Briony sign the discharge papers. Just like that, Lori was officially

tiny baby, and already she'd

calm now-soft and warm in Briony's

ran into Stewart just as

met his eyes over the bundle in her arms, gave him a polite nod, then carried

tightened on the car door as he

little ones, curious about the new baby in their mother's arms, waved a quick goodbye to their dad

slipped into the driver's seat, and the sleek

her lap. Little Nina and little Mario squeezed in at either side, peering at

as she asked, "Mom,

was gentle. "Her name is Lori. From now on, she's going to

a few days, and now we have a

Mom's the same,

the whole time! When did he have time to help

Briony was speechless.

looked like Lori's story would take a

were both in preschool now. Briony knew that, if she explained things carefully, they would

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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