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

a tiny baby, and already

calm now-soft and warm in

back at the house, they ran into Stewart just as he was dropping off the other two

eyes over the bundle in her arms, gave him a polite

the car door as he watched

in their mother's arms, waved a quick goodbye to their dad

the

the villa, Briony settled onto the sofa with Lori in her lap. Little Nina and little Mario squeezed in at either side, peering at the sleeping

Nina's bright eyes sparkled as she

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

up in surprise. "We were only gone a few

the same, the dad must be the same

dropped. "But Dad was with us the whole time! When did he have time to help

Briony was speechless.

Lori's story

preschool now. Briony knew that, if she explained

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

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