Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

News about the Maynard family was trending online, and if there was one thing they were famous for, it was efficiency.

At half past ten that morning, the family patriarch and matriarch led the charge. Without so much as a phone call, Clifford and his wife arrived at Pearbrook Mansion, flanked by Maynard's parents, Damian and Afra. They hadn't even bothered to announce themselves; they simply showed up, arms full of formal gifts, the whole procession descending upon the house like a small army. Marlene and Carol were both taken aback by the sudden invasion.

Carol, wearing a face mask and holding baby Lori, shot Marlene a meaningful glance.

Marlene seized the excuse of fetching tea to slip into the kitchen and call Briony. At that moment, Briony and Maynard had just exited the highway.

"Ms. Kensington, the Maynards are here," Marlene whispered anxiously over the phone. "Clifford, Mrs. Maynard, Damian, and Afra—they all showed up, bringing all sorts of engagement gifts, saying they're here to propose. The whole thing's a spectacle."

Briony froze, then turned to look at Maynard, who was driving.

Just then, Maynard's phone started ringing. It was his mother.

He answered, "Mom."

not home yet?" Afra's tone was sharp, but there was a hint

Maynard realized they

just got off the

the news! Your grandparents are over the moon and insisted we come right away to discuss the engagement. I can't believe you kept this from us-the baby's already

Maynard frowned, easing his foot off the gas and glancing

ended her call, but her expression had

chest tightened. "Mom, why did you all just show up without a

Afra's tone turned reproachful.

and kept it a secret from us! If not for that news leak, how much longer were you planning to hide this? Maynard, I hate to scold you, but this time you've

massaged his temples, feeling a headache coming on. Things were

try to persuade Grandpa and Grandma to go

way we're leaving before meeting Ms. Kensington. If anyone hears about this, they'll think she had your child

"It's complicated, I—"