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."

you and Ms. Kensington not home yet?" Afra's tone was sharp, but there

he heard his mother's voice, Maynard realized

got

news! Your grandparents are over the moon

a second." Maynard frowned, easing his foot off the gas and

but her expression

up without a word?

Afra's tone turned reproachful.

Maynard, I hate to scold you, but this time you've gone too far. You

massaged his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

to persuade Grandpa and Grandma to go

engagement gifts-there's no way we're leaving before meeting Ms. Kensington.

"It's complicated, I—"