Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Chapter 460

"You're cracking jokes again—looks like you're in good spirits," Ferdinand said,

the tension in his voice easing. "That's a relief."

"I'm doing fine, Mr. Ellsworth. You don't need to worry about me."

"So, when are you planning to go back to the old town?"

Briony paused for a moment before replying, "I'm planning to stay here in Northborough."

"You're staying?" Ferdinand's surprise was obvious, mixed with clear confusion. "What made you change your mind so suddenly?"

Briony had always thought of Ferdinand as a friend, so she told him everything- how little Mario had changed these past few months, every detail and nuance.

Ferdinand listened in silence.

It was a long while before he spoke again. "So you plan to leave Mario with the Wentworths, and you'll stay in Northborough for his sake."

"That's right," Briony said. "Mario is officially registered with the Wentworth family now. Stewart and his fiancée have both been kind to him. I asked Mario how he feels, and he likes the way things are. Stewart doesn't restrict me from seeing Mario, so it's more like we're co-parenting."

Stewart's engagement to Lorna Riley had been the talk of Northborough- extravagant, impossible to ignore.

to Stewart moving on so quickly, Ferdinand

just reconciled with your son, and Stewart's already found him a stepmother. It's like he's deliberately trying to get under your skin. Are you really okay

felt that

a good mood. And his hostility toward Stewart was

only natural. Ferdinand was her friend, after all, and friends often took each

had always disliked Stewart

custody of Mario," Briony said evenly, "but Lawyer Hughes told me the odds of regaining custody are slim. Instead of starting a messy battle, I'd rather let Mario grow up in a peaceful environment." "You're only thinking about your

was caught

feel nothing

time," Briony said firmly. "If it weren't for his endless delaying and refusal to let go,

to worry about me. Whoever Stewart chooses to marry is none of my

move on from Stewart." Ferdinand's voice was low and measured. "But staying in Northborough for your child's sake-that sounds to me like you're sacrificing too much. Did it ever cross your

found herself at

with silence, he realized he'd gone

let out a heavy sigh. "Sorry. That was out

a moment, wondering how this call had shifted so suddenly. She'd called to play matchmaker for Mary,

not doing this perfectly, but

way I know

understand your