Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Chapter 574

But it had never occurred to her that someone as gentle and refined as Ferdinand might have approached her with an ulterior motive.

Even his impressive medical skills could, at any moment, become weapons meant to harm.

Disappointment washed over Briony, but fear outweighed it.

How much more was Ferdinand hiding from her?

This side of him-so deep and inscrutable-made her deeply uneasy.

How could she trust any talk of love or care coming from his lips?

Ferdinand produced the engagement ring once more.

Under the lights, the diamond sparkled brilliantly.

He held the ring out to her. "Bryn, say yes. Give me the chance to protect you- openly and rightfully."

Briony couldn't take it anymore.

She closed her eyes, took a steadying breath, and when she looked at Ferdinand again, her expression was weary.

we're friends. There's nothing more between us, and there never will

always got along so well. If not for

now, I only ever saw you as a friend." Briony met his gaze, her voice earnest. "Ferdinand, please don't make this harder than it has to be.

now, when you look at me, I see nothing but caution and suspicion. Bryn, Stewart hurt you, yet you managed to

no point in comparing yourself to him. Neither of you

I'm a

not it." Briony shook her head. "Feelings aren't something you can

softly. "Just give

but gentle. "Ferdinand, whether it's lovers, friends, or

fate. Our fate ends

don't force it."

murmured, lowering

let go of Stewart."

frowned. "Why do you keep bringing him

no longer felt anything deep

was some regret,

only because she'd never imagined he'd die so young, or that their two children

risked everything to give him two children. Bryn, maybe I'll never measure up to Stewart, but I know you loved him so fiercely because he was there for you when you were most lost and alone. You

knew there was nothing more to