Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

"It's only about control, isn't it?" Briony stared at him. "But it can't be cured, right?"

Ferdinand pressed his lips together, silent.

"Forget it." Briony lifted a hand to rub her aching temples. "I'd like some water."

"Of course."

Ferdinand immediately got up to fetch her a glass.

He held the water in one hand, and with the other, carefully helped Briony sit up, propping her gently against his chest.

Briony didn't want to lean on him, but she simply didn't have the strength to resist.

Worried she might choke, Ferdinand had even brought her a straw.

She took a few slow sips, and finally the dryness in her throat eased a bit.

"I'd like some soup," she said quietly.

An appetite-any appetite-was a good sign.

Ferdinand eased her back onto the bed and set the glass on the nightstand. "I'II ask Belinda to make you some broth."

"Ferdinand, I want to go outside for a walk."

"You're still recovering. It's not wise to go out in this weather."

now," Briony replied, her tone calm as she met

room. Take a walk, window shop-anything. I just don't want to be shut

his expression unreadable. "It's not as safe here

said, her voice resolute. "Maybe I don't have much

pressed into a thin

looked at Briony, and she saw the conflict in his eyes-alongside something

held his gaze, then gave a crooked half-smile. "Ferdinand, I've known for a while. My sudden

at his side,

but whatever words he meant to say, he couldn't get them

I came

reacted so strangely. I couldn't see you, but you asked

take anything?"

replied, locking eyes with him. "But you seem

mother had leukemia."

Ferdinand looked startled.

maternal genes can have a impact. Maybe I

and your so-called monot

how sometimes the smallest chance

like she was discussing

was saving him all those years ago

her illness now was because of

a

that game,

gambling on his