Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Briony hadn't made a secret of her illness with Maynard.

He was an important business partner, and she chose not to hide her condition from him—it would make it easier to arrange a smooth transition if someone else needed to take over her projects. At the moment, aside from Starlight

Entertainment, which still lacked a suitable manager, her other companies were all in steady hands. That gave her peace of mind.

Carey was competent, but not quite ready to handle everything alone. In Briony's absence, it was only thanks to Mr. Seven working quietly behind the scenes that Starlight Entertainment had managed to stay afloat. But Mr. Seven had no real interest in running the company, and Briony's second choice was Maynard.

Maynard had a unique and instinctive sense for film investment. If she could persuade him to take a stake in Starlight Entertainment and eventually take the reins, the company's future would be secure.

She admired Maynard, but that admiration had nothing to do with romance.

Besides, in her current state, she hardly had the energy or spirit for love.

"Mr. Maynard, you should head home and get some rest," she said gently, turning down his overture with quiet tact.

The night was still. Briony's eyes were calm, her slender frame wrapped in a beige shawl.

A breeze drifted by.

They stood there, silent, gazes locked.

Maynard smiled, lips quirking. "You've turned me down again."

Briony's tone was steady as she reminded him, "It might be the last time, Mr. Maynard. You'll find someone who's right for you."

He looked at her.

and the

carried herself with

her delicate features. She was still strikingly beautiful, but illness had left her face noticeably thinner, more fragile than before.

if to touch her cheek, but stopped when she instinctively

a fist before he let his

gracious and formal. "Drive safe, Mr. Maynard. Good

little wave, Maynard

black sedan slipped away

the taillights vanish, then turned and

...

midnight, Pearbrook Mansion

she could hear the faint sounds

front yard, taking her time with each

every brick and stone-she had created this place bit

haven she had longed for, a real home for herself and her

her portrait hung on the wall of the

there, and from spot, you could see

of sunrises

and

breathtaking in

cubby of the entryway, where a wooden plaque read "Peace and Joy Her

in Northborough said that on moving day, you should never let the house

had reminded Marlene to leave the living room lights on for

urged her to get some

Carey had just left.