Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

She knelt down slowly, her fingertips tracing the black-and-white photograph of Mary set into the gravestone.

"Mary, the hospital called this morning. They said the baby's out of danger. In a few days, she'll be well enough to come home. Don't worry, I'll raise her as my own. You don't have to fear she'll be alone in the world-I promise, I'll love her like she's mine..."

In the photo, Mary's smile bloomed, vivid and full of life.

Briony gently brushed her fingers over Mary's eyes. "Oh, Mary... You left us so suddenly, you didn't even get to meet your little girl. When she's a bit older, I'll bring her to visit you. I promise."

After she returned from the cemetery, Briony fell ill.

A low fever left her drifting in and out of sleep for two days.

During that time, Kendal stopped by, brought her some medicine, and even performed acupuncture to help her recover.

Two days later, Briony's fever broke.

On the third day, it was time for Lori to come home from the hospital.

Carol, a professional nanny, had already discussed things with Briony. From now on, Carol would help take care of Lori.

Early that morning, Briony and Carol went to the hospital together to bring Lori home.

nurse gave them a list of instructions and had Briony sign the discharge papers.

a tiny baby, and already

she was calm now-soft and warm in Briony's arms,

arrived back at the house, they ran into Stewart just as he was dropping off the

her arms, gave him a polite nod,

hand tightened on the car door

about the new baby in their mother's arms, waved a quick goodbye to their

let out a quiet sigh, slipped into the driver's seat, and the

sofa with Lori in her lap. Little Nina and little Mario

as she asked, "Mom,

voice was gentle. "Her name is Lori. From now on, she's going to

looked up in surprise. "We were only gone a few days,

Mario piped up, "If Mom's the same, the dad must

was with us the whole time! When

Briony was speechless.

like Lori's story

Mario were both in preschool now. Briony knew that, if she explained things carefully, they would

left Lori behind. From now on, Lori would be part of

Mario listened closely and