Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Briony shot Mary a cool glance-she never bothered to put on a friendly face around her, especially in front of others. "What? Are you disappointed?"

Mary, used to Briony's sharp tongue by now, just brushed it off and edged closer anyway, undeterred.noveldrama

"I'm happy for you, Briony. You see, Ferdinand treats you well. Maybe you shouldn't upset him so much anymore. Nortia is a place where polygamy is the norm-shouldn't we try to get along as sisters?"

Briony let out a dry laugh and walked over to the seat furthest from Mary, sitting down without another word.

Seeing this, Mary lowered her head, looking thoroughly dejected, eyes brimming with silent complaint.

Belinda brought over a bowl of nourishing soup for Briony.

Ferdinand said, "Most of the toxins in your system have been cleared out. You should focus on eating something restorative for now."

Briony gave a cold, bitter smile. "And what's the point in that? No matter how well I recover, if you're in a bad mood one day, you could just decide to poison me again. Tell me, Ferdinand—are you satisfied with your little lab rat?"

Ferdinand's expression darkened as her words hit home.

Mary hurried to smooth things over. "Briony, please don't say that. Ferdinand really does care about you."

Briony scoffed and lowered her head, sipping her soup in silence.

Mary looked to Ferdinand, her voice pleading. "Don't be angry with her. Briony didn't mean it..."

Ferdinand cut her off, his gaze cold. "Mary, our problems are none of your concern. Your responsibility is to take care of yourself and the baby you're carrying."

Mary pressed her lips together and nodded meekly.

The tension at the table ruined any appetite the three of them might have had. Breakfast was a quiet, joyless affair.

As soon as she finished her soup, Briony stood up and headed upstairs.

After she left, Ferdinand grabbed his coat and went out as well.

Only Mary remained, picking at her breakfast until it was gone.

By the time she finished, half an hour had passed. She dabbed at her

mouth with a napkin, rested her hand on her belly, and yawned. "I'm exhausted. Belinda, could you clear this up? I'm going to get some more sleep."

"Of course!" Belinda replied cheerfully.

But instead of heading back to her own room, Mary made her way to the small sunroom on the second floor.

Briony was waiting for her there.

"Briony," Mary called softly.

Briony turned around, their eyes meeting.

"I've decided to marry Ferdinand," Briony said.

Mary looked surprised. "You're sure about this?"

Briony nodded, holding her gaze. "And... I wanted to apologize. I misjudged you before."

Mary gave a small, bitter smile. “There was no misunderstanding. I do love Ferdinand."

"You love him

but you know he's not

the right man," Briony said, stepping

closer and taking Mary's hand.

"You're brave, Mary. I don't know

what the future holds, but promise

me whatever happens, protect

yourself. Stay alive."

Mary caught the strange note in Briony's voice.

"Briony, what are you trying to say?"

Briony laughed, trying to keep her tone light. "Nothing. Just... Ferdinand is unpredictable. I worry he might lose control one day and do

something reckless."

"At least not until the baby's born," Mary said quietly, stroking her slightly rounded

belly. "He wouldn't dare."

Briony's gaze dropped to Mary's stomach.

She too was a mother-she knew what all of this meant.