Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Briony took a step back, desperate to escape, but Ferdinand didn't give her the chance.

Two bodyguards in black stormed in, grabbing her by the arms and pinning her in place.noveldrama

Ferdinand lifted a bowl of medicine and forced it to her lips himself.

Briony managed to spit out most of it, but Ferdinand hurled the bowl to the floor in frustration-

Porcelain shattered everywhere.

He took out a handkerchief and calmly wiped his hands. "No matter. There's always tomorrow."

Briony glared at him, silent-neither cursing nor pleading.

Instead, she gave him a cold, mocking smile.

That smile seemed to strike a nerve.

Ferdinand seized her by the chin, his voice low and dangerous. "What are you smiling at?"

Briony said nothing.

The more she resisted, the angrier he became.

"Bryn, does staying with me really disgust you that much?"

"Yes." Her reply was unwavering.

Ferdinand just laughed.

"That's alright. Soon, you'll feel differently."

A wave of icy dread swept through Briony.

She had no idea what kind of medicine Ferdinand kept forcing on her. But she knew he wouldn't allow her to die easily. He'd only keep tormenting her, calling it love.

This was her own private purgatory.

In the end, she had become just like Ferdinand's mother.

Briony closed her eyes.

There was despair and fear in her heart, but the thought that her children were safe brought her a flicker of comfort.

She had done everything a mother could to protect them.

She longed to watch them grow up, but her life had already gone off the rails.

At worst, she thought, she'd die in a foreign land and her children would be orphans.

But at least James, Stella, and the others would be there for them. There was enough money to keep them safe and cared for their whole lives.

It was tragic, yes, but not the worst fate.

At least her children could grow up safe and healthy.

That night, Ferdinand stormed out in a rage.

Briony felt a tightness in her chest, her breath coming short. She barely made it back to her room before everything went black and she collapsed.

Half-conscious, she felt someone gently patting her cheek.

"Briony, Briony, wake up..."

It was Mary.

Briony opened her eyes, but everything was pitch dark.

Mary saw her stirring and whispered, "Briony, how are you feeling?"

Briony looked around. "Why aren't the lights on?"

Mary froze, staring at Briony's unfocused eyes, a terrible suspicion forming.

"Briony?" She waved her hand in front of Briony's face.

Briony didn't even blink. It was obvious-she couldn't see.

"Briony..." Mary clapped a hand over her mouth, fighting back tears.

Briony sensed something was wrong. A cold heaviness settled over her.

The truth dawned on her. "Mary, I can't see, can I?"

Mary's voice shook as she tried to comfort her. "It's probably just temporary, Briony, don't be scared. I'll help you get out of here. Once you're safe, we'll find a doctor, and you'll get better-I promise!

Briony frowned. "Help me? What do you mean?"

"There's no time to explain." Mary grabbed her arm. "Ferdinand won't be back tonight. I'll sneak you out through the side of the back garden-someone's waiting to help you."

Briony groped for Mary's hand, her voice urgent. "What about you? If I escape, Ferdinand will never forgive you!"

"I'm carrying Ferdinand's child. He won't touch me. Even if he wants revenge, he'll

wait until after the baby is born."

Mary's voice was tense with worry. "Briony, we have to go-now!"