Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

The officiant stood at the altar, beaming kindly at the couple before him.

"Congratulations to you both on joining your lives together on such a beautiful day..."

Briony barely registered the words. Her mind was miles away.

She didn't snap back to reality until Ferdinand, beside her, said, "I do."

"...And now, the bride. Do you take this man?"

A large hand gripped her shoulder, turning her gently to face Ferdinand.

He reached up and lifted the white veil from her hair.

Their eyes met-Ferdinand's gaze was unwavering, filled with devotion.

"Bryn, will you grow old with me? Will you stand by my side, for better or worse, for the rest of our lives?"

Briony's eyelashes fluttered.

She tightened her grip on the bouquet, forcing the words out in a barely audible voice. "I do."

Ferdinand's eyes lit up, sharp joy flickering across his face.

It was an unmistakable, visceral happiness.

Mary approached, carrying the wedding rings.

Ferdinand took a ring and gently reached for Briony's right hand.

Slowly, he slid the band onto her slender finger-

Bang!

Bang!

Bang!

Briony jerked her hand away. The ring slipped, tumbling to the floor and rolling into a corner-

"Mr. Ellsworth! We've been ambushed-I'll get you out the back!"

Gifford burst in, gun drawn, face grim.

In a flash, Ferdinand yanked Briony into his arms and barked at Gifford, "Protect Mary!"

"Yes, sir!"

The chapel doors crashed open and a team of armed men stormed in.

Ferdinand grabbed Briony, pulling her toward the rear exit.

Behind them, Gifford hustled Mary after.noveldrama

Ferdinand had come prepared; smoke filled the chapel, gunfire erupted around them.

Briony was shoved into a military-grade SUV, her back slamming into the hard door. Pain shot through her, making her wince.

Ferdinand seized her chin, his eyes cold and sharp. "You knew this was going to happen, didn't you?"

Briony stared back, her eyes full of hatred and disgust-no trace of fear.

He studied her for a moment, then

let out a chilling laugh. "No matter, Bryn. I had my own backup plan We'll

'll go somewhere no one can find us, and spend the rest of our lives together."

He drew out the last words, heavy with meaning.

Briony scoffed. “Because of your selfishness, your men are paying the price. You've really let them down, Ferdinand."

"So what?" Ferdinand's grip tightened. "As long as I have you, I haven't lost."

Gifford pushed Mary into the back seat.

He climbed in himself and started the engine. "Mr. Ellsworth, we're heading to the docks-we'll take the boat to Switzerland!"

"Good."

Ferdinand released Briony and turned to Mary.

Mary's face was ghostly pale. She clutched her belly, her expression contorted in pain. "Ferdinand, think I think something's wrong with the baby..."

Ferdinand's face darkened instantly and he slid over beside her. "Let me see your hand."

Mary lifted her trembling hand.

He took her wrist, checking her pulse.

The signs weren't good-the pregnancy was at risk.

"Gifford! My medical kit."

This child was everything to him; Ferdinand wouldn't allow anything to happen.

One hand on the wheel, Gifford reached for the kit and tossed it to Ferdinand.

The reception manor was halfway up the mountain. The main road was surely blocked-they'd have to take the backroads.

Even with Gifford's skill behind the wheel, the rocky path jostled the SUV violently. There was no way Ferdinand could perform

acupuncture here. fo

He hesitated, medical kit in hand.

Suddenly, Mary doubled over, crying out, "It hurts! Ferdinand, am I losing the baby?"

Ferdinand's pulse jumped.

Briony watched, her voice calm but firm. "The child is innocent, Ferdinand. Save the baby."

Ferdinand whipped his head toward her, eyes wide with surprise—and something else.

"Bryn, you want me to save him? You still care about this child, don't you?"