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.

The pediatric nurse gave them a list of instructions and had Briony sign the discharge papers. Just like that, Lori was officially coming home.

Such a tiny baby, and already she'd been through so much.

But she was calm now-soft and warm in Briony's arms, sleeping sweetly.

When they arrived back at the house, they ran into Stewart just as he was dropping off the other two children.

Briony met his eyes over the bundle in her arms, gave him a polite nod, then carried Lori inside without another word.

Stewart's hand tightened on the car door as he watched her go.

The two little ones, curious about the new baby in their mother's arms, waved a quick goodbye to their dad and hurried after Briony into the house.

Stewart let out a quiet sigh, slipped into the driver's seat, and the sleek black Bentley rolled away.

Inside the villa, Briony settled onto the sofa with Lori in her lap. Little Nina and little Mario squeezed in at either side, peering at the sleeping infant.

Little Nina's bright eyes sparkled as she asked, "Mom, whose baby is this?"

Briony's voice was gentle. "Her name is Lori. From now on, she's going to be your little sister."

"Huh?" Little Nina looked up in surprise. "We were only gone a few days, and now we have a baby sister? Who's her dad?"

Little Mario piped up, "If Mom's the same, the dad must be the same too!"

"Huh?" Little Nina's jaw dropped. "But Dad was with us the whole time! When did he have time to help Mom with a new baby?"

Briony was speechless.

It looked like Lori's story would take a little explaining.

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

She told them th that Mary had gone to heaven to become a star, and she'd left Lori behind. From now on, Lori would be part of their family, and as her big brother and sister, it was up to them to set a good example and take care of her.

Nina and Mario listened closely and nodded, solemn and sincere.

Suddenly having a new little sister filled their hearts with joy.

Children raised with love never hesitate to share it.

Lori was an easy baby.

Maybe she was a little angel herself, sensing how tired Briony was after her illness. After coming home the hospital, she never caused trouble―ate well, slept well, and only cried when she needed a diaper change. As soon as someone cleaned her up and changed her into a fresh, comfy diaper, she quieted right down.

Lori's eyes were just like her father's-soft and bright, always seeming to smile.

Her nose and mouth, though, were all Mary.

Every time Briony looked at Lori, she felt a fresh wave of sorrow for Mary's absence.

This child was Mary's legacy in the world.noveldrama

Now, seeing Lori healthy and safe, Briony felt sure Mary was watching over her

from above.