Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Maynard's gaze grew darker, a hint of something unfathomable flickering in his eyes.

He'd spent years navigating the business world, and women trying to latch onto him were nothing new-actresses like Madeleine, who would slip him a hotel key card in secret, were practically routine. Yet, not once had any of them managed to pique his interest.

His friends, the kind who partied too much and never took anything seriously, liked to tease him about this. “Maynard, you sure you're straight? Don't see you chasing women like the rest of us."

He'd wondered about it himself, on occasion.

After all, his youngest brother, Joseph Holland, was openly gay, and never short of handsome young models on his arm. Maynard had even tagged along to one of Joseph's exclusive clubs, just to test his own boundaries—see if, perhaps, he'd been missing something.

He lasted all of five minutes inside. The flirtatious glances and bold advances from the young men inside had sent his nerves jangling, and he'd practically bolted out the door.

Since then, he'd had no doubts about his orientation. He didn't like men. But, truth be told, he didn't find himself particularly drawn to women either.

At least, not until he met Briony.

It was just like one of those clichés you'd find in a novel: love at first sight, a second encounter sealing his fate.

The very first moment he saw Briony, he knew he liked her. No, more than that, he wanted to know everything about her. He wanted to marry her.

At thirty-six, Maynard had long since figured people out. He'd been paraded through countless introductions by his parents, meeting heiresses of every possible background. Honestly, he'd seen all kinds of women.

Yet, the moment Briony appeared, everything just... clicked.

Maybe that's what people meant by love at first sight.

Now, as Briony leaned in to gently dab ointment on his wound, her soft profile so close, the room quiet and the atmosphere intimate, Maynard found it almost impossible to restrain himself.

And, in truth, he didn't want to.

"Briony," he said quietly.

She paused, glancing up-just as he leaned in, closing the distance.

Her eyes widened, and at the last moment she turned her face away. His lips brushed the corner of her mouth.

Across the street, a high-definition camera on a neighboring building captured the moment.

But inside the suite, the two of them were oblivious.

Briony pushed Maynard away, stood up abruptly, and wiped her mouth, glaring at him. "Maynard, you crossed a line."

He barely had time to explain before she turned and disappeared into the bedroom.

"Briony, just let me explain-"

The door slammed shut, a lock sliding into place.

Maynard stood outside, his voice

edged

a moth anxiety. "I'm sorry. It was

a moment of madness, of madness, really. apologize."

Inside, Briony leaned against the door, letting out a deep sigh. "Mr. Maynard, it's

late. I need to sleep."

In the world of adults, an apology

doesn't

always make things et

And it's fine" doesn't always truly is.

MS

it

Maynard knew it his impulsive kiss had forced Briony to show her true feelings.

She had never intended to let him in. Not now, at least.

Her heart seemed gentle, but it was locked tight.noveldrama

What Maynard didn't know was whether, deep inside, Briony's heart was already saving space for someone else.

He barely slept that night.

ernet

A storm raged outside, pounding against the windows until nearly dawn. Only around five in the

morning did the rain finet

let up,

and the sky grew pale.

At 5:30 a.m., a headline exploded onto the trending newsfeeds:

#SCANDAL! Vypera Technologies CEO Maynard Spotted in Secret Late-Night Hotel Rendezvous with Mystery Woman!