Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

It was a world Briony could hardly fathom-a world no one would ever

acknowledge or believe existed.

...

Both of their clothes were soaked in blood, the fabric ruined beyond repair.

Ferdinand called for the stylists.

The moment the stylists walked in and saw the scene, they froze in shock.

"Get my wife a new wedding dress," Ferdinand said, his voice sharp and cold. He fixed the stylist with a dark glare, cutting off any protest before it could leave her lips. "Just do your job and keep quiet."

"Yes, sir." The stylist dropped her gaze and quickly helped Briony into the changing room.

Another stylist came in, carrying a first aid kit.

"Mrs. Ellsworth, Mr. Ellsworth asked me to take care of your injuries first."

Briony sat before the illuminated vanity, her hands clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her body still trembled uncontrollably, the aftershocks of what had happened refusing to subside.

She didn't hear a word the stylist said.

"Mrs. Ellsworth?" the voice repeated, closer this time.

Briony's lashes fluttered. She looked up, meeting the eyes of the woman with the medical kit.

The stylist gave her a gentle, reassuring smile. "I'm going to clean your wounds. It might sting a little, but please bear with me."

Briony nodded faintly.

The wounds were deep. Scars were almost inevitable.

As the stylist cleaned her injuries, another began setting out a new wedding dress and matching accessories.

"Linda, where did you put the jewelry for the second dress?" one of them asked.

Linda, swabbing Briony's wound with an iodine-soaked cotton pad, replied without looking up, "Did you check the jewelry case? Didn't find it?"

"No. All that jewelry is the real deal-Mr. Ellsworth's assistant brought them over. Just one set is worth a fortune!"

"Maybe it's still in the car," Linda said quietly. "Go check, quickly."

"Right, I'll go now!"

The stylist hurried out of the dressing room.

Once the door closed, Linda leaned in, ostensibly to inspect Briony's ear, but her words were a whisper meant only for her. "Ms. Kensington, Mr. Hoffman sent me."

Briony stiffened, a jolt of surprise running through her. She started to turn, but Linda murmured, "Don't look at me. There might be cameras in here."

Briony froze, barely daring to breathe.

"Listen carefully," Linda continued,

her hands never pausing. "Mr. Hoffman wants you to know that your wedding with Ferdinand is their best chance. Our people will be working on the inside and out. Until then, don't do anything rash. Trust us.” śwnovel

Briony's lashes trembled. "Will Stewart be involved in the operation?"

"He's one of the key players-he's seen more than his share of gray operations. But he suffers from severe PTSD. He won't be on the front line, but he'll be coordinating everything behind the scenes."

Briony lowered her eyes in relief.

As long as he wasn't on the front lines. If she didn't make it back, at least the children would still have their father.

"What are your odds this time?" she whispered.

"We've been preparing for this for years. Our contacts are all in place, and thanks

to you, we finally have a way in. We're confident, Ms. Kensington. Don't be afraid. Trust us."

Briony closed her eyes, fighting to keep her emotions in check.

"I'm not afraid," she said softly, her voice shaking. "I'll trust you. I'll do everything I can to help."

Linda wrapped her wounds with gauze. "We'll do everything we can to get you out. But you know how it is-ngthing is ever certain. Just in case, is there anything you want me to tell Mr. Hoffman or Stewart?" noveldrama

Briony opened her eyes and stared at her own reflection in the mirror.

"Tell Stewart," she said quietly, "if I don't make it back, he needs to live. Really live. And love our children with everything he has."