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.
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