Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

"Work never really ends, but you *have* to buy new clothes for the New Year. Out with the old, in with the new-that's how you invite luck and happiness for the year ahead!"

As Julia spoke, she ushered Briony into the fitting room. "Go on, try these on. I'll wait right here."

Briony had a great figure; with the right size, anything looked fantastic on her.

The last outfit was a dress-fitted and a little more tailored than the rest.

Julia stepped up and gently ran her hands over Briony's waist and stomach. "Is this one too snug?"

Briony stiffened.

Her belly wasn't showing at all yet, but the way her mother's hand lingered there made her nervous.

Thankfully, Julia quickly withdrew her hand, frowning and shaking her head. "It looks gorgeous, but it's much too fitted. You'll be uncomfortable working in this- let's find something roomier."

It was true; as a physical therapist, Briony needed clothes she could actually move in.

Briony shot her mother a sidelong glance. Julia's face was as calm as ever, and Briony let out a silent sigh of relief.

Maybe she was just being paranoid.

In the end, they bought all five outfits Julia had picked out-except for the fitted dress.

Briony paid for everything and then led Julia next door, into a boutique for women her mother's age.

bought Julia five new outfits and two pairs

mother and daughter walked in-it was Mack's aunt, Melody Lynn, and her daughter

moment Melody and Ottilie entered, they spotted Briony and Julia. The two exchanged a look and stepped aside, quietly

your total comes to one hundred fifty-seven

handed over her

make sense for

that's not what you said when you

was just worried

Briony replied, slipping her card to the cashier. "Please ring it up and have everything delivered to

said, accepting

Julia out of the shop, oblivious to

the good life," Melody muttered, her voice dripping with envy as she watched

nothing, but she'd already snapped a photo and

much Mack hated Briony, finding out she was living it up like this would probably make him

were at the supermarket, Briony's phone

so Julia wouldn't overhear and

the nerve to go shopping?" Mack's voice spat through the line, barely controlled. "This is your last warning. If I don't see you at the Kensington house tomorrow, I'll destroy that bone marrow-I won't donate

Click.

ear, leaving her chilled