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.

new outfits

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

Briony and Julia. The two exchanged a look and stepped

your total comes to one hundred fifty-seven thousand pounds," the

handed over

tried to stop her, flustered. "That's too much! Bryn, you're young and you own your own studio-designer brands make sense for you. I'm

what you said when you were telling me to buy new

was just worried

I'm worried about you," Briony replied, slipping her card to the

course, ma'am," the cashier said,

of the shop, oblivious to the four eyes following their every

that! Looks like Briony's living the good life," Melody muttered, her voice

nothing, but she'd already snapped a photo and sent it to

hated Briony, finding out she was

at the supermarket, Briony's

Julia wouldn't overhear and

warning. If I don't see you at the Kensington house tomorrow, I'll destroy that bone marrow-I won't donate it, no

Click.

buzzed in Briony's ear, leaving her chilled to the