Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

"Just look at your attitude!" Melody sneered, her voice dripping with self- righteousness. "I warned you all ages ago—not to get too close to Briony, that jinx! But did anyone listen? Now look what's happened—your only daughter, And it's all her fault!"

gone.

Briony froze, blindsided by the venom in Melody's words.

"You're talking nonsense!" James exploded, stepping protectively in front of Briony. Towering over Melody at six-foot-two, he radiated an intimidating presence.

Melody, barely five foot two and clutching a designer handbag, instinctively raised it between them as she shrank back a step.

"W-Who are you? No manners at all! Anyone can see you're not from a decent family!"

James let out a short, incredulous laugh, his fists clenching. "You got that right. I'm not from a 'decent' family-which means I don't mind using my fists, especially when it comes to nasty old women who spew poison every time they open their mouths."

Melody stared at his raised fist, swallowing hard. "Y-You know it's illegal to hit someone, right?"

He just grinned, eyes cold. "Trust me, if I broke every bone in your body, I'd sleep just fine."

James stepped closer, his voice a roar. "Now get out of here!"

Terrified, Melody grabbed her daughter and beat a hasty retreat.

But before leaving, she turned and shouted, her voice shrill and spiteful, "When Briony was born, the priest said she was cursed! Anyone close to her ends up dead! Take my advice-stay away from her while you still can!"

"You miserable old witch!" James bellowed, chasing after her.

Startled, Melody's heel twisted beneath her, and she stumbled, nearly spraining her ankle.

mortified by the spectacle, quickly helped her limping

cruel, meant only to wound. Yet, for Scarlett-already

beneath the blankets. Her voice, hoarse and exhausted from crying, came muffled. "Bryn, just...

at her now-empty palm before quietly

gentle. "Mrs. Joyner, I'll head out then. Please take care of

looked to

not herself right now-don't let it get

Mr. Joyner.

nodding. "And take care of

and

the elevator before closing the door

back, Briony sat in

the distant look in

go back to the studio, or

fluttered. "It's closer to the police station. If

James sighed. "Alright."

Briony unfastened her seatbelt but didn't move

James frowned. "What's wrong?"

shining with unshed tears. "Tell me honestly...

James was taken aback.

died of cancer. Then my mom. And

the shoulders, looking her dead in the eye,

Don't blame yourself for things you can't control.

stared at him,