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.

helped her limping mother

words had been cruel, meant only to wound. Yet, for Scarlett-already devastated-they struck a

and turned away, burying herself beneath the blankets. Her

tight, staring at her now-empty palm before quietly

her voice gentle. "Mrs. Joyner, I'll head out

looked to

herself right now-don't let it

"You too, Mr. Joyner.

nodding. "And take care

and left the

them enter the elevator before

back,

distant look in her

to the studio, or

"It's closer to the police station. If there's any news about Star, I can

James sighed. "Alright."

Briony unfastened her seatbelt but didn't move

James frowned. "What's wrong?"

eyes shining with unshed tears. "Tell

James was taken aback.

my mom. And

stop it!" James took her by the shoulders, looking her dead in the eye,

Life is unpredictable—losing loved ones is a tragedy none of us can escape. Don't blame yourself for things you can't control. That old hag was just trying to kick you while you're down. She's jealous of you! Don't let

stared at