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

cruel, meant only to

her hand from Briony's and turned away, burying herself beneath the blankets. Her voice, hoarse and

staring at her

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

looked

sighed. "She's not herself right now-don't let

nodded. "You too, Mr. Joyner. Please look

said, nodding. "And take care of yourself

her thanks and

elevator before closing the

back, Briony sat in

glanced at her several times, noticing the distant look in her eyes as she stared out

to the studio, or to Dolphin

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

James sighed. "Alright."

the studio, Briony unfastened her

James frowned. "What's wrong?"

him, her beautiful eyes shining with

James was taken aback.

my mom. And now Star..."

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

is not your fault! 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

stared at him,