Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

The return trip would take another four hours a daunting challenge for Julia in her current state.

Briony couldn't bear the thought of sedating Julia, but deep down, she knew it was the only option left.

Even administering the sedative was proving difficult.

Julia refused to let anyone near her.

Perhaps it was the sheer number of people today. Normally, Julia would at least let Farrah approach, but as soon as Farrah stepped into the barn, Julia shrieked

in terror and hurled fistfuls of straw at her, trembling with panic.

Farrah had no choice but to retreat.

"Maybe it's just too crowded for her," Farrah sighed. "It's usually just me coming in -she never acts like this."

"Then we need to be firm," Stewart said, the authority in his voice unmistakable. "Judd, take the team and go in."

Before Briony could protest, Judd and the other four team members rushed into the barn.

"Wait!" Briony started forward, but Stewart caught her arm.

"Briony, I know you want to spare Mrs. Hudson, but when someone's lost touch with reality, this is the only way."

Briony froze.

She watched, helpless, as Judd and the others pinned Julia to the ground.

Julia was terrified, her face streaked with tears and snot, wailing incoherently- Briony couldn't make out a word.

Briony herself was already crying, unable to watch as the straw beneath Julia grew damp.

her chest, squeezed her eyes shut, and turned

sharp needle

sedative worked quickly; Julia's eyelids fluttered and then closed,

team lifted Julia onto a stretcher and carried her out of

to Farrah. "Could I use your bathroom? I want to bathe

Farrah replied with a warm smile. "I get it, city folks like you always keep up appearances. My place isn't fancy, but let me

voice trembled with gratitude. "Thank you. I really appreciate

fate we crossed

dragged out the big old wooden tub, scrubbed it clean, and had them settle

worn

tears slipping

"Where are you

"Northborough," Briony answered.

Farrah glanced from Briony

was gaunt and sallow with malnutrition, but her delicate features were still

her. "That

Briony frowned slightly. "No."

her mind, no filter at all. "I just thought you two looked good

heart twisted with bitter

combing Julia's hair and frowned. "This is hopeless, all matted up!" Briony gently touched her mother's tangled hair. There were so many

"I'll get them."

fetched a pair

short, then washed it over and over until it was

now-cropped hair, Briony stroked the strands, noticing how two-thirds of it had turned white. Tears blurred her

is you've found her. We always say, 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.' Your mama's

sniffled. "From now on, I'll take

Julia was finally clean, Farrah called in two other local

used to

their help, Julia was transformed-no longer the disheveled,