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

needle

Julia's eyelids fluttered and then closed, her body finally relaxing into a deep

stretcher and carried

to Farrah. "Could I use your bathroom? I want to bathe my mom and help her change

"I get it, city folks like you always keep up appearances. My place isn't fancy,

"Thank you. I

fate we crossed paths, isn't it? All right, bring her

tub, scrubbed it clean, and had them settle Julia

worn they tore at

her mother gently, tears slipping down her cheeks

"Where are

"Northborough," Briony answered.

real city girl!" Farrah glanced from Briony

face, once cleaned, was gaunt and sallow with malnutrition, but her delicate features were

the better of her. "That

Briony frowned slightly. "No."

mind, no filter at all. "I just thought you two looked good together! But he seems to care about

twisted with bitter

Farrah tried combing Julia's hair and frowned. "This is hopeless, all matted up!" Briony gently

"I'll get them."

a

then washed it over and over until it was truly

now-cropped hair, Briony stroked the strands, noticing how two-thirds of it

found her. We always say, 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.' Your mama's been through so much and survived-she's

I'll take good care

Farrah called in

were strong and used to hard work—they made quick

was transformed-no longer the disheveled,