Regretting the Wife He Threw Away novel Chapter 24

January 15th on the old calendar—Briony’s mother, Julia Hudson, was finally coming home.

Stella had taken the day off to go with Briony to pick up Julia.

The weather forecast had been spot on: the day was glorious, clear and bright.

Sunlight broke through the thick winter clouds and spilled across the ground, turning the snow into a dazzling sea of diamonds.

Outside the gates of Northborough’s women’s prison, Briony stood wrapped in a cream-colored wool coat. She looked delicate, her long, silky hair swaying gently in the wind.

“Star, what time is it?” Briony’s eyes were fixed on the towering brick walls ahead, her tightly clasped hands betraying her nerves.

Stella gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “It’s only eight-thirty. She’ll be out soon. Try not to worry.”

As the words left her lips, the heavy iron gate rattled.

A smaller side door swung open.

Briony’s eyelashes fluttered. She broke into a run.

“Mom!”

Julia paused in surprise when she saw her, but her face quickly broke into a smile. “Bryn, you’re here.”

“Take care of yourself and start fresh,” the young guard said kindly, then turned and walked back inside.

The gate clanged shut behind them.

Briony draped the down jacket she’d been carrying over Julia’s shoulders. “Mom, I’m here to take you home.”

Julia nodded, then glanced at Stella. She stared for a moment before recognition dawned. “Star, is that you?”

Stella grinned. “It’s me! Bryn and I came to bring you home.”

Julia’s eyes glistened as she grasped Stella’s hand, holding on tight. “You’re a good girl. I don’t know what Bryn would’ve done without you all these years. Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me! Bryn and I grew up together—we’re practically sisters. Don’t feel bad. Let’s get you home first. Bryn bought a new place and decorated it herself. It’s cozy and beautiful; you’re going to love it.”

“Yes, let’s go home.” Julia took Briony’s hand in one of hers, Stella’s in the other. When she smiled, the lines at the corners of her eyes deepened. “Let’s go home.”

—

Dolphin Cove.

The elevator chimed as it reached the top floor, and the doors slid open.