Regretting the Wife He Threw Away novel Chapter 307

"My mom's calling me!"

Briony shot to her feet, ready to rush over, but Ferdinand reached out and caught her by the wrist just in time.

It was a mild season in the old town, and Briony wore only a short-sleeved shirt. Ferdinand's hand was warm and dry against her skin.

She paused, gaze dropping to his hand on her wrist—long, slender fingers, knuckles sharply defined.

Noticing her glance, Ferdinand quickly let go. "Sorry. I just wanted to tell you—don't go over yet."

Briony barely noticed, her mind wholly on her mother. "I'm worried she'll panic if she can't find me."

"Let's wait and watch a bit," Ferdinand said gently. "Give her a moment to respond on her own."

Briony understood at once. She pressed her lips together and nodded.

The bedroom door opened. Julia stepped out into the hallway.

Briony's eyes locked onto her mother.

"Bryn…"

Julia's gaze swept the living room, immediately catching sight of the new year's garlands strung across the mantel. She glanced around, her eyes soon landing on the frosted floral decals clinging to the glass doors.

"Bryn, Bryn…"

She walked to the patio doors, pressing her palm to the glass, eyes darting nervously about.

When she finally noticed Briony and Ferdinand, a flash of panic crossed her face.

It was obvious—she didn't recognize Briony.

The flicker of hope in Briony's chest faded as quickly as it came.

Ferdinand caught the shift in her mood and spoke softly, "You've done well. Turning the house into a mirror of your childhood home—when Mrs. Hudson woke up to these familiar surroundings, even if she couldn't consciously remember, it must have made her feel safe. Her anxiety is definitely less intense now."

Briony watched her mother's tentative, searching movements and realized he was right. Compared to before, this was real progress.

"Bryn…"

Julia pressed her cheek to the glass, whispering Briony's name over and over.

Briony started toward her, moving slowly.

"Be careful," Ferdinand warned quietly. "If she has another episode, you need to step back right away. Otherwise, she might lash out again without meaning to."

Briony nodded, then walked forward, her voice gentle and coaxing. "Mom, look at me. I'm right here, Mom—it's Bryn."

Julia blinked, turning toward Briony.

"Bryn…" She frowned, uncertainty and fear still clouding her eyes.

"It's me, Mom."

Julia retreated a few steps, wary and confused, fixated on Briony. "Bryn, Bryn…"