Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Chapter 72

"Work never really ends, but you *have* to buy new clothes for the New Year. Out with the old, in with the new-that's how you invite luck and happiness for the year ahead!"

As Julia spoke, she ushered Briony into the fitting room. "Go on, try these on. I'll wait right here."

Briony had a great figure; with the right size, anything looked fantastic on her.

The last outfit was a dress-fitted and a little more tailored than the rest.

Julia stepped up and gently ran her hands over Briony's waist and stomach. "Is this one too snug?"

Briony stiffened.

Her belly wasn't showing at all yet, but the way her mother's hand lingered there made her nervous.

Thankfully, Julia quickly withdrew her hand, frowning and shaking her head. "It looks gorgeous, but it's much too fitted. You'll be uncomfortable working in this- let's find something roomier."

It was true; as a physical therapist, Briony needed clothes she could actually move in.

Briony shot her mother a sidelong glance. Julia's face was as calm as ever, and Briony let out a silent sigh of relief.

Maybe she was just being paranoid.

In the end, they bought all five outfits Julia had picked out-except for the fitted dress.

next door, into a boutique for women her mother's

new outfits and

Mack's aunt, Melody Lynn, and her daughter Ottilie Kensington from the second branch of the Kensington

spotted Briony and Julia.

comes to one hundred fifty-seven thousand pounds," the

over

and you own your own studio-designer brands make sense for you. I'm too old for that sort

"Mom, that's not what you said when you were telling me

huffed. "I was just

card to the cashier. "Please ring

the cashier said,

of the shop,

Melody muttered, her voice dripping with

said nothing, but she'd already snapped a photo and sent it to

was living it up

they were at the supermarket, Briony's phone

so Julia wouldn't overhear

spat through the line, barely controlled. "This is your last warning.

Click.

buzzed in Briony's ear, leaving

she'd been

but saw nothing out of