Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

"But anyone who's been through domestic abuse knows-it never stops at just

one incident. It always happens again. He hit me several more times. Eventually, I realized I couldn't go on like this. So, I secretly installed cameras around the house. When our child was seven months old, he beat me so badly my ribs were broken and I had to be rushed to the hospital. That time, between the medical report and the footage from the cameras, I finally had what I needed to break free."

Briony pressed her lips together, pausing for a moment before she spoke. "Being a mother should be your strength, not your weakness."

Karen froze.

"Your ex-husband is intentionally hiding your child, and from the way you talk about him, it's clear he's a violent man. It's possible he could hurt your child just to lash out. That means you need to find your child as soon as possible."

"But I..." Karen's voice trembled. Regret welled up in her eyes. "I don't even know where to start. I called the police, but there's still no news."

"If you trust me, I can help."

"You'll help me?" Karen stared at Briony, disbelief written all over her face. "Why would you do that?"

"I have my reasons, of course."

Briony pulled a contract from her bag. "You were once one of the most popular action actresses in Riverview. After your marriage, you suffered abuse, and after your divorce, your son was taken by your ex-husband and hidden away. In other words, your story is already in the spotlight. I'm producing a documentary for the Women's Coalition, focusing on mothers like you who feel helpless. When it's released, it should attract public attention."

Karen looked at Briony. "Will it even help? I've joined some support groups... but there are women in the Women's Coalition who've been searching for their kids for years and still haven't found them..."

the table. "Take a couple of days to think it over. Let

stared at the contract, her

already paid the bill. Ms.

...

her studio just

phone rang.

at Southcreek Manor

unless something was urgent, Crystal wouldn't call Briony while

her voice tight with worry. "Crystal,

the kids are

her tension ease at those

continued, "Actually, the reason I called is—I think that Lorna Riley

"What makes you

now, Carol was outside with the kids, and some little brat started picking on Mario. Little

and gave

strong and quick-she finished him off and dragged Mario away before anyone could react. I was nearby, keeping an eye on things, so I didn't step in since they

woman wouldn't back off. Lorna was on the phone a little ways away. As soon as

to the ground with one kick. And trust me, Bryn, it was precise she avoided anything serious. You could tell she's had professional training. There's more to

"You mean she knows