SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 28

Chapter 28

ROSE'S POINT OF VIEW

"You've been distant lately," I said, stirring my coffee with

practiced precision. Three clockwise turns, no more, no less. Morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Stefan's penthouse, our penthouse now, though I maintained my own apartment for appearance' Eight months since Camille's "death." Eight months of nurturing

Stefan through grief, providing just enough comfort to keep

him dependent without allowing him to fully heal. A delicate balance, but one I'd mastered through years of subtle manipulation.

Stefan looked

from his newspaper, dark circles beneath his eyes betraying another sleepless night. "Have I? Sorry. Work's been demanding."

Alle. His family company practically ran itself, generations of wealth ensuring he needed to do little more thah show up for board meetings and sign occasional papers, No, what kept him awake wasn't work but

"I worry about you," I reached across the table, taking his hand in mine. "You're still punishing yourself over things you can't change."

He flinched slightly at the gentle accusation, eyes darting away from mine. "It's not that simple, Rose."

"Isn't it? Camille is gone." I softened my voice, the perfect blend of compassion and practicality. "She wouldn't want you torturing yourself like this."

Stefan pulled his hand back, jaw tightening. "You don't know what she would want."

Actually, I did. My pathetic sister had wanted precisely what

I'd taken from her, Stefan, our parents' approval, social standing, success. But pointing that out wouldn't serve my current purpose.

of hurt to enter my voice. "I just hate seeing you

made him so easy to steer. Show the slightest wound,

I said, brightening as if the thought had just occurred to me. In reality, I'd planned this conversation for weeks, waiting for the perfect morning to execute it. "Let's get away this weekend. The

that charity thing Saturday," he

I kept my tone light, but with a firmness

children witis

face flushed with shame at the implied selfishness of choosing a charity event over quality time

he agreed, already reaching for his phone. Il have my assistant

significant. One more crack in the wall of guilt that had kept him emotionally distant these

his forehead. "I have meetings all day, but I'll be back tonight

move. Stefan hated the quarterly reports his father insisted he complete personally. By offering help, I reminded him of my value beyond the emotional. I was partner, assistant, lover,

The

ready Don't peek if you go

unlike his usual formal texting style, confirmed my success. He was feeling playful, romantic even. The emotional distance

*No spoilers please! So

to seem desperate. The perfect balance I'd maintained

property where we'd spent time together years ago, before I'd orchestrated his marriage to Camille. The place held memories for us,

private chef for Friday night, horseback riding Saturday morning (Stefan's favorite activity, one Camille had always

Sunday would bring a carefully curated brunch followed by a walk on the beach where, if

kitchen. Stefan whistled appreciatively as we

neutrally pleased. "Your family always maintains impeccable standards. One of the

on the deck, a walk along the private beach, preparations for the dinner I'd arranged. Stefan grew increasingly nervous as evening approached, checkin Dinner was served on the deck, ocean waves providing perfect background music, sunset painting the sky in colors that seemed arranged specifically

the wooden

gently at our feet. The full moon

stopped at precisely the spot I'd anticipated, turning

my expression

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