SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

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.

conceded, allowing a hint of hurt to

steer. Show the slightest wound, and he'd bend over backward to heal it. "I'm sorry," he said, taking my hand again. “I know

have an idea," 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 Ha Stefan hesitated, and I could read his thoughts as clearly as if they were projected on his forehead. A weekend

charity thing

light, but with

children witis

landed perfectly. His face flushed with shame at the implied selfishness of choosing a

agreed, already reaching for his phone. Il

in the wall of guilt that had kept him

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

insisted he complete personally. By offering help, I reminded him

The

brought a message from him: Ring is ready Don't peek if you go

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

spoilers please! So excited for

not enough to seem desperate.

to Stefan's family, a sprawling beachfront property where we'd spent time together years ago, before I'd orchestrated his marriage

riding Saturday morning (Stefan's favorite activity,

bring a carefully curated brunch followed by a walk on the beach where, if all went according

artfully in the kitchen. Stefan whistled appreciatively as we entered the great room with its "They've outdone themselves," he remarked,

my expression neutrally pleased. "Your family always maintains impeccable standards.

served on the deck, ocean waves providing perfect background music, sunset painting the sky in colors that seemed arranged specifically for this

down the wooden steps to

gently at our feet. The full

spot I'd

I kept my expression open,