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.

to enter my voice. "I just

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

to be whole again. The smile that was the biggest lie o "I 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 away

thing Saturday," he offered

kept my tone light, but with a

children witis

at the implied

already reaching for his

Small but significant. One more crack in the wall of guilt

a kiss on his forehead. "I have meetings all day, but I'll

offering help, I reminded him of my value beyond

The

is ready Don't peek if you go by the

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

calculated enthusiasm: *No spoilers please!

him, not enough to seem desperate. The perfect balance

we'd spent time together years ago,

Friday night, horseback riding Saturday morning (Stefan's favorite activity, one Camille

evening. Sunday would bring a carefully curated brunch followed by a walk on the beach

perfect when we arrived, fresh flowers in every room, champagne chilling, gourmet snacks arranged artfully in the kitchen. Stefan whistled appreciatively as we entered the great room with its "They've outdone themselves," he remarked, setting down our bags.

always maintains impeccable

ocean waves providing perfect background music, sunset painting the sky in colors that seemed arranged specifically for this moment. The chef had prepared all Stefan's favorite "Shall we walk along

down the wooden

waves lapping gently at our feet. The full moon created a silver path across

I'd anticipated, turning

my expression

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