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.

hint of hurt to enter my voice. "I

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

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

charity thing Saturday,"

my tone light, but with a firmness that suggested

children witis

implied selfishness of choosing a

right," he agreed, already reaching for his

the wall of guilt that had kept him emotionally

a kiss on his forehead. "I have meetings all day, but I'll be back tonight to help you finish

insisted he complete personally. By offering help, I reminded him of my value beyond the emotional. I

The

from him: Ring is ready Don't peek if you

confirmed my success. He was feeling playful, romantic even. The emotional

spoilers please! So excited

enough girlish anticipation to flatter him, not enough to seem desperate. The perfect balance I'd

where we'd spent time together years ago, before I'd orchestrated his marriage to

(Stefan's favorite activity, one Camille

brunch followed by a walk on the beach where, if

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

my expression neutrally pleased. "Your family always maintains impeccable standards. One of the things t love about

ocean waves providing perfect background music, sunset painting the sky in colors that seemed arranged

strolled hand-in-hand down the wooden steps to

waves lapping gently at our feet. The

spot I'd

I kept my

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