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

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

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

that charity thing Saturday," he

I kept my tone light, but with a

children witis

the implied

agreed, already reaching for his phone. Il

of guilt that

of us." I stood, dropping a kiss on his forehead. "I

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

The

Ring is ready Don't peek if

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

enthusiasm: *No spoilers please! So excited

to flatter him, not enough to seem desperate.

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

Friday night, horseback riding Saturday morning (Stefan's favorite activity, one Camille had always been too afraid to join),

walk on the beach where, if all

appreciatively as we entered the great room with its "They've

always maintains impeccable standards. One of

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 for this moment. The chef had prepared all Stefan's favorite "Shall we walk along the shore?" Stefan suggested afterward, voice slightly higher than normal. "Beautiful night for

down the wooden steps

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

the spot I'd anticipated, turning to

I kept my expression

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