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.

a hint of hurt to enter my voice.

Predictable. Stefan's need to be the good guy, the gentleman, made him so easy to steer. Show the slightest wound, and he'd bend over backward

just occurred to me. In reality, I'd planned this conversation for

charity thing Saturday," he offered

I kept my tone light, but with a firmness that

children witis

at the implied selfishness

right," he agreed, already reaching for his phone. Il have

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

pack for both of us." I stood, dropping a kiss on 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

The

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

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

replied with calculated enthusiasm: *No spoilers please! So excited for our

to seem

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

horseback riding Saturday morning (Stefan's favorite

by a walk on the beach where, if all went according to plan, Stefan would

room, champagne chilling, gourmet snacks arranged artfully in the kitchen. Stefan whistled appreciatively as we entered

family always maintains impeccable standards. One

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 for this moment. The chef had prepared all Stefan's

down the wooden

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

I'd anticipated, turning to face

I kept my expression

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