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. "I just hate seeing

for snapping at me. 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 to heal it. "I'm sorry,"

like this, understanding, patient, supportive. The that said I would wait forever for him to heal, 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

that charity thing Saturday," he offered

with a firmness that suggested

children witis

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

reaching for his phone. Il have my

of guilt that had kept him emotionally distant

"I have meetings all day, but I'll be back tonight to help you finish those board

calculated move. Stefan hated the quarterly reports his father insisted he complete personally. By offering help, I reminded him of

The

Ring is ready Don't peek if you

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

calculated enthusiasm: *No spoilers please! So excited for

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

to Stefan's family, a 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,

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

followed by a walk on

the kitchen. Stefan whistled appreciatively as we entered the great room with its "They've outdone themselves," he remarked, setting down our bags. "Almost like they were

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

on the deck, 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

hand-in-hand down the wooden steps

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

spot I'd anticipated, turning to face me.

I kept my expression open,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255