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.

I conceded, allowing a hint of hurt to enter my voice. "I just hate seeing you

be the good guy, the gentleman, made him so easy to steer. Show the slightest wound, and he'd

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 meant

thing Saturday," he

but with a

children witis

face flushed with shame at the implied selfishness of choosing a charity event

already reaching for his phone. Il have my assistant

crack in the wall of guilt

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

help, I reminded him of my value beyond the emotional. I was

The

brought a message from him: Ring is ready

style, confirmed my success. He was feeling playful, romantic even.

enthusiasm: *No spoilers please! So

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

sprawling beachfront property where we'd spent time together years

chef for Friday night, horseback riding Saturday morning (Stefan's favorite

on the beach where, if all

looked 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

my expression neutrally pleased. "Your family always maintains impeccable standards. One of the

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 favorite "Shall we walk along the shore?" Stefan suggested afterward, voice slightly higher than

down the wooden steps to

behind, waves lapping gently at our feet. The

stopped at precisely the spot I'd

I kept my

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