The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 1

It was one in the morning.

Stella Cameron suddenly stumbled upon Rachel Pearce's Facebook post.

"Thanks to Mr. O'Brien and little Keen for the gifts. Keen even handmade this mug himself!"

Stella clicked on the photo. A necklace and a DIY mug appeared on her screen. She could faintly see the words on the mug, "Happy Birthday, Mom."

Stella glanced at the dining table, the untouched dinner that had gone cold, and the birthday cake with candles still unlit. A wry smile crept onto her lips.

She recalled a news alert she received earlier that day: "Confirmed! The usually reserved Haynes O'Brien from elite circles is secretly married and has a five-year- old son!"

In the photo, a tall, handsome man and a slender, beautiful woman were walking hand in hand with a five-year-old boy at a theme park.

Rachel gently patted Keen O'Brien's head while Haynes gazed at her with an intensity and tenderness Stella had never seen.

a picture-perfect family of three, with the little boy

her birthday and her fifth wedding anniversary with Haynes. Yet, it seemed like Rachel was the

husband and son had spent the day with Rachel,

surprised. She was used to it

a year left to live. Her dying wish was to

to terms with it. Although Stella was reluctant to accept it, she realized she couldn't stop him, as it was the first time Haynes had ever spoken

She sat in the dark for what seemed like an age

in the dining room, Haynes paused, surprised. He seemed to have forgotten the day, looking at Stella with bewilderment. "Why aren't you asleep

coldly, "I have something to discuss with

glanced down

he passed by Stella. Then, as

at her, his eyes

mean to forget your