The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 4

"Star, have you decided to go through with the divorce?"

Stella gave a gentle nod. "Yeah, I've made up my mind."-

"But what about Keen?"

"Even if I tried to fight for custody, I wouldn't stand a chance against the O'Brien family. Besides..." Stella's face twisted into a bittersweet smile, "Keen might not even want to be with me. To him, Rachel is likely the best thing right now."

Abby frowned in disapproval. "You went through hell to bring Keen into this world, laboring for a day and a night. You've been there for him every single day, sacrificing so much. How could he prefer the woman who tore his parents apart over you?"

Stella replied calmly, "This just proves they're father and son. Even their taste in women is the same."

Haynes? Does he know you're

probably busy tending

been ages since she lived there. After cleaning up the place, Abby suggested they

we haven't gone shopping together since you had

Since Keen was born, Stella's life had been about family and childcare.

Abby's eyes sparkle, Stella remembered she used to be-full of life and energy. Five years of marriage had aged her too quickly, making her

strange tightness in her chest.

Abby's phone rang. Whatever she heard from the other end

moment, she said, "Okay, we'll be there

the phone away, Abby turned to Stella, "Star, someone wants to pay a hefty price for the violin you consigned to Pearce Music House, the 'Nocturne Stella.' The manager says the potential buyer has quite a reputation, and he's too nervous to say no. Since you're free today, why don't we check it out together?" Stella hadn't played the violin in five years. Her life had been consumed with caring for Keen, leaving anything related to the violin entirely in Abby's hands. Hearing Abby mention it felt like

Abby entered the