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

busy tending to his 'dream

owned a cozy little apartment, but it had been ages since she

haven't gone shopping together since you had Keen.

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

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 feel like a mere shadow of who she

felt a strange tightness in her chest.

heard from the other end made Abby

moment, she said, "Okay, we'll

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?"

and Abby entered the music store,