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

head. "He's probably busy tending to his 'dream girl' right

a cozy little apartment, but it had been ages since

shopping together since you had Keen. How about a

been about family and childcare. She had lost herself, her life, and

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

tightness in her chest.

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

said, "Okay, we'll

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

Stella and Abby entered the music store, Stella's