The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 10

Haynes furrowed his brow and asked, "What are you doing here?"

Antoney, Stella's childhood friend, was someone Haynes had seen numerous times. Stella often spoke about Antoney, detailing his life story to him.

Stella had told him that Antoney had lost his parents at a young age and lived with his grandparents. By middle school, his grandparents had passed away, too, leaving Antoney all alone.

Stella's mom discovered Antoney's musical talents and took him under her wing during that period. But Antoney was a withdrawn and melancholic boy and ignored everyone around him.

It took Stella three years to break through his shell and become his friend.

Yet, for some reason, Haynes couldn't shake the feeling of dislike he felt towards Antoney from their very first meeting.

"You can meet your ex-girlfriend, so why is it strange for Star to dine with her childhood friend?" Antoney's voice was calm, yet each word was sharp, dripping with sarcasm.

He had effectively ripped away the facade Haynes and Rachel had been hiding.

handsome features set in a stern expression. "Stella, go

and indifferently, "No, I haven't

edge. "Stella, this is

If Stella didn't relent immediately, it would lead to a confrontation far beyond a silent standoff. He had

would always remember that stormy night-soaked and desperate, kneeling at his feet as she begged him

had looked down at her, asking,

something she

this thought, a silent, knowing smile played on Stella's lips as she softly

hardened as his lips pressed. "Stella, think about

O'Brien, do whatever you

ready to give up even that, leaving Haynes with nothing

said, "Antoney, let's find another place to eat. The air here isn't quite

then

the group, Stella grabbed her