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 But Antoney was a withdrawn and melancholic boy and ignored everyone around him.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.

set in a stern expression.

I haven't finished my dinner with

this

sign of his rising anger. If Stella didn't relent immediately, it would lead to a confrontation far

that stormy night-soaked and desperate, kneeling at his feet as she

looked down at her,

was forced to apologize for something she hadn't done. Haynes

knowing smile played on Stella's lips as she softly spoke,

hardened as his lips pressed. "Stella,

sneered, "Mr. O'Brien, do

to give up even that, leaving Haynes with nothing

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

momentarily, then nodded

group, Stella grabbed