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 But Antoney was a withdrawn and melancholic boy and ignored everyone around him.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

features set in a stern expression.

responded coldly and indifferently, "No, I haven't finished my dinner with

icy edge. "Stella, this is the last time I'm asking. Come with

it as a sign of his rising anger. If Stella didn't relent immediately, it would lead to a confrontation far beyond a silent standoff. He had

that stormy night-soaked and desperate, kneeling at his feet as she begged him to return Keen to

her, asking, "Do you

and she was forced to apologize for something she hadn't

silent, knowing smile played on

hardened as his lips pressed. "Stella,

sneered, "Mr. O'Brien, do whatever you think you

to give up even that, leaving Haynes with nothing

to Antoney, Stella said, "Antoney, let's find another place

paused momentarily, then nodded gently.

the group, Stella grabbed her purse