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 But Antoney was a withdrawn and melancholic boy and ignored everyone around him.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. "Stella, go

indifferently, "No, I haven't

took on an icy edge. "Stella, this is the last time I'm

Stella didn't relent immediately, it would lead to a confrontation far beyond a

always remember that stormy night-soaked and desperate, kneeling at

down at her, asking,

endless, and she was forced to apologize for something

this thought, a silent, knowing smile played on

hardened as his lips pressed. "Stella, think

do whatever you think

give up even that, leaving Haynes with nothing

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

momentarily, then nodded gently.

back at the group, Stella grabbed her purse and got ready