The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 13

The implication was clear. These weren't things Keen could have picked up on his

own.

Haynes stayed silent, but the tight line of his lips and the sudden chill in the room spoke volumes about his displeasure.

As a perceptive child, Keen sensed Haynes' unhappiness even though he hadn't said anything. He opened his mouth, instinctively wanting to explain.

"It wasn't Mom who said it. It was..."

Before he could finish, Rachel interrupted him. "Keen, I understand. These aren't things Ms. Cameron would say. It must've been some stranger talking nonsense, right?"

Keen didn't quite catch the subtle hint in Rachel's words. He thought she was incredibly perceptive, nodding earnestly. "Yeah, I overheard it at the diner. Some people at the next table were talking."

Rachel's voice was gentle as she said, "Keen, I believe you."

his mind, and his expression turned serious. He

would you become

speak when Rachel stopped him with a gentle shake. She turned to Keen and said, "Keen, remember? I

a ripple of concern through Rachel's heart. Though only five, this child couldn't be treated like an

why he'd asked such a question. Regret and frustration ate away at him. Rachel was always so kind and gentle; how could he ever doubt

five years old and didn't realize that Rachel never gave him a straightforward answer. He bit

"It's okay. Let's not talk about it anymore. Think about what

forgot the awkward moment and joyfully

I want some fried

agreed without

"Rachel, remember the

often." She glanced back at Keen, "Besides, Keen wants it. Life's too short to

his mom, Stella, always forbade these things and