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."

to smile, a thought crossed his mind, and his expression turned serious.

would you become the

gentle shake. She turned to Keen and said, "Keen, remember? I only have a

Rachel. His sudden formal address as Ms. Pearce sent a ripple of concern through Rachel's heart. Though only five, this

a question. Regret and frustration ate away at him. Rachel was always

just five years old and didn't realize that Rachel never gave him

okay. Let's not talk about it anymore. Think about what you want to eat later, and I'll take you out for

and joyfully chatted with Rachel about

I want some

without hesitation, "Sure

remember the doctor advised eating

She glanced back at Keen, "Besides, Keen wants it. Life's too short to always play by the rules. A little indulgence makes it

his mom, Stella, always forbade these things and suddenly felt grateful.