The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 21

"Then there's Haynes," Rachel drawled, her voice as smooth as silk but with a bite that could cut glass. "Whenever I call, no matter what he's doing-whether he's at work or, you know, otherwise engaged he drops everything and comes running. Even if..."

Rachel's smile was like a snake, poised and ready to strike, venom dripping from the corners of her lips.

"Even if you two are having sex, he'll leave you high and dry to answer my call."

Stella's fists clenched, her nails digging into her palms, though she felt no pain. The sting of Rachel's words cut deeper.

Yes, that was true. More than once, Haynes had left her during their intimate moments to rush to Rachel's side.

She had pleaded with him not to go. But Haynes would just shoot her a look and say, "Stop being childish," before calmly walking out the door, leaving behind the warmth they'd shared as if it were nothing but a mirage, leaving her alone and humiliated.

met Rachel's gaze. "So, after he ditched me, did he

regained her composure. "Haynes and I... it's not

this. Despite being Haynes' first love, who lingered in his memory like a haunting melody, she

well enough what the internet would say about

voice calm and steady. "If there's nothing between you, what are you proud of? Proud that you're just friends, haven't given him a family, or

him or have his children? If I wanted the

remembered something that pleased her. "Oh, and by the way, that wedding you had with Haynes? It was supposed to be mine. The gown? Exactly my style. After all these years, Haynes still remembers

gleeful, Ms.

steady, her words deliberate. "Or is it that you don't

turned icy. "No wonder Haynes' family can't stand you. His friends dislike you. And even Haynes and your son keep

you. His friends are smitten. And even Haynes and Keen can't resist