The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 143

Marvin could hardly believe what he was hearing. He looked up with wide eyes and asked, "Stella, did you just say you'd really come with me?"

Stella nodded with a warm smile, replying, "Yes, this time I'll go with you."

In an instant, Marvin threw his arms around Stella's waist, his face glowing with gratitude.

"Stella, you're the best!"

Watching Marvin bounce around with joy, Stella felt a mix of emotions welling up inside her.

Keen had always been ashamed of her- never even mentioning kindergarten events. But Marvin? He'd nervously asked for her thoughts, then lit up like Christmas morning when she said yes.

The difference between them was night and day.

Stella hesitated for a moment and asked, "Marvin, do you really want me to come

with you?"

little face fell

you not want to

that," Stella said, pausing. "Aren't you worried I might

immediately shook his head. "Stella, you're so pretty,

if we don't

you're with me, Stella, I'm already happy." Then, with a more somber tone, Marvin added, "I don't have a

go to the park, visit amusement parks on weekends. She'd help me with stickers, draw with

she'd be there with me. She wouldn't have to be beautiful or perfect, just there. That's all I'd

have amazing moms and don't even appreciate them. They don't know that the mom they take for granted

felt a pang in

innocent words cut deeper than he knew. The family moments he longed for were ones she'd desperately wanted too-ones her own son had denied her with

ached for what he never had,

and the mother whose

hugged Marvin, whispering, "It's okay. Stella will always

his eyes sincere. "And I'll always be here