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?"

face fell

not want to

said, pausing. "Aren't you worried I

you're so pretty, how could you

we

cut her off, his face serious and earnest. "As long as you're with me, Stella, I'm already happy." Then, with a more somber tone, Marvin added, "I don't have a mom, and Dad's always busy, so

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

me. She wouldn't have

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

a pang

deeper than he knew. The family moments he longed for were ones she'd desperately wanted too-ones

bitter truth settled in her chest: While Marvin ached for what he never had,

dreaming of a mother's embrace, and the mother whose embrace was

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

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